“We have lost a great patriot who lived his life for the freedom and unity of Ireland”

Mary Lou McDonald expresses condolences on the death of Brendan “Bik” McFarlane

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has expressed condolences and her deep sadness at the passing of lifelong Irish Republican and revolutionary, Bik McFarlane.

Speaking this evening, Ms McDonald said:

“It was with great sadness that I heard that Bik McFarlane passed away today. Bik was dedicated to the struggle for the freedom and unity of Ireland, and the equality of its people.

“Bik was, and will always remain, a giant of Irish republicanism. A proud son of Ardoyne in Belfast, he was part of a generation who rose up against oppression, the British occupation and the sectarian Orange state.

“He proved to be a formidable, thoughtful leader. That leadership was never more needed than in the brutality of the H-Blocks, and especially during the extremely difficult days of the 1981 Hunger Strikes. Bik always carried the memories of his ten brave comrades who laid down their lives with him. He never forgot the depth of their sacrifice. He often reflected on the political and social impact of the Hunger Strike, how it changed the course of Irish history, and decisively influenced the direction of Irish republican politics.

“Bik was a deep thinker, incredibly analytical, and always had his eye on the bigger picture. He was an important influence on the development of the peace process which brought about the achievement of the historic Good Friday Agreement.

“His life was about activism, about the uplift of working people, about the nationhood of Ireland. His life was also about music. He had the mind of a revolutionary but the heart of a poet. Bik loved connecting with others through song and storytelling. He was a talented singer and songwriter. So many will remember him for his music.

“Today, we have lost a great patriot who lived his life for the freedom and unity of Ireland. We are absolutely heartbroken but we will remember Bik forever. We will remember him by continuing to work for the Republic that inspired him every day, by walking the path that he and others of his generation paved for us. We will remember him in song and story too, because that is how his rebel spirit took air.

“I want to send my heartfelt condolences to Bik’s beloved wife Lene and their children, Thomas, Emma and Tina. I hope that they find some small comfort in knowing that their husband and father was so loved and so cherished by republicans throughout Ireland and beyond.

“Bik McFarlane lived his life in pursuit of freedom, peace and equality. It was a life well lived, a life that shaped a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”