25/04/2023
Some great coverage in the Ulster Gazette this week re. the USCA annual service last week hosted by the South Armagh branch.
Full text below:
Last Sunday the picturesque Druminnis Presbyterian Church, nestled between Hamiltonsbawn and Armagh, saw hundreds gather for a first time local occasion. The afternoon was the annual service of commemoration for the Ulster Special Constabulary Association, remembering the service and sacrifice of the many tens of thousands of ‘Specials’ who went through the ranks of the force from 1920 to 1970.
Proceedings started at 3.30pm sharp, when a short procession began on the minor road adjoining the church. Leading the way were the Aughnagurgan Accordion from the border hamlet of the same name near Newtownhamilton. As always the band were exemplary, and their presence was particularly appropriate given the days organisers were the South Armagh Branch of the USCA.
The band were closely followed by the standard bearers of the Associations many Branch’s Province wide, then the USC Historical Platoon from Omagh, bedecked in full Ulster Special uniform. Next came the officers and members of the Association. Unsurprisingly given the majority are former members of a Constabulary stood down in March 1970, the majority of the men were in their seventh and even eighth decade. Nevertheless they kept the pace and demonstrated the discipline and demeanour instilled so many decades ago. Finally to the end of the parade were guests and visitors from both other service associations and the loyal orders, there to show their respects.
The procession and visitors made their way into the church, where the Rev. Sam Finlay made an inspiring sermon centred on a message from Psalm 33, ‘Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord’. Following the service the entire gathering formed at the graveside of Special Constable John Megarity who had been murdered in Belfast in 1922. A short but moving ceremony saw the Historical Platoon form an honour guard at the grave in full regimental fashion, before a short oration about John’s life was given. In a very symbolic moment, the Chairperson of the USCA passed a wreath to John’s nephew, who laid it on behalf of the Association and the Megarity family, before the exhortation and Last Post.
The afternoon concluded with a short return parade before retiring to the church hall for tea. South Armagh Branch Secretary Quincey Dougan said of the service, ‘from start to finish it was an excellent day that delivered many important simultaneous messages. The importance of faith in these trying times, the need to remember the past with dignity and respect, and the value of simple fellowship, all were very apparent. It was particularly appreciated that a large number of the Megarity family had joined us on the day, injecting some additional meaning into the occasion. The Ulster Special Constabulary have a rich history and heritage, and it is important that it is never forgotten. If anyone would like to become involved in the Association, I’d encourage them to get in touch.’ You can contact Quincey on 07835624221 or email [email protected].
Gazette uncovers new information
The value of local press was well illustrated in the past week, when directly because of coverage in the Gazette, new information on the life and death of Special Constable John Megarity came to light. Contrary to some official records, John was not 22, instead a young man of just 20. The youngest of seven children of Samuel and Agnes Megarity in the townland of Edenknappag, he was born in 1902 into what was a well-known and esteemed local family. After serving an apprenticeship with draper John Cleeland, Scotch Street Armagh, he enlisted in the new U.S.C. as a full time officer within its ‘A’ Category, and by early 1922 the 20 year old Constable Megarity was serving with the Specials in its Court Street Platoon in Belfast, based in Court Street Barracks. On May 28 the young Constable was in a Lancia motor vehicle with a police party searching for evidence in McDonnell Street off the Falls Road, when they came under heavy fire. He was shot twice and died almost instantly from his wounds. Whilst his body lay in the Royal Victoria Hospital, a party of Specials visiting wishing to pay their respects came under further IRA attack.
His body was accompanied back from Belfast to the family burying ground at Druminnis on Wednesday 31st May 1922 by his cousin Samuel Megarity and the Rev. Thomas Roulston. A firing party from the USC was present at his funeral. Alongside wreaths from his family, there were also floral tributes from Killeen Start of Freedom LOL 1249, Killycopple RBP 691, TJ Walker and employees, John Cleeland and staff, and from several ‘streets’ in Belfast. The most tragic piece of information to emerge was that just a few days before his murder, Special Constable Megarity had submitted a transfer to return to Armagh. Such was he valued for his efficiency however, his superior officers had requested he consider staying on, eventually persuading him and he had agreed.
