Louis Leonard’s brother, Ciarán, has said December 15, 1972, is a date that remains etched in his and his family’s mind.

As the 50th anniversary of his murder approaches, he has said it is time to build a new society on this island, one built on “fairness and equality”.

Moreover he adds that it should not undermine anyone’s “constitutional identity”.

Louis was murdered in his butcher’s shop in Derrylin that December evening in 1972 by loyalists. It was later revealed he was a member of the IRA.

Ciaran Leonard was speaking ahead of this year’s Louis Leonard lecture where Louis’ widow, Betty, and members of the Leonard family have asked Sinn Féin’s Deputy Matt Carthy (Cavan/Monaghan) to give The Louis Leonard Lecture on Saturday, December 10 at 8pm in St. Pat’s GAA clubhouse, Donagh.

He said the dark days and dark memories for his family and all those who lost loved ones during The Troubles could have been avoided.

“There was no need for any policeman’s baton to be drawn, nor a stone to be thrown. If only different roads had been taken. If only better political leadership had been given.

“Thankfully, things have changed, and better political leadership is being given by some.

“The development of the Peace Process has brought light to the end of the tunnel, and we all should thank the politicians who courageously took risks.”

Ciaran added: “Our journey is far from over – we’ve a new society to build on this island. A society built on fairness and equality. One that allows us all to have a stakehold and threatens no one’s constitutional identity. A unity of views and ideas.

“We cannot change the past, but we can try – and must try – to manage and shape the future. Our children’s future lives depend on it.

“That’s something I think we owe to Louis Leonard, and the many other lost souls of the conflict,” added Ciarán.

Ciarán said Louis had a huge sense of “fair play and always opted for the underdog”, and believes this is what got him involved in the Civil Rights campaign of 1968/69 – a time of great political upheaval, but also of great hope.

It was a tumultuous couple of years leading up to 1972, which is said to have been the worst year of The Troubles, and this was even more acute for the Leonard family.

“I remember ‘Bloody Friday’, Belfast, and the murders of Thomas and Emily Bullock; of Michael Naan and Andy Murray, and many more. Too many coffins down lonely country roads followed sombre processions.”

Ciarán also recalls how after Louis’ funeral, the British Army tried to raid their home, but were prevented from doing so by his father. This only led to them leaving messages that night within bullet cases pegged to the clothes line.

“All of our names were clearly handwritten on pieces of paper with the cold message, ‘We’ve got Louis we’ll get the rest of you’. It was then that I saw terror in my mother’s eyes. We were all frightened, and rightly so.”

Louis’ death had a terrible impact on his family and the memories of those days still linger.

He said his brother was part of the “resilient minority” that chose to stay at home rather than emigrate, and was determined to succeed in life.

“What I remember of Louis, as an older brother, was that he was a proud man. He was a man of honour and integrity – to many young people in our community, he was a role model.

“He was proud of his Irishness and his heritage. He loved Gaelic football, and most sports. He was a proud Knocks Grattan [supporter], and a founding member of St. Pat’s GAA club Donagh.

“Those that knew him best say that he was a modest man; a man of great courage and commitment; a decent man who was faithful, considerate and generous.”