20 Facts About Billy McKee

Billy McKee was an Irish republican and a founding member and leader of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.

Billy McKee was arrested following a raid on a GAA club in 1938, being imprisoned in Crumlin Road Gaol for several months.

Billy McKee was arrested and imprisoned in Crumlin Road Gaol until 1946 for his role in this campaign.

Billy McKee was again arrested and interned for the duration of the campaign.

However, he resigned this position in 1963, after a dispute with other republicans due to Billy McKee acceding to a Royal Ulster Constabulary demand that he not fly an Irish tricolour during a republican march.

Billy McKee grew very disillusioned with the organisation's increasing emphasis on socialism and reformist politics over "armed struggle".

Billy McKee was a devout Roman Catholic, who attended Mass daily.

Billy McKee was highly critical of the IRA's failure to defend Catholic areas during these disturbances.

Billy McKee sided with the Provisionals and joined the Army Council in September 1970.

Billy McKee became the first OC of the Provisional IRA Belfast Brigade.

Billy McKee himself contributed greatly to this image by an action he undertook on 27 June 1970.

When Billy McKee heard about this, he drove to Short Strand with some men and weapons and took up position at St Matthew's Church.

Billy McKee was charged and convicted for possession of the weapon and imprisoned in Crumlin Road Prison, and Joe Cahill took over as OC of the Belfast Brigade.

In 1972, Billy McKee led a hunger strike protest in an effort to win recognition of IRA prisoners as political prisoners.

Billy McKee was released on 4 September 1974 and resumed his position as OC of the Belfast Brigade.

Billy McKee was involved in talks with Protestant clergy in Feakle, County Clare in December 1974, where he voiced his desire to end the violence.

However, in the same period, Billy McKee authorised a number of sectarian attacks on Protestants as well as renewed attacks on rival republicans in the Official IRA.

Billy McKee's health suffered in this period and he did not resume his IRA activities.

Billy McKee joined Republican Sinn Fein after a split in Sinn Fein in 1986.

Billy McKee's funeral took place on 15 June 2019 in west Belfast.