The Aidan McAnespie trophy will be played for on Saturday, February 23rd.

I can't believe its been 25 years since this young lad was murdered. Gone But always remembered by us .

Aidan McAnespie was shot dead by British soldiers while he made his way to line out for his club Aghaloo against Killeeshil in 1988.

This year is the 25th anniversary of that event and to mark it, players from both teams from that era among other will line out for the game.

The match will be at Aghaloo's GAA grounds and a large crowd is expected to attend.

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 16/02/2013 21:19:37    1335013

25 years, I remember it like yesterday and the lies that the British Army put out. I'll try to get a run down to it. Aye the late 80's and 90's were a dark period for the Ulster GAA and we had quite a few members murdered. The British Security Forces, RUC and Loyalist satellite death squads waged war on the Ulster GAA RIP.

Ulsterman (Antrim) - Posts: 9840 - 16/02/2013 21:33:07    1335032

Its a great way to remember a young man cut down in the prime of life by a British army bullet, hope its a good day out for all concerned and well supported too.

brendtheredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 10897 - 16/02/2013 21:46:45    1335045

Yes Fortyfive justice was not done for Aidan or his devastated family in fact the soldier got off
with cold blooded murder even got discharged on medical grounds a cover up by the Brits and
the Irish government never disclosed their findings on the case surprise surprise.

Mulligan Eamonn (None) - Posts: 896 - 16/02/2013 21:50:18    1335050

Yes Fortyfive justice was not done for Aidan or his devastated family in fact the soldier got off
with cold blooded murder even got discharged on medical grounds a cover up by the Brits and
the Irish government never disclosed their findings on the case surprise surprise.

Mulligan Eamonn (None) - Posts: 896 - 16/02/2013 21:50:33    1335052

It's hard to imagine how hard it must have been over those decades

It's incredible to think that back then we were both living on the same island - different feckin worlds.

Personally I think it's impossible for a Southern Irish person to truly understand what you went through.

On both sides.

Living in a warzone must and without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, it must be the most unhealthy experience that any person is forced to "live" through.

But I for one will and always have the greatest of respects for Ulster GAA.

I'm happy for you all that those days are almost over. There are no other options but to move forward.

Beelzedub (Dublin) - Posts: 508 - 17/02/2013 12:18:56    1335121

It comes as no surprise beelzebub that a recent study showed that many within the 35 - 45 age group in the North, who were born into and grew up in the conflict, are now suffering from severe depressive and anxiety related illnesses; the suicide rate within this age range is sky high especially in interface parts of Belfast. An American psychologist was on the radio a few weeks ago and said that a lot of people here are living with undiagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. You are 100% correct; the divisive nature of society here is totally surreal. You can feel this cloud lift off you when you cross the border; I keep saying this to relatives in the South but they haven't a clue what I am going on about. It is a funny feeling walking in a town or city in the South with a GAA shirt on and not get dirty looks or sectarian remarks.

Ulsterman (Antrim) - Posts: 9840 - 17/02/2013 16:08:24    1335212

Sorry I can't be there. RIP Aidan McAnespie, laochra gael.

Tom1916 (Armagh) - Posts: 2001 - 17/02/2013 16:56:04    1335229

It's great that this young murdered member of the GAA is not forgotton and may he never be. I honestly believe that all GAA people would share this sentiment. Shame on the "government"

suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1799 - 17/02/2013 19:43:20    1335311

I wish evryone connected to this all the best. I hope you have a great tournament / festival.

Culann (Dublin) - Posts: 2306 - 18/02/2013 11:33:42    1335479

Nice touch by the Aghaloo club. It is what we come to expect from the GAA, a caring association. Tyrone have suffered so much down the years as a result of various tragedies. But it is the strong GAA community which has held the county together. Hope everythin goes well for another never to be forgotten cause. Well done

Jack L (None) - Posts: 3211 - 18/02/2013 18:40:38    1335741

Hope there is a great turn out.

AthCliath (Dublin) - Posts: 4347 - 18/02/2013 19:12:33    1335757

Best of luck to all involved and I hope Sunday is a great success../Aidan RIP

juniorbsub (Wexford) - Posts: 646 - 18/02/2013 19:40:45    1335771

I think there is a McAnespie girl plays/played football with Monaghan ladies
is she any relation ?

ruanua (Donegal) - Posts: 4966 - 19/02/2013 09:59:37    1335874

I hope there is a good turnout and the event is a success. i also hope that some on here take a moment to remember all those in the northern part of our island ho were put to death by pro-British military and paramilitary in the not too distant past.

CheFinny (UK) - Posts: 1358 - 19/02/2013 11:40:52    1335947

Hard to believe its 25 years since that young man was gunned down. Best wishes for a good day.Ulster GAA people have remained steadfast in face of the severest provocation through the years and ye deserve great credit for it.

pennypincher (Carlow) - Posts: 777 - 19/02/2013 14:10:12    1336085

ruanua
County: Donegal
Posts: 4475

1335874
I think there is a McAnespie girl plays/played football with Monaghan ladies
is she any relation ?

Yes his niece Ciara as far as I know .

Mulligan Eamonn (None) - Posts: 896 - 19/02/2013 14:49:22    1336120

All the best to all involved. Hope there is a big turnout...

DUB1 (Dublin) - Posts: 5583 - 19/02/2013 15:05:52    1336133

Today is the anniversary of Aidan's murder. There will be a candlelight procession tonight in Aghaloo to commemorate the atrocity.
Match as Fortyfive says above between the two original teams from 1988 Killeshil and Aghaloo is this Saturday at 4pm. Big attendance expected so hopefully all those who can attend will, it's the least we can do.

Tyronetim (Tyrone) - Posts: 1254 - 21/02/2013 12:36:48    1337147

Isn't it nice to see that those posters who were happy to chide and condemn James McClean for his principled stance on not choosing to wear a poppy on his shirt are conspicuous by their absence on this thread, shame on you.

brendtheredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 10897 - 21/02/2013 14:28:26    1337236