AIDAN McANESPIE (G.Cunningham)
Aidan McAnespie, from Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, was 24 years old when he was brutally murdered by a british soldier as he crossed the border into the Irish Republic on 21 February 1988. Aidan had been on his way to attend a Gaelic football match when a british soldier in an observation post shot him. The soldier claimed he was moving the machine gun inside the post when his hand, which he said was wet, slipped on the trigger! The soldier was later charged and acquitted of manslaughter.
1
It was on a Sunday evening, the sun shone in the sky
As he walked toward the Gaelic ground never thinking he was going to die
But as he crossed the Checkpoint the sound of gunfire came
And the news spread through the Border towns that Aidan McAnespie's slain
CHORUS
Why did you do it, have you not the guts to say
You say it was an accident or even a ricochet
But like Loughgall & Gibraltar, your lies are well renowned
You murdered Aidan McAnespie on his way to the Gaelic ground
2
For years he was harassed by the forces of the crown
As he walked to his work each morning out from his native town
The brits they swore they'd get him for reasons no one can say
And sure enough they murdered him in cold blood that sunny day
CHORUS
3
Well Aidan's life had ended, it was time for judgement day
That Brit he jumped out from the tower and the coward he slipped away
Well God's curse on you england for this cruel deed you have done
But God will have the final say, when your day of judgement comes
CHORUS
4
To say it was an accident is the greatest crime of all
To his heart broken family, it's the worst there can befall
A cross it marks that lonely spot where young Aidan he was shot down
As he walked on that Sunday evening on his way to the Gaelic ground
CHORUS
