Vol. Peter Cleary 18th September 1950 15th April 1976

Peter Cleary was born on 18th September 1950, the second eldest of thirteen children, the eldest son of Mary and the late Hugh. His mother recalls that Peter was like a father figure to the other children.

He was in his late teens when many people in the Six Counties, both Catholic and Protestant, took to the streets to demand Civil Rights. Like others of his era he witnessed the brutal reaction to this peaceful campaign by the British Government and their Unionist allies at Stormont.

Peter's knowledge of Irish history and the experience of seeing his people being oppressed by a foreign State paved the way for his active involvement in the 1 st Battalion of the South Armagh Brigade of Óglaigh na hÉireann. The many successful attacks against the British crown forces is testimony to the time and energy Peter invested in the Irish Republican Army in South Armagh before his untimely death.

In April 1976, British undercover forces took Peter from a house in Forkhill. After beating him unconscious, they summarily executed him as he lay on the ground. However, Peter's death did not deter his comrades nor future generations, rather it has inspired all who continue to work for justice, equality and freedom.

But, sadly, in the words of his brother, "Ireland has lost a great son".