January 12, 2025
British government cannot hide behind veil of secrecy; the truth behind murder of John Francis Green must be told – Matt Carthy TD

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that the truth behind the killing of John Francis Green must be told.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the IRA Volunteer who was murdered near Castleblayney, Deputy Carthy paid tribute to the family of John Francis Green and pledged Sinn Féin’s full support for the full truth to be divulged.

Deputy Carthy said that Sinn Féin remained committed to achieving the Ireland of John Francis Green’s dream, and he said the conversation on the future of a united Ireland was growing louder by the day.

Reflecting on the electoral and political developments of the past year he said that Sinn Féin will use the coming period to “rebuild the party, to reconnect with communities, to force the incoming government to move on several areas, including Irish unity, and to get ready to change that government at the very next opportunity.”

Full address of Matt Carthy TD to 50th anniversary commemoration of John Francis Green:

“A chairde,

“Beidh muid bródúil go deo agus muid ag cuimhniú orthu siúl a throid is a fuair bás ar son na hÉireann.

“We gather here in Castleblayney today to honour the memory of Volunteer John Francis Green, a man whose life was taken 50 years ago in a cowardly act that still resonates deeply. 

“We stand together not only to remember John Francis’s sacrifice but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to truth, justice, and the cause for which he dedicated his life.

“I commend the local Sinn Féin cumann here in Castleblayney, which bears John Francis’ name, for organising this commemoration – not just on this 50th anniversary year, but virtually every year over the past five decades.

“John Francis Green, Francie as he is still affectionately known, was a committed Irish Republican, a man who stood firm in his belief that Ireland should be united, free from division and oppression. He was an IRA volunteer. He believed in the promise of an Ireland where equality, justice, and freedom would be shared by all. He was an Irish hero.

“Tragically, he was murdered on January 10th, 1975, in a cruel and calculated assassination at a house in Mullyash, not far from here.

“The circumstances of his killing remain shrouded in secrecy, and unanswered questions linger half a century later. It has long been suspected, indeed each of us here are certain, that John Francis was the victim of collusion between British state forces and loyalist paramilitaries they controlled. This collusion was not isolated — it was part of a broader and systemic pattern during the conflict, where British state forces acted in concert with loyalist death squads to silence those who sought a just and united Ireland.

“For John Francis and for too many others, the truth of what happened has been deliberately concealed. Files have been hidden, and justice has been denied. This is not just an injustice to the Green family—it is an insult to all who believe in democracy and justice.

“John Francis’ family have carried the heavy burden of grief and unanswered questions for five decades. They have shown extraordinary courage and dignity in the face of unimaginable pain. Their campaign for truth and justice is a testament to their unwavering commitment to John Francis’ memory and to the principles for which he stood.

“We in Sinn Féin stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their fight. We reiterate our call for the full truth relating to John Francis Green’s murder to be divulged. The British government cannot be allowed to continue hiding behind a veil of secrecy.

“Once again today, we commend John Francis’ family for their determination, and we pledge to continue supporting their efforts for truth and accountability. They are not alone in this journey. The voices calling for justice are growing louder, and we will not stop until those responsible for this killing, and the systemic collusion that enabled it, are fully exposed.

“Fifty years after John Francis’ murder, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Irish history. The struggle for a United Ireland has never been closer to realisation. Sinn Féin is at the heart of this movement.

“Each day, the whispered conversations about constitutional change are getting louder. Communities across Ireland are engaging in conversations about what a United Ireland would look like — conversations John Francis Green dreamed of but did not live to see. Polls show increasing support for reunification, especially among younger people north and south. Brexit highlighted the contradictions of partition, and the case for a new, united Ireland is stronger than ever.

“Our vision is one of unity, equality, and opportunity for all. A United Ireland will be a better, fairer Ireland. A united Ireland will allow this great nation to reach its full potential.

“But, achieving this vision will not happen by chance. It requires political strength.

“We have just come through a busy year electorally and politically. There were ups and downs. Sinn Féin did not do as well as we had hoped in the local and European elections.

“Although, it must be said, here in County Monaghan we increased our support – elected 8 county councillors and re-enforced Sinn Féin’s position as the largest political party by far in this county. We elected three new councillors, gaining two extra seats. The sweetest win of them all of course was regaining the County Councillor based in Castleblayney, winning back what we still call ‘Jackie Crowes’ seat (Jackie of course a friend and comrade of John Francis Green). I want to commend all those who stood for Sinn Féin in those elections and especially pay tribute to your local Councillor, Paul Gibbons, who has hit the ground running since his election and who has recently been elected as Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council – a phenomenal achievement for a first year in office.

“In the North, the Westminster elections confirmed that Sinn Féin is the largest party and the overwhelming choice for the nationalist community. Michelle O’Neill leads an Executive that is delivering for all communities under very difficult circumstances. 

“The General Election in this state has resulted in the likelihood of a more-of-the-same government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will cobble together with the support of independents to keep Sinn Féin out and to deny the Irish people the changes they need in housing, health & disability services and in tackling the cost of living.

“In Cavan Monaghan we retained two seats, albeit we arce disappointed with the loss of Pauline Tully to the Dáil. We are working hard to ensure Pauline is elected to the Seanad and our task of winning three seats in this constituency on the next occasion is clear to us all. Both myself, and our new TD, Cathy Bennett, are committed to that task.

“We would have liked to have done better. If we reflect on the polls of 18 months ago it could be argued that we should have done better. But if we analyse the election results against where we were six months or six years beforehand we will quickly realise that we are in a strong position to rebuild the party, to reconnect with communities, to force the incoming government to move on several areas, including Irish unity, and to get ready to change that government at the very next opportunity.

“We cannot be complacent. The journey toward a United Ireland is one that will require continued commitment and, above all, hard work. We need to use the coming period to build Sinn Féin at every level — locally, regionally, and nationally. The period ahead, where it is unlikely we will have many electoral contests, creates the perfect scope to recruit members, establish and rebuild cumainn and encourage new leaderships to emerge within all our local structures. Everyone here is needed, we each must continue to engage, organise, and mobilise.

“Mar a deir an seanfhocail ‘An té nach bhfuil láidir ní foláir dó a bheith glic’.

“So, as we remember John Francis Green, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the principles he held dear. 

“Let us honour his memory by redoubling our efforts to build the Ireland he envisioned — a free and united Ireland.

“We owe that to John, to his family, and to all those who sacrificed so much for the cause of Irish freedom. 

“The work ahead will not be easy, but it is work worth doing. 

“Cuimhníonn muid ar John Francis Green agus beidh muid ag obair gach lá chun an Éireann a bhí ó John Francis a bhaint amach.

“Together, we can achieve the Ireland of our dreams, of the dreams of John Francis Green, of the dreams of all of us who gave their lives in pursuit of our just cause.

“Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”

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