Commemoration to be held for SF Councillor John Davey in County Derry

The 35th anniversary of the assassination of Sinn Féin councillor John Davey will be marked on Sunday (February 11) at a graveside commemoration in Lavey commencing at 11.45am.

The event will be addressed by Sinn Féin National Chairperson and key republican strategist, Declan Kearney MLA.

Announcing details of the special commemorative event organised by the local Fergal O’Hanlon/ John Davey Sinn Féin cumann, Councillor Sean McPeake speaking to the County Derry Post said: "On Sunday, republicans from across Counties Derry and Antrim will gather to remember our friend and comrade Sinn Féin councillor John Davey, who was murdered on the laneway leading to his Gulladuff home on Valentine’s night, 1989.

"John was shot two days after the murder of Pat Finucane who was also killed by a UDA gang acting in concert with the RUC Special Branch and British intelligence.

"He was killed by a resurgent UDA after it received a substantial amount of weapons brought into the north via the apartheid South African regime by an alliance of unionist death squads and British intelligence.

"John was an inspirational leader in relation to the development of Irish republican and progressive politics across this area.

"For those who didn’t know him, John was a big man. He was big physically. He was big in spirit and mind and vision. And he was big in heart. In south Derry he was for a generation of republicans the heart and soul of our community."

“For all of us, John was an iconic republican leader who in the bad times stood firm and resolute and who led from the front. He was never cowed or broken or intimidated.

"John never allowed the threats or violence of the British or of the unionists to prevent him from doing his duty and pursuing his republican politics. He was, like Pat Finucane, a fearless champion of human rights and equality.

“On Sunday, as we gather in the old churchyard in Lavey, we will remember John who was a constant source of resolute determination and conviction in terms of our struggle to achieve Irish unity, equality and social justice.

“Everyone is welcome to attend our special commemorative event which will also focus on this year, 2024, being decisive for change and for Irish unity - a year which will determine the political direction of travel for our country for the foreseeable future, with considerable opportunities for change and progress.”