The Ballad Of Patricia McKay

(Text: George McDonald - Guitar, Harmonica, Voice: Peter Gorek) Patricia McKay (nee Kelly) was born in west Belfast and graduated from St. Louise school on the Falls Road. As a girl she joined na Fianna Eireann, the youth wing of the Republican Movement and became a leader in that organisation. As she matured she entered the Republican Movement proper and became an IRA Volunteer.She was heavily influenced by the life and philosophy of Che Guevarra and other Left Wing revolutionaries, along with the Irish Republican principles of Tone and Connolly. At the time of the Split she remained with the "Official" Republican movement, but also remained a true friend and Comrade to all who fought for the Irish Working Class. She was involved in all aspects of the People's struggle. She travelled to Civil Rights Demonstration all over Ireland and was present on that horrible day in Derry known as "Bloody Sunday". She ran a co-operative store and advice centre for the people of the Falls Road in Belfast and was heavily involved in the Housing RIghts struggle along with her friend, the great Joe McCann. She was an outspoken member of the Republican Movement and was not shy about forcefully expressing her opinions to the leadership. When her dear friend Jimmy Quigley was shot by the British Army and his body desecrated she and her Company took to the streets on that September day in 1972 to defend the area from further British incursions and barbarity. Along with the Provisional IRA she and her Comrades fought the British Army all day in the narrow streets, from house to house and rooftop to rooftop. That night she and her husband Gerry McKay, along with the Provisional Commander Brendan Hughes, were pinned down by British fire in a small house near Conway Mill. Patricia and Gerry made a break for freedom, but as they ran from the house were shot by a concealed sniper of the Royal Green Jackets Regiment. Patricia was shot five times in the back and died shortly afterwards in hospital. Gerry McKay was seriously wounded and was evacuated across the border by his comrades. She was buried with full honours in the Official Republican plot in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast. She is remembered as a bright, happy, charming young woman, but one in whose heart was a burning desire for freedom, justice and equality for all Irish people, and people worldwide.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• IRA
• nurPeter
• Bloody
• Sunday
• Braunschweig
• Belfast

[PerthSeamus]

Beautiful young hero now with the Angels of Freedom. Patrica McKay your name will never be sullied. RIP

[ogairbhith]

great song for a great woman

[eyeries1]

A fine, tasteful job on my song Peter. I have just added it to the Favourites list on my Channel. Many thanks. Have gotten some comments from Patricia's family who also appreciate your efforts!

[workerspartyD10]

another great ,well done

[RAYCOLLINS]

maith thu! Peter,

i remember well the night Patricia was shot

a fine strong moving rendition of Seoirse's excellent song

Beir Bua!

[yingyangsang1]

RIP, freedom fighter.

[tectmum2]

it was long in coming but now the world will know and remember Patricia with pride, great seeing this put to song and shown to the world...

god bless sister of Ireland you will never be forgotten ...

[eyeries1]

Superb job Peter! Many thanks for helping to keep the memory of Patricia alive! Seoirse MacDomhnaill