Commemorative plaque unveiled in honour of Gary English and Jim Brown

The plaque in honour of Derry men, Gary English and Jim Brown, who were killed when they were knocked down by a British Army Land Rover on Creggan Road on Easter Sunday 1981.

Nineteen years-old, Gary English and 18 years-old, Jim Brown, both died on Easter Sunday 1981.

A large crowd of people attended the unveiling.

The plaque, which shows photographs of both men, was unveiled by members of both the English and Brown families.

The event was organised by the families in partnership with the Bogside and Brandywell Monument Committee.

At the time of the deaths of the men the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ruled the cause of death was a road traffic accident.

The Bishop of Derry at the time, Most Rev Dr. Edward Daly, said he was “disgusted” with the verdict.

Sinn Fein election candidate for Foyle, Maeve McLaughlin, spoke at the unveiling.

At the unveiling of the commemorative plaque to Derry men, Gary English and James Brown who were killed on Creggan Road in 1981, from left, Jackie Giles, (Jim Brown's sister), Sinn Fein election candidate for Foyle, Martin McGuinness, Mickey English (Gary English's father) and Sinn Fein election candidate for Foyle, Maeve McLaughlin.

“We [Sinn Fein] will continue to support Gary’s and Jim’s families and all relatives of victims of state violence in their long campaign for access to truth and justice,” she said.

Charlie McMenamin from the Bogside and Brandywell Monument Committee said it was important to remember others who lost their lives.

“This is a very emotional time for many people here who knew both Gary and Jim and who were growing up in this city during the hunger strike period. It was a very intense time in Derry with daily riots on our streets and protests attended by thousands of people,” said Mr. McMenamin.

“We should also remember those who died on the streets of Derry in the weeks after Gary and Jim as result of the actions of the RUC and British Army - Paul Whitter, Henry Duffy, George McBrearty and Charles “Pop” Maguire.”