The Vol Martin Doherty RFB would like to thank everybody who supported us in all our weekends events to commemorate Volunteer Martin DOCO Doherty's 15th anniversary, from the commemoration, football tournament to the function on the Saturday night, all events were well attended.

The commemoration on the Friday night was very well attended, even thow the weather wasn't on our side, we would like to thank all bands who attended, coatbridge RFB, Vol Joe Cahill rfb, also the Vol Sean Mcilvenna rfb who unfortunitly never made the parade, due to there bus breaking down en route, would also like to thank all the cummans who attended aswell, and a big thanks has to go to our friends all the way from Killkell Ireland, The Banna Fliuit Naoimh Phadraig, it was great to have the band over and they did very well on the night. Was also great to have Martins Son Michael over for this who done a very fitting speech at the end of the commemoration.

The Martin Doherty memorial football tournament which was in its very first year went very well, Well done to all the teams who took part, and a big thanks to the winners who came all the way down from oban who beat the Joe Cahill rfb team in the final, and also stayed to receive the trophy on the saturday night.

The Function on the sat night was very well attend also, and a great night was had by all, with claymore the entertainment and also a set by the Banna Fliuit Naoimh Phadraig. A big thanks has to go to Frances and Jennifer for all there help on the night also


So thanks for all who took part over the weekend From All at the Vol Martin DOCO Doherty RFB

the band was started in the wake of the 81 hunger strikes when it was felt that govan could sustain 2 rfbs so a group left the existing band (james connolly) and with a new group of like-minded republicans formed the Govan Shamrock Flute Band (GSFB)in the east of govan or to give it its proper name the wine alley. loyalists in the area were out to stop this and decided to intimidate younger members of the GSFB however this ceased when the band showed they would not be pressured or bullied meeting fire with fire.

it was decided that "republican" would be left out of the name until the band felt they could b sure of being able to survive, not only did this band survive they were to be the most forward thinking and political of the early rfbs not only taking part in but leading the way in republican marches in Scotland and Ireland.

the band then decided that republican would be adopted so new names were to b offered and voted on by the band. govan Fenian boy's rfb, even pride of govan rfb (lol) and young republican flute band (YRFB) wer voted on with the YRFB winning with an overwhelming majority again this band carried a fantastic reputation being lauded by the republican communities of Scotland and Ireland,however they were also resented and feared by loyalists.

the YRFB continued for a decade with promoting strong republican ideals to its members which are still implemented to this day. 1 of these ideals was to help republican communities in Ireland that have suffered during the war, 1 of the many things was an initiative that brought prisoners children from various areas over 2 Scotland for a few days. this resulted in the band being invited to march in the 1st anv commemoration for Vol. Martin Doco Doherty when the band attended they were asked if they would take Doco's name an uncommon occurrence with a vol's name being used so soon after his death. the band voted on this with all members voting yes to the change.

and so the VOL Martin Doco Doherty RFB took to the streets with pride and have never looked back, the band now have an unbreakable bond with Doco's family.

the band are the longest running republican flute band in Scotland and are the only flute band in the govan area (pride of govan and govan proddy boy's both from kinning park) .the band would like to thank all members and supporters for their continued dedication and support throughout the years and hope this will continue for many years to come.


www.docobhoys.webs.com

A young man he has fallen,another volunteer has gone,
He was one of Dublins' finest,One of Irelands' bravest sons.
A man called Martin Doherty,or Doco to his friends,
Unselfishly,to freedoms' cause,his life did boldly lend.

On that awful night in Ninety-Four,when Doco met his death,
Murdered by the death squads of the cowardly U.V.F,
As they tried to detonate their bomb outside the Widows' Pub,
A plan so evil the killers belong with Bielzebub.

Martin for your actions on that night,for the courage you did show,
Irelands' greatest honour on your name they should bestow.
For you foiled that plot so murderous,you were daring and were brave,
And now you lie a hero in an Irish martyrs grave.

They never could extinguish the patriotic flame,
The Martin Doherty R.F.B so proudly bears your name.
You died that night and showed no fear,courageous to the last,
Your name belongs with Connolly,Pearse and the heroes of the past.

When we think of all the good times,we always shed a tear,
Although you can't be with us,in spirit you're still here.
The memories help us find the strength when we feel the need to cry,
For while you live within our hearts,you'll never ever die.

Farewell our comrade Martin,we bid a fond "Adieu",
To a soldier,to a father,to a friend and brother too.
And i hope someday we'll meet again when we get to Heavens' door,
We'll have the craic and you'll make us laugh as you always did before.

It would be so sweet to touch your face,and see once more your smile,
And join you in a rebel song of dear ould Erins' Isle.
We'd speak of all our love for you,how the pain won't go away,
And tell you all the things we never had the chance to say.

So when you talk of Irelands' volunteers who've made that sacrifice,
Please remember one named Doco,with his life he paid the price.
Martin Doherty from Finglas,his life he did lay down,
Outside the Widow Scallans' pub,that night in Dublin Town.

(c)ProvoRhino 2nd February 2009.All Rights Reserved.