Niall Vallely - Civil Rights leader

(first published 'Irish Times' January 3rd 2015)

Niall Vallely – born August 13^th 1942, died December 14^th 2014

Niall Vallely from Armagh City, who has died suddenly, was a significant figure in the early years of the North’s Civil Rights Movement. He was one of the most militant and uncompromising leaders of revolutionary socialist organisation People’s Democracy, the most militant and uncompromising wing of the movement. He was a fierce opponent both of the Unionist regime in Stormont and of the ‘Green Tories’ of the old Nationalist Party. In every speech, he made sure to attack them as well as Unionism.

He was part of historic events. As a leader of People’s Democracy, he was present at Burntollet Bridge in January 1969 when police failed to protect Civil Rights’ marchers from a fierce attack by Loyalists, leading to many injuries.

The first man shot dead in the ‘Troubles’ was killed after a meeting he addressed in Armagh City.  That was on August 15^th 1969. Shortly after the meeting members of the Protestant ‘B Special’ police reserve force shot dead John Gallagher, a Catholic civilian. Vallely had been on crutches at the meeting, having earlier been attacked by Loyalists.

Vallely led the Armagh Branch of People’s Democracy, the organisation’s most active, and which had support in the City. It regularly picketed meetings of the Unionist-controlled City Council. It was about economic as well as civil rights. Housing conditions in Armagh were appalling in the late 60s, with one street suffering regular typhoid outbreaks during the summer. A number of councillors were landlords: they opposed building social housing, because they wanted to keep rental income from their tenants.

Vallely was imprisoned twice in the early days of the Troubles. A reflection of his socialism was that one term was for picketing in support of strikers during the big Irish Cement strike of 1970.

Vallely avoided being caught in the internment swoop on August 9^th 1969. Minutes before soldiers arrived he was tipped off internment was underway, and fled.

People’s Democracy subsequently suffered division and decline, and Vallely moved to Newry and joined Sinn Féin. He was active at a local level. In more recent years, he helped write speeches for prominent party members. He also used his abilities to argue for policies, such as support for the police, which many Republican supporters doubted.

Vallely was involved in building links with the Protestant and Loyalist communities. His witty personality was a great advantage. As well as being a negotiator, he could take the edge out of a situation with a joke all could laugh at.

Niall Vallely was born in August 1942, second of five children to John Vallely, a primary teacher and native of Armagh: and his wife Mary (née Eaton), also a teacher and native of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. The family was steeped in all things Irish. John Vallely was manager of the Armagh Gaelic football team. Mary Vallely was an Irish speaker and musician.

He was educated at Blundell’s Grange Primary School; the Christian Brothers’ Grammar School in Armagh; then at Queen’s University, Belfast, where he graduated in Celtic Studies and Economics. After a brief stint in the Civil Service, he entered teaching, and taught in Banbridge till retirement.

Politics was only part of his life. He was an excellent bodhrán player, playing it in the traditional way, and a fine singer of traditional song with a love for the Gaelic poets of South Armagh.

Niall Vallely is survived by his daughter Eimear: sons Niall and Ruairí: grandchildren Saoirse, Maebh and Roisin: sisters Lorraine and Máire: and brothers Brian and Dara. He was predeceased by his wife Una.