Camloch History Society to recall local Republican TA Hughes​

​The talk by Gerald Ryan will focus on the life of High Street man Thomas Arthur Hughes, known as T.A. Hughes, who worked as a weaver in Bessbrook Mill.

Despite dying at a relatively young age of 35 from cancer in 1918, he was a highly regarded IRB organiser and had become friends with Willie Pearse, brother of Padraig Pearse, Bulmer Hobson and Countess Markievic.

His good friend Arthur Griffith delivered the oration at his graveside in Carrickcruppen Graveyard, his funeral having been accompanied by several hundred volunteers.

figurehead

Speaking in 1919 in the Sinn Féin Hall in Newry solicitor P J McQuaid said of T.A. Hughes, “The strength of Sinn Féin in south Armagh was principally due to Mr J McGuill (Dromintee) and Mr Frank Aiken (Camlough) but the figurehead of Sinn Féin was Tommy Arthur Hughes of Bessbrook.

"As President of the ‘Eoin McNeill’ Sinn Féin Club in Camloch, he had a major part in organising Gaelic League Branches.

"It is not to underestimate the services of Frank Aiken and others but give honour where honour is due, the day that Armagh ceases to honour or to forget the name of T A Hughes, on that day will Armagh scourge from her bosom Irish nationality forever.”

insight

The presentation on March 20 will be by retired school teacher Gerald Ryan, a relative of T.A. Hughes. He will give all an insight into the life and contribution of Thomas Arthur to the cause of Irish freedom.

Camloch History Society Member Adam Clements, extending an open invitation to all to attend, said, “This is the first talk in our planned programme of talks which will look at various historical, social, economical and cultural events and individuals related to this area.

"We extend an open invitation to all with an interest in our local history to attend the event which starts at 7.30pm sharp.”