A planned anniversary parade in Armagh City for two former IRA members has prompted concerns from a local DUP councillor.
The parade, organised by the group ‘Independent Republicans Armagh’, is set to mark the 35th anniversary of the deaths of Dessie Grew and Martin McCaughey.
Both men were shot dead by undercover British soldiers near Loughgall in October 9, 1990.
The men were suspected of involvement in an IRA arms operation at the time.
Councillor Scott Armstrong described the event, to be held on Banbrook Hill on October 12, as “deeply concerning,” stating that such commemorations risk glorifying individuals responsible for violent acts.
“It is deeply concerning that in 2025 we have parades that ‘commemorate’ IRA men who inflicted nothing but pain and misery on people within the Armagh area and further afield,” he said.
“For example, Dessie Grew was arrested for a robbery and had an arrest warrant that was issued on suspicion of the murder of an RAF communications operative and his six-month-old daughter.”
He added: “I want to make it abundantly clear, IRA terrorists are not heroes and their violent actions should not be romanticised. It is an insult to the families who were left bereaved by the actions of the IRA.
“In Armagh, we still have the scars that the IRA campaign of violence inflicted. We need to stand up for victims, not romanticise the actions of terrorists and these types of eulogistic events need to stop.”
The councillor confirmed he had raised his concerns with both the PSNI and the Parades Commission.
