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Henry McAlinden (c.1920 – 2010)[1] was an Irish republican, political activist and Irish language advocate based in Ballymena, County Antrim. He stood for the Irish Independence Party in the 1978 Ballymena council by-election, being the first Irish republican candidate to do so in the town.[2]
His grandson, Bréanainn Lyness, who is an incumbent Sinn Féin councillor, would go on to be the first Irish republican elected in Ballymena town in 2023,[3][failed verification] and the first Irish republican Deputy Mayor in Mid & East Antrim Borough Council in 2024.[4][failed verification]
Early Life
editCommunity work
editThroughout the early 1950s, McAlinden dedicated his time to working for Gael Linn as the full-time County Antrim sales manager for more than 40 years.[tone] He travelled the county on his bicycle year after year, raising funds to support the Irish language and becoming widely recognized by a large group of people.[who?] He was awarded for his services to Gael Linn as the "top area collector" in Ireland.[5]
McAlinden played a role as a founding member of the All Saints GAA Club in Ballymena. He organized Scór events, and had a passion[tone] for traditional folk music and céilí dancing.[6]
Political activism
editMcAlinden was a committed Irish republican in terms of his political ideology. He ran for election in Ballymena representing the Irish Independence Party and had a close relationship with John Turnley, who died in Carnlough on 4 June 1980.[citation needed] During this period, McAlinden faced death threats from Loyalist paramilitaries. Both McAlinden and Turnley were heavily involved in the National H-Block/Armagh campaign. Additionally, McAlinden served as a committee member for North Antrim Green Cross, a group that provided support to the families of Irish republican prisoners, as well as the National Graves Association.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Tireless Irish-language activist in Ballymena and beyond". An Phoblacht. 2010. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Irish Independence Ballymena Election Poster Templates". National Treasures. 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ McLaughlin, Sophie (2023). "NI Council election results for Mid and East Antrim in full". BelfastLive. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ "Sinn Féin's deputy mayor strikes conciliatory tone as party holds office for first time in MEA". LoveBallymena. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ^ Ní Chinnéide, M (2013). Scéal Ghael-Linn (1st ed.). Galway: Gael Linn. ISBN 9781909367722.
- ^ Ó Baoighill, P. (2021). Gael Linn i gCúige Uladh: Slis den Saol 1953-1970. Dublin: Joneswood press. pp. 194–197.[ISBN missing]