Willie Taylor: An appreciation

On Sunday 9th June 2024, after Requiem Mass in St Mary's Chapel, Creggan Estate, the funeral took place of Willie Taylor (LT).

There was a large attendance at the Mass to show the respect which Willie Taylor was held within his own community and the Republican Movement. Republicans from the 70s, 80s, 90s, ex-internees, H-Block men, prisoners from Armagh and Volunteers who has served time with LT in Portlaoise Prison, all who had been involved in the Armed Struggle.

Who was Willie Taylor? He was many things to so many people. He was a loving husband to his late wife Veronica, to his sons, daughters and grandchildren, a loving father and grandfather. He was a loving brother to his three sisters and four brothers.

Willie was born in New Street to Bill and Bella Taylor who were unrepentant Republicans.

During the political upheaval of the late 60s, Willie and Veronica moved house several times, eventually moving to Creggan Broadway.

Willie was well known as a good and friendly neighbour. He was helpful to all his neighbours, taking out their bins and cutting the grass in their gardens. He also went to the local shops for the 'old people' in the area, even though he was older than most of the old people he helped.

Willie had three great loves in his life, his wife Veronica and his family, his faith and his country. He had specifically a great devotion to Padre Pio.

Willie's wife Veronica, nee Keenan, was from the small Catholic enclave in the Waterside known as the Triangle, surrounded by hardline Loyalists. The Keenan's were well known as hardline militant Republicans.

When the IRA Border Campaign began in the late 50s, Willie carried on the family tradition of armed resistance.

Willie volunteered in Na Fianna Eireann and carried out all orders given to him. Not much is known of his activity at that time because Willie did not talk about it, a practice he lived by.

After the Border Campaign ended and during the civil unrest of the late 60s, Willie became involved in the Civil Rights Movement through the Republican Clubs, eventually joining the Irish Republican Army who at that time were low in numbers and poorly armed.

When the Provisional Irish Republican Army was formed, some of the people who were in what was called the Official IRA left and transferred their allegiance to the Provisional IRA.

When the Provos, as they came to be called formed, they were active from the word go. Two major events happened to swell their numbers, internment and Bloody Sunday. In a short period of time, the Provos went from Derry Command, to Derry Brigade.

During his time in the Armed Struggle, Willie became a Staff Officer in two separate roles and imprisoned on two separate occasions.

When the decision was taken to enter the Dail, only one member of the Derry Brigade Staff agreed with that decision, that member was not Willie Taylor. Willie was a very quiet person who seldom raised his voice, he did not shout to be heard, but when he spoke, people listened.

To Willie's family, we thank them for sharing him with us. it was a privilege to know and serve with him.