The President of the Workers’ Party, Michael Finnegan, has paid tribute to Bob Doyle, the last Irish-born survivor of the XV International Brigade which fought with Spanish Republican forces against fascism in the period 1936-39. Mr. Doyle passed away last Thursday night (22nd January) aged 92.

Mr. Finnegan said that the death of Bob Doyle will be felt with sadness by socialist and progressives both at home and internationally.

“Bob Doyle remained true to his socialist beliefs to the very end.  His passing, just a few weeks short of his 93^rd birthday robs us of the last Irish Brigadista from the gallant struggle against fascism in Spain.   As a young man he played a role in the most important struggle in history to date, and faced hardship and possible death in order to play his part.  He endured through several battles and survived one of Franco’s concentration camps.   Despite failing health Bob continued to be active to the end and was present for the unveiling of a monument to his comrade George Brown at Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny in June of last year. He will be remembered with due recognition for the part he played in the struggle for Freedom and Justice for working class people the world over”.

“On behalf of the Workers’ Party of Ireland I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. He will not be forgotten”, said Michael Finnegan.