Ben Murray Monument Unveiled

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADER

BEN MURRAY MEMORIAL

On Saturday, March 9th, at Moy Bridge, Aughnacloy, a memorial was unveiled to Ben Murray, who resided close by. The construction of the monument was organised by a group from North Monaghan and South Tyrone, supported by the Friends of Charlie Donnelly and a broad group of Left and Republican organisations.

Ben Murray was a trade unionist and left-wing activist, who was killed fighting fascism in Aragon, Spain, in March, 1938. The unveiling took place on a cold, wet and windy Saturday afternoon, following the wreath-laying ceremony at Edendork, Dungannon, at the Charlie Donnelly monument.

The chairman, Harry Owens, introduced the first speaker Sean Edwards , son of International Brigader, Frank Edwards, who reminded everyone that Cesar Chavez who had just been buried that weekend in Venezuela, was another great fighter for the liberation of the working classes, and a leader of our own times.

Sean called for a minute's silence in honour of this Bolivarian hero.


Sean O Murchadha, speaking in Irish, then introduced the most relevant passages from La Pasionaria's famous farewell address of October 1938 to the departing brigaders.

Ciaran Crossey, representing the Belfast-based Commemoration Committee members, and on his own behalf as the administrator of the reference website for all the Irish who fought in the Spanish Civil War, http://irelandscw.com/ then officially unveiled the monument.

The monument could now be seen, with its cairn of sandstone rocks, collected from locations in the neighbourhood, with the plaque itself, mounted obliquely on a large central stone, reading:

BEN MURRAY.
Killed in the struggle against fascism.
Hijar/Caspe, Spain 14.3.1938
No Pasaran! La Lucha Continua!

Wreaths were then laid on behalf of FIBI (Friends of the International Brigades in Ireland), and others.

Eugene McCartan of the Communist Party of Ireland then gave the speech of the day, a stirring account of Ben's youth, his early days of soldiering in the First World War, and his active role in the Belfast relief struggles, and finally his volunteering to defend the Spanish Republic, and death in Aragon. Speech here http://www.communistpartyofireland.ie/c-Aughnacloy.html

Eddie O'Neill spoke for FIBI, thanking everyone who helped with the financing and building of the memorial, and explained the selection of the site, as being easily accessible for viewing, and that its location by his native river Blackwater recalls how he died defending his comrades' retreat to safety across the river Ebro, the river where close by his remains now lie.

The ceremoney closed with a fine rendition by Peter who played and sang his own version of Christy Moore's “Viva La Quince Brigada” Everyone adjourned across the road to Blackwater Cottage, where the proprietor provided welcome and warm hospitality with food and music for the occasion, which was much appreciated by all.