I was saddened to hear of the death of former SDLP representative Paddy O'Hanlon at the age of 65. He was a founder member of the party in 1970 and represented south Armagh. Paddy had been ill for some time.
One of the most prominent incidents in which he was involved was helping to uncover the details of the murder of 12-year-old Kevin Heatley in Derrybeg in Newry in 1973. A soldier fired a shot that killed Kevin. He claimed that he was returning fire against the IRA, but this was proven to be untrue.
Paddy O'Hanlon may be dead, but as an arch-exponent of peaceful protest, his influence lives on.
He proved that the placard is more powerful that the bullet.
Rest in Peace.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Paddy O'Hanlon RIP
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
A very capable man - RIP
Paddy was probably the most articulate speaker I ever heard. The night he spoke when Mallon won in 1986 -still rings in my ears. He told me once that that politics was something which destroys people no matter how talented by exploiting or exposing their weaknesses. His adage which was borne out of personal experience is a better adage than that of Enoch Powell that all political careers end in failure - ego - self belief- arrogance-corruptablity-drink- sex- power all destroy. May he rest in peace now because he was nt in life. TK
A great man, and a man who may never get the credit he deserves.
may I add my agreement with the other comments
Post a Comment