06/06/2013

Founder Of Provisional IRA Ruairi O Bradaigh Dies Aged 80

Ruairi O Bradaigh, one of the founders of the Provisional IRA and former leader of Republican Sinn Fein, has died aged 80.

O Bradaigh, who helped establish the Provisional IRA in 1970, was a vocal opponent of the Good Friday agreement.

A former Sinn Fein president, O Bradaigh was IRA chief of staff during the 1950s at the the time of the Border campaign. He was interned in the Curragh during the same period.

He also served Longford and Westmeath as a TD for Sinn Fein from 1957 to 1961.

He is survived by a wife, children and grandchildren.

In a statement, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said: “It is with sadness that I have heard the news of the death of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh.

“On behalf of Sinn Fein, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“Whatever differences we may have shared on political matters Ruairí was a life-long activist who was committed to his principles.

(MH)


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