Vol Connie Green 50th Anniversary

monaghan | history and heritage | event notice Wednesday November 23, 2005 18:52 by pat c

COMMEMORATION: Vol Connie Green, (Saor Uladh). 50th anniversary commemoration. Carrickroe (Emyvale). Assemble 1.30pm Sunday 27 November and parade to cemetery. Guest speaker: Martin McGuinness MP. Bands welcome. Refreshments afterwards in Community Centre

In Memoriam, Volunteer Connie Green, Saor Uladh, killed in action 26 November 1955, during an attack on the RUC station in Rosslea Co Fermanagh.The ASU had penetrated the station and Vol. Green was fatally wounded as he led a storming party up the stairs.

A few nights ago I spoke to another Volunteer who participated in the attack (my father). He told me how Vol Green was brought to a smugglers hut by the retreating ASU members. By the time Connie Greene was brought to a hospital it was too late. Connie had been a commando during WWII and used his training to advance the cause of a Socialist Republic. He was a commited Socialist as as being a staunch Republican. Apparently Connie had some premonition of impending doom. As the ASU had a rough meal before setting on their mission, Connie muttered that "this is our last supper".

When I was growing up, there was a print of Laverys painting of the GPO in 1916 on the wall. In the corner of that framed print was a photo of Connie Green, dressed in combats charging forward, holding a stengun. Unfortunately the photo has been lost.

His memory lives on.

Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;
Dream of battled fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.
In our isle's enchanted hall,
Hands unseen thy couch are strewing,
Fairy strains of music fall,
Every sense in slumber dewing.
Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more:
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Morn of toil, nor night of waking.