A DUP councillor has slams organisers of the West Armagh Festival for what she describes as the “glorification” of a convicted IRA member and former prisoner.
Alderman Freda Donnelly has condemned the festival, which is being held this week at Sherrys Field on the Cathedral Road.
The City councillor says the event shows “no respect for the innocent victims of terrorism”.
Speaking to Armagh I, councillor Donnelly said: “The event takes place on Council property and Tuesday’s football tournament is in memory of Mairead Farrell – a convicted IRA member and former prisoner.”
Adding: “Hughes and McGerrigan, who were also IRA men, are being honoured.”
She said the event “will be nothing short of the glorification of those who sought to kill and maim innocent men and women and this should not be a role model for today’s young people”.
“I have also requested further information from the Council’s chief executive to determine if funding had been received from the Council, and if so, did the application specify the Mairead Farrell tournament.
“Council sporting grounds throughout our Borough should be used for the playing and promotion of sport, not for the glorification of former terrorists who had no regard for the lives of innocent people and for that reason I have requested that any use of Sherrys fields and complex is prevented for this purpose.”
She added: “It is disgraceful that sporting events would be given an association with such individuals, who have no place in today’s Northern Ireland.”
Armagh I contacted the West Armagh Festival for comment.
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