The GAA – Where We All Belong. People who belong to each other also have a responsibility towards each other, and that responsibility was demonstrated on the roads of Bellaghy last evening, as thousands of Gaels from throughout the country responded to the call to support the Brown family in their pursuit of the truth.
Similar scenes followed Sean Brown’s brutal murder in 1997 with a few important differences. Last night’s journey was the reverse route, from the chapel through the village to the grounds of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones, now named in his memory. In 1997, the mood was one of sorrow and grief. Last night the mood was one of resilience, defiance and determination.
Sean Brown was the ordinary clubman who keeps the GAA at the heart of communities across the length and breadth of Ireland. What was extraordinary with Sean Brown is that he did these ordinary things in an extraordinary way. His commitment to his club was such that even the gates he closed every night in life, and through which the crowds entered the pitch last night, were made by his own hands.
What is also extraordinary is the commitment of his wife Bridie and their family in a pursuit, that has now turned into a fight, for the truth. Five High Court judges have instructed that the truth be told, and last night the GAA and the Brown family have told the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, that they now demand that this inquiry takes place. In the words of Jarlath Burns, “The GAA can no longer hold our dignified silence.”
That silence was resolutely broken on the streets of Bellaghy last night as the GAA community spoke loud and clear that they will be behind the Brown family every step of the way in their fight for the truth.
Sean Brown had the trust and the love of his community. That same community stood pride in his memory last evening. Sean Brown would have been proud of his family, his parish and the GAA.
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM FRIDAY NIGHTS ‘WALK TOGETHER FOR TRUTH CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW