Profile of Volunteer Brendan "Cindy" Watters

Kevin Brendan Watters was born in Daisy Hill Hospital, on 8th May 1960. His parents Eddie and Lily moved into the newly built Derrybeg Park Estate in the early 60’s and had another two children, Mary and Michael, both younger than Brendan. Cindy as he was known to his many friends attended St Patrick’s primary school in the Meadow and then St Joseph’s secondary school on the Armagh Road. Brendan was employed at the near by Nylon factory. From an early age Brendan was aware of the unjust way that nationalists were treated in the six counties. He understood the reasons why armed actions were needed to confront the root causes of the conflict he experienced as a child.

As a teenager, he joined and played in the Wolfe Tone Accordian Band and around the same time he joined Na Fianna Éireann. The Hunger Strikes of 1980 and 1981 had a huge impact on Brendan and from that time onwards he knew he would take on a greater role in the Freedom Struggle. In 1983, he made his thoughts known to a senior member of the Irish Republican Army and he joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Brendan had a happy go lucky nature and a keen sense of humour but there was another side to his personality, and he took his role as an IRA volunteer very seriously. He was always conscious of the need to protect his own security and that of his comrades. He earned the respect of his comrades for his coolness and efficiency while on active service. Lily, his mother, was the six county Ladies Dart Champion, and in his spare time, Brendan played and watched darts. He also enjoyed his social life and could be seen at many local dances. Brendan also had a love of motorbikes and could often be seen cruising around the area. On Wednesday 8th August 1984, Brendan was tragically killed when a hand grenade he was carrying exploded accidentally. Several of Brendan’s comrades fired a volley of shots over the coffin in a final tribute to him. His remains were hijacked by the hated RUC at Craigavon and on the day of his funeral as expected, the RUC attacked mourners in an attempt to remove Brendan’s Gloves and Beret from the coffin.

Volunteer Brendan Watters will be forever remembered with pride by his loving family, friends and comrades in the Republican Movement.