A Co Down hotel set to host an IRA commemoration event has been accused of “arrogance and contempt” by Troubles victims who have organised an alternative service.
The Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle faced criticism last month after the appearance of a poster online advertising ‘The Paul Magorrian story’ evening.
The image, shared on the local Betsy Gray Sinn Féín Cumann Facebook page, promoted the event on August 16 in the four-star accommodation.
Kenny Donaldson, who is director of South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), alongside church leaders and politicians from both sides of the community, sought a meeting with hotel management. But Mr Donaldson said their concerns were dismissed.
“Sadly the hotel has treated our request for dialogue with arrogance and contempt,” he said.
“The hotel has resolved that the concerns expressed are but a storm in a teacup and that people will quickly forget the controversy, that we suggest is a gross miscalculation on their part.
“Many people are deeply frustrated at what is happening and several have wanted to protest. We do not believe that this approach will bring any benefit to those who are hurting”.
An event commemorating the life of IRA volunteer Paul Magorrian has been advertised to take place in a four-star Co Down hotel in August
The victims campaigner said a separate event is now being planned for the town on the same evening to give innocent victims and survivors of terrorism “an alternative and positive focus”.
Tickets are still being advertised for anyone seeking to hear the story of Magorrian, a 21-year-old south Down IRA man killed by the Army in August 1974.
Those paying the £15 fee will also hear from “special guests” due to attend the hotel, which allows groups and individuals to book facilities to host events and conferences.
Magorrian was 21 when he died in St Malachy’s Estate in Castlewellan.
The chairperson of Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism (MAST) said the joint alternative event will be an opportunity for reflection and prayer.
Sandra Johnston, whose brother Allan Johnston was murdered by PIRA in Kilkeel in 1988, said the service will be led by Canon Rev Alan Irwin whose father and uncle were also murdered by the terror gang.
The family of Samuel Pollock, murdered by PIRA in 1982 in Newcastle close to Donard Park when an under-car booby-trap bomb exploded, is also expected to attend.
“The event will commence at 7.30pm at the front of the Newcastle centre situated on the main street and next to Newcastle cenotaph,” Ms Johnston said.
Meanwhile, Mr Donaldson said: “Our message to the community is simple… if you want to stand by the innocent, those who oppose violence in all its forms, irrespective of what quarter it comes from, then come stand with us.”
Sammy Heenan, whose father William was murdered on May 3, 1985, outside his home in Legananny, Co Down, by an IRA gunman said the counter event will be a “night of remembrance and reflection” for people on both sides of the community who were “caused great trauma by terrorists during the Troubles”.
“It will be an opportunity for people from both the Roman Catholic and Protestant communities to come together to remember and reflect on the atrocities caused by members of the Provisional IRA in light of this event which is going ahead in the Burrendale,” he said.
“It’s very sad that in 2024 people are celebrating the exploits of terrorists.
“In South Down alone 80 people were murdered by the Provisional IRA during the Troubles and this event is the glorification of a terrorist it’s as simple as that,” he added.
“We are over 20 years on post-Good Friday Agreement and people should be moving on instead of bringing up these names and celebrating them.”
The SEFF volunteer, who was only 12 when his father was murdered, said he wasn’t shocked “but I was disappointed” when he first saw the poster advertising the event at the hotel which has “always [been] known to be a neutral place for everyone.
“I even had my wedding reception there and I would have used it frequently, so I don’t understand how an event like this was permitted and it’s caused great hurt in the community,” he added.
“I was only a child when my father was forced to his knees and shot twice in the head.
“I then had to run half a mile to raise the alarm and the people who did that are cut from the same cloth of depravity as Paul Magorrian, it’s a disgrace.
“I know if someone held a celebration event about Billy Wright the Nationalist community would have something to say about it, and they would be outraged,” he added.
“This event we are holding at the same time at the Newcastle Centre is not a protest by any means, but simply a night to bring people together from both sides of the community who have been caused great hurt by what the Provisional IRA has done.”
The Burrendale Hotel has been contacted for comment.