by Ronan McSherry

A republican parade proposed for Pomeroy on Saturday has whipped up a storm of controversy after Unionists reacted with outrage to plans to hold the commemoration on the 20th anniversary of Seamus Woods, an IRA volunteer. The 23-year old was killed during an attack on the Pomeroy RUC station on July 7, 1988 when a mortar bomb exploded prematurely.

A protest against the commemoration has been lodged with the Parades Commission by the 'Pomeroy Residents and Victims Group.' The parade planned for 7.30pm intends to leave Pomeroy Plunketts football grounds and march to the Republican Monument at Lucy Street. It will also feature a tug-of-war, children's' activities and an entertainment slide show.

Sinn Féin councillor for the area Oliver Molloy said he is astonished by the reaction to the parade. "It amazes me that a parade in a predominately nationalist village is causing such controversy," he said.

"It is a bit rich to be lectured from a side that parades in the village several times a year. The parade is a one-off for an anniversary. We have chosen only to mark such occasions as opposed to every year. It is a commemoration to a member of the community who lived here. The circumstances have changed over the years and while times have moved on, it is not right that we should forget the past."

South Armagh campaigner Willie Frazer condemned plans that were in place for Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to speak at the parade, however Sinn Féin has confirmed that Junior Minister Gerry Kelly will be the speaker.

Frazer said local IRA victims were 'disgusted' by the parade, particularly because he said it would pass a Protestant church where some of the victims are buried. He met the Parades Commission to discuss the route for Saturday's parade.

"Victims from the community are so disgusted by the parade they have told me they are thinking of moving out of the area," he said. "This comes from people who have lived through the worst of the Troubles, but for them this is the last straw. This blatant glorification of terrorism gives the lie to the pretense that Sinn Féin is now in the camp of law keepers, not law breakers."

However Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy said the parade would be 'dignified' before describing Mr Frazer as a 'failed political maverick.'

On going to press the Parades Commission had not made their determination regarding the proposed commemoration.