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| Old Blanketmen |
As we walked to the wake house we were joined by others, many of whom were in prison with us. Obviously funerals are sad events but on this occasion we spoke about the boul Digger and we had some laughs about the antics we all got up to.
A piper led the way followed by the tricolour draped coffin which was flanked by six of Digger's friends and comrades. We joined the cortege and met some lads we hadn't seen in years. Some looked well for their ages whilst others looked OLD! A lot of neighbours came out to their doors to pay their respect as the cortege wound its way to the Trinity Lodge carpark.
A close friend and comrade of Diggers, Tomboy Loudon, gave the oration and he had us laughing when he spoke about the wee man. (It was filmed so it can be seen on the blanketmen women Facebook page).
After the coffin was put into the hearse for Digger's final journey to Roselawn we were invited to the bar. It was a lovely day so some of us sat outside on the benches and we had great craic talking about Digger and our time in prison. If anyone else was listening they'd have rolled their eyes at some of the yarns that were spun but it was great to hear most of it . . .
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| Padraic Mac Coitir is a former republican prisoner and current political activist. |
Lovely touch Chopper.
ReplyDeleteDigger - what a singing voice. During the blanket he was called up regularly to sing Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty. One of the abiding memories of the blanket. That soothing voice in a cauldron of deprivation.