A Derry IRA man who died in a fishing tragedy 30 years ago was a “committed and determined” republican who would “never let you down,” a commemoration on the city was told tonight.
Philip McFadden (pictured), from the Creggan area, died while fishing on a trawler off the coast of Galway on 31 May 1986. He was aged 31.
“Fadgie,” as he was known, drowned when the boat hit a rock and sank.
It was reported at the time there would have been more deaths only for his bravery in raising the alarm and alerting the other crew members.
Following his death, the IRA described him as a “committed and determined” republican and afforded him “full military honours” at his funeral.
Speaking at tonight’s event, held at the republican monument at Cromore Gardens in Creggan, George Caldwell, a close paid tribute to him.
He said: “Although quiet and unassuming in his public life, Fadgie as a committed and determined republican and his dedication and stealy resolve came to fore during his time as an active republican.
“Fadgie was a Creggan man, brought up with three brothers and three sisters.
“His oldest brother, Larry, was forced to leave home and go on the run at an early age and was eventually imprisoned.
“This, along with the house raids and daily harassment, had a big influence in Fadgie joining the ranks of Oglaigh na hEireann..
“Forced to go on the run himself, Fadgie moved across the border to Donegal where he continued to be an active IRA volunteer.”
He concluded: “Those who knew him, knew him as someone who loved life, was good craic and would never let you down. He may be gone but he certainly will not be forgotten.”
The event was chaired by local Sinn Fein activist, Oonagh McCartney.
She said: “We, the republican Movement, cherish the memory of patriot dead.
"We are eternally grateful for the sacrifice that they and their families have paid.
“But that sacrifice would be in vain unless we achieve our ultimate goal of 32 county socialist republic, free from the shackles of British rule.”
Among those who laid floral tributes was the Sinn Fein Mayor of Letterkenny in Co Donegal, Cllr Gerry McMonagle.
Picture shows a section of the crowd at tonight’s event.
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