Vol. Michael McVerry 1st December 1949 15th November 1973

Michael McVerry was born on 1 st December 1949, the first son of Michael and Claire McVerry. His only sister Carmel was two years older. He attended Cullyhanna Primary School, and from an early age was fascinated by Irish history. He attended Bessbrook Technical College, and then started work on various building sites around the Six Counties.

After Harry Thornton was shot dead by the British Army, Michael joined Óglaigh na hÉireann, quickly establishing himself as an example to other Volunteers by always leading from the front. Imprisoned in the Curragh Camp, he endured a hunger and thirst strike before escaping and immediately returning to the struggle.

Shortly after his escape he lost his hand on active service. However, despite his injuries he would not give up the fight. Michael was also a man before his time, and would often talk about how the armed struggle would ultimately lead to the negotiating table, predicting that talking would be harder than fighting.

Michael's tactical brain and raw courage were witnessed during many daring and successful operations throughout the South Armagh countryside where he became a local legend. In an operation where Michael typically led from the front, he was tragically killed during an attack on Keady Barracks on 15th November 1973.

The large turnout for his funeral and indeed for the unveiling of a monument in his honour, a year after his death, are testimony of the respect he earned and the esteem in which he was held by the people in his beloved South Armagh.