NEWS FROM
SAOIRSE (freedom).The Voice of the Irish Republican Movement.
http://come.to/RepublicanSF
223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
229 Falls Road, Belfast
| NEWS FROM
SAOIRSE (freedom). The Voice of the Irish Republican Movement. http://come.to/RepublicanSF 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 229 Falls Road, Belfast |
ON the 84th anniversary of the historic Easter Rising of 1916, the Leadership of the Republican Movement sends greetings to all who are gathered in commemoration at the graves of our Republican dead, or at monuments to their memory, and to everyone who assembles in Ireland or in exile faithful to and in support of the ideals of 1916.
People the world over have been shown clearly in recent times that it is the British government which is in charge in Ireland. What the Irish people want counts for nothing as Westminster once more upholds the Unionist Veto, rebuffs the Dublin Administration and Stormont collapses for the fifth time.
The Stormont Agreement of two years ago has not worked nor indeed has any artificial means succeeded in stabilising British rule in an artificial area of Six Counties carved out of Ireland. The shameful surrender of arms agreed to in 1998 has not taken place to date only because people on the ground so far reject such a treacherous course of action.
The alternative lies in rejecting British rule and the Unionist Veto. People must be mobilised and organised, not to bring back Stormont, but to end English colonisation and imperialism in Ireland. A new four-province Federal Ireland with a nine-county Ulster is the answer, with Republican, democratic socialist, environmental and self-reliance policies.
The recent action by Republican Sinn Féin in opening a political office on the Falls Road in the heart of west Belfast is a significant move forward and is to be commended. Funds are, of course, urgently needed to finance such a development.
We note that during the past year the Continuity IRA has maintained resistance to British occupation. Its press statements indicate clearly that it stands on its own feet and rejects allegations of alliances with other bodies not fully committed to the revolutionary road forward. The Continuity IRA asserts that it is the true inheritor of Irish Republicanism -- directly from Easter Week 1916.
For its part, the Irish Freedom Committee/Cumann na Saoirse in the United States has reorganised itself. Its tasks are to support the prisoners for which CABHAIR (the Irish Republican Prisoners' Dependants Fund) is responsible and to generate publicity in support of Irish national independence.
We send greetings to Irish political prisoners in Portlaoise and elsewhere who stand by the All-Ireland Republic. For them there will be no conditional release on British licence this summer and their need for support will be ongoing. In particular we salute the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, Co Antrim and Josephine Hayden -- the only woman political prisoner in Ireland -- who are enduring the grim ordeal of being denied political status.
In conclusion we call for support for our analysis and our solutions to the ongoing struggle for Irish freedom. In keeping with the position of the men and women of Easter 1916 there is no middle ground between British aggression and Irish resistance.
A stark choice must be made between revolutionary Republicanism and constitutional nationalism. The latter inevitably results in absorption into the British system and collaboration with foreign rule.
At the dawn of the new millennium true Irish Republicans adhere to the ideals of 1916 and on that basis renew their appeal to the idealism and generosity of spirit of the youth. Your place is in the Republican Movement which is in direct line of succession to 1916.
Forward then with the struggle for Irish freedom as part of the liberation of all humankind!
-- Issued by the Leadership of the Republican Movement, Easter 2000.
Contents
A large number of 26-County Special Branch police accosted and assaulted two Republican flag-bearers after the very successful Republican Sinn Féin Easter commemoration at the GPO in Dublin on Easter Sunday.
The Special Branch followed the six-strong flag-bearing party up O'Connell Street and accosted them, assaulting two of the party, Tom Ryan and Dermot Gannon.
They shoved Tom Ryan against a bus while stamping on his feet and demanded that he hand over his "weapon", meaning the Leinster flag, which they proceeded to drag off him. They pummelled Dermot Gannon to the ground and took the Tricolour off him.
Dermot Gannon was later charged with assault and disturbing the peace. One wonders whether such tactics would be used at the shambolic Fianna Fáil commemoration.
Contents
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EASTER in Belfast this year was a most inspiring occasion. Following the opening of the new Republican Sinn Féin office on the Falls Road, a new marching band has been organised. Named the "Comdt-General Tom Maguire Flute Band", it led the annual parade from the gates of Milltown Cemetery to the Republican Plot. The smart colour-party carried the Irish Tricolour, the Starry Plough, the Sunburst of Na Fianna, the Ulster flag and the Cumann na mBan flag.
Leo Martin presided at the Co Antrim Memorial where an enthusiastic attendance of over 200 people had gathered. Billy McKee led the recitation of a decade of the Rosary in Irish and Mary Burns read the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic 1916.
Geraldine Taylor read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. Flags were dipped in salute during a two-minute silence. Wreaths were laid from Óglaigh na hÉireann -- the Irish Republican Army; Republican Sinn Féin; Fianna Éireann; Cumann na mBan and the Republican prisoners.
Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, Uachtarán, Sinn Féin Poblachtach, delivered the oration. Afterwards he visited the grave of Tom Williams (reinterred from Belfast jail in January) and paid his respects.
In the course of his oration, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh said: "Those who continue the struggle against British rule in Ireland at this time have the same mandate for their actions as did the men and women of 1916 whom we commemorate today and every year at Easter.
"Similarly the United Irishmen of 1798-1803, the Young Irelanders and the Fenians during the 19th century and the Republicans who fought from 1922 to the present day had the mandate of history. All of them based their actions on their firm belief in the existence of the historic Irish nation which had an inalienable right to national freedom.
"Two years ago an attempt was made under threat of continuing warfare and through a partitioned referendum -- in which the vote in the separated Six Counties would be decisive -- to surrender the birthright of the Irish people.
"That birthright was to be sold to the British government for a mess of pottage known as the new Stormont, and recently even that mess of pottage was denied to those who sold out.
"Even now we are told that if the new Stormont executive were restored by Britain to administer English rule here, and if a certain constitutional political party were included in a coalition administration in Dublin, the Provos 'would have to be listened to'.
"That is what the SDLP said in the early 1980s -- when calling for the creation of the New Ireland Forum representative of all constitutional nationalist parties in Ireland. 'The British government would have to listen' to the outcome of the Forum. But Mrs Thatcher as British Prime Minister tore up the results of that Forum with the memorable words 'Out, Out, Out!'.
"Those results counted for nothing and the British government has always supported the Unionist Veto regardless of what the Irish people want. Yet we have those who seek to return for more of the same, ignoring the validity of the old saying: 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.'
"Only by organising and mobilising the Irish people at home and in exile and by bringing pressure to bear on the British government would the ideals of Easter Week 1916 be realised.
"Those who have chosen the constitutional rather than the revolutionary road would be absorbed into the British system in Ireland as was John Redmond and his Parliamentary Party who sent 50,000 young Irishmen to their deaths in World War I.
"But Irish people the world over remember with pride every Easter those who stayed at home and fought for Ireland, with and without an electoral mandate.
"Today we renew our allegiance to the imperishable cause of Irish national independence. We visualise that in the form of the All-Ireland Republic federated into the four historic provinces, where power, decision-making and social justice will be available to all, and from which the British government will have fully disengaged.
"Ar dheis Dé go rabhadar ar fad a fuair bás ar son saoirse mhuintir na hÉireann."
THE Corrigan/McKearney Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin, held a successful, well-attended Easter commemoration ceremony on Easter Sunday. The presence of British Crown Forces was noted -- it added to the authenticity of the occasion.
Kevin Trainor officiated at the gathering, which assembled at the Republican Plot in the 'New Cemetery' to pay tribute to the men and women of 1916 and subsequent generations of freedom fighters who fought and died for Ireland.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the local Cumann and Óglaigh na hÉireann -- the Irish Republican Army.
Deirdre Dalton read the 1916 Proclamation and the Statement from Leadership of the Republican Movement was also read. All those on the local Roll of Honour were remembered and a minute's silence was observed. Kevin Trainor's tribute to Des Cox (RIP) that he was a pillar of Republicanism in Armagh city for many years was particularly poignant.
Ruairí Óg Ó Brádaigh gave a stirring address, during which he condemned the folly of those who would engage in the politics of Partition. He reminded those present of their Republican inheritance and of the important work that lay ahead.
After the Easter commemoration a short wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Hugh Carberry Memorial. Those present paid tribute to the sacrifice of the Armagh man who fell in action fighting against 'the old enemy' in far-off South Africa during the Boer War 100 years ago.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Republican Plot, St Colman's Cemetery, Lurgan.
THE main Republican Sinn Féin commemoration was at Killeen on the Border of south Armagh and Co Louth where a colour party led the procession to the grave of Volunteers John and Thomas O'Reilly.
The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read and wreaths were laid. The 1916 Proclamation was also read.
Sarah Murphy, a member of the Republican Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle, gave the oration in the absence of the designated speaker, Des Long, Vice-President of Republican Sinn Féin, who was ill.
In the course of her oration she said that Republicans must be prepared to suffer hardship, isolation and the combined efforts of church and state who wish to thwart the dreams of our patriot dead to achieve freedom and justice in Ireland. She continued: "Nowhere is this opposition to the Republican ideal more obvious than in the recent attendance of clerics at an honour ceremony for the totally-discredited RUC, which attendance also included the British Queen/commander-in-chief of the foreign occupying forces in our country.
"Added to this opposition to the Republican cause is the voluntary absorption into the British system, for which they receive substantial payment, of former comrades, the Provisionals. There can be no doubt any longer in anyone's mind that these people are part of British rule in Ireland with their calls at Easter for the return of the British parliament at Stormont. To make this call over the graves of our patriot dead who gave their lives for nothing less than an Ireland free from British rule, is repugnant to all true Republicans," she concluded.
Easter ceremonies were also held in Newry and Camloch, Dromintee, Edentubber, Jonesboro, Mullaghabawn and Cullyhanna.
A JOINT Easter commemoration was held at the grave of Vol Patrick McManus in Killaduff Cemetery outside Swanlinbar, Co Cavan by Republicans from Fermanagh and Cavan.
The 1916 Proclamation and the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement were read. Wreaths were laid and the oration was delivered by John McElhinney, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin, Donegal.
He said that today our former comrades are being paid to undermine the Republican Movement.
"They are attempting to replace the Irish separatist tradition with some half-baked notion of 'equality among British citizenry'. Their methods are many and varied and are doomed to fail on the rock of British/loyalist intransigence.
"By your presence here today you have shown you cannot be bought and will never be intimidated. It is those qualities which over the past number of years have defeated an all-out attack on the Republican Movement.
"It is clear that among Republicans cool heads and steady nerves have been at work. That a small, dedicated group has been carefully nourishing the Republican ideal. I am sure that in the coming year we will see the emergence of a re-vitalised Republican Movement, ably led and made up of young men and women of courage and character, the equal of those we have honoured here today."
THE main Derry commemoration took place in the city ceremony at 12 noon on Easter Sunday. More than 100 Republicans gathered at the Cúchulainn Memorial where a wreath was laid by Frank O'Neill on behalf of the Leadership of the Republican Movement. Veronica Taylor read the 1916 Proclamation and Seán Lynn said a decade of the Rosary. The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Michael McGonigle and John Joe McCusker, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin, Fermanagh, gave the oration.
Wreath-laying ceremonies were also held on Easter Sunday at the Loup Cemetery at the grave of Brigadier Seán Larkin by Seán Lynn and at Dungiven at the graves of Vols O'Carolan and Kilmartin by Damian McGonigle; at the grave of Vol James Kealy by his brother Thomas Kealy; at the grave of hunger striker Kevin Lynch by his sister Bridie Lynch and at the grave of Tommy Toner by Michael McGonigle.
OVER 200 people attended the County Donegal commemoration at Drumboe on Easter Sunday. The parade formed up at Johnston's Corner, Stranorlar and marched behind a colour party and the Fintona Pipe Band to the Drumboe Martyrs Monument in the town.
The proceedings were chaired by Joe O'Neill, Bundoran and the Chief Marshall was Felix McAteer, Castlederg. Wreaths were laid and the flags were dipped to a roll of the drum. The Easter Statement was read and Esther McElhinney read the Tyrone Roll of Honour. Fergus McCabe recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge.
The oration was delivered by Republican Sinn Féin Vice-President, Cathleen Knowles McGuirk who said that "when the Belfast Agreement was being hailed as an historic agreement Republican Sinn Féin pointed out that 'The Emperor had no clothes' but was not heeded. It has taken until now for people to see that our analysis of events was correct.
"Republican Sinn Féin will continue to reject British rule and will oppose the return of Stormont. We look to the future -- a future without a British military presence. We are the only political organisation with a stated policy for a New Ireland. Our documents 'Towards a Peaceful Ireland' and ÉIRE NUA, if adopted would ensure that the fears that unionists may have of being sucked into a society in the 26 Counties, governed by greedy, self-serving and corrupt politicians would be put to rest."
WREATHS were laid at the grave of Comdt James Johnston in Aughlisnafin Cemetery, Castlewellan on Easter Sunday. Comdt Johnston, who came from the Castlewellan area, was killed by British Crown Forces in 1921.
MONAGHAN Republicans assembled on Easter Sunday at the Fergal O'Hanlon Memorial on the Clones Road, Monaghan at 12 noon on Easter Sunday, where Fergal Moore, Ard Chomhaile, laid a wreath.
REPUBLICAN Sinn Féin marked the anniversary of the 1916 Rising with wreath-laying ceremonies at the graves of Gerald McGlynn, Castlederg, John Philip O'Donnell, Agharan and Frank Ward, Carrickmore.
ON Easter Sunday, more than forty people assembled in front of Doonbeg Church and marched to the Republican Plot.
Noel Dickinson read the Statement from the Leadership. Jimmy McNulty said a decade of the Rosary and wreaths were laid on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin by Noel Dickinson and the Republican Movement by Tom Malone. A stirring oration was delivered by Martin Calligan, Kilmurry McMahon.
On Easter Monday a large crowd of Republicans gathered at Limenagh Castle in Kilfenora and led by a colour party and Na Fianna Éireann from Limerick marched to the Albert O'Brien Memorial. Paddy Kennealy, Chairperson of the local Cumann, chaired the proceedings and John O'Mahony laid a wreath on behalf of the James Connolly Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin, Ennis. A wreath was also laid by Martin Calligan, Kilmurry McMahon on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin.
Noel Dickinson,Quilty, read the Statement from the Leadership. Sinéad Kennealy read the 1916 Proclamation. Jimmy McNulty said a decade of the Rosary and the oration was delivered by Joe Lynch, Ard Chomhairle, Limerick.
THE Cork Easter commemoration commenced with assembly at the Wilton Roundabout at 2pm. The large crowd, led by piper Norman O'Rourke and drummer Donie Lynch, followed by a colour party of the Tricolour and the Cumann na mBan flag, under the command of Alfie Lane who carried the National Flag, marched to the Republican Plot in St Finbarr's Cemetery.
At the Republican Plot, the proceedings were chaired by Donal Varian. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Comrades and the Republican Movement in Cork.
Anton Ó hAnracháin said a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge. Dermot Murphy, Bugler, played the Last Post and Reveille. Kitty O'Brien read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
A very appropriate oration was delivered by Frank Graham, Dublin.
REPUBLICAN Sinn Féin held its annual Easter 1916 Commemoration on Easter Sunday at 2.30pm at the town's Republican Memorial. Wreaths were laid earlier at the Republican Plot in Killavarnogue cemetery.
James O'Shea laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement. Pat Garvey recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge. The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read. Líta Ní Chathmhaoil, Ard-Rúnaí, Sinn Féin Poblachtach, gave the oration, in the course of which she said:
"The Republican Sinn Féin analysis has been proved to be correct. Events since January have shown that British rule and the Unionist Veto on Irish freedom and independence are stronger than ever. Former Republicans became Ministers of the Crown last November, working the Partition statelet in the interests of Britain.
"Republicans did not take part in the long struggle in order to end up with a New Stormont and its so-called reforms or for a 'reformed' RUC by any name. The struggle was for a New Ireland with the British gone."
The ceremony ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
In Tralee, Republicans assembled at the Pikeman Monument in Denny Street, and marched behind a colour party to the Republican Plot at Rath Cemetery.
The proceedings were chaired by George Rice. A decade of the Rosary was recited. Siobhán Walsh read the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. The 1916 Proclamation was also read.
A fine oration was delivered by Geraldine MacNamara, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin, Tipperary. She said that the Stormont Agreement of 1998 was yet another betrayal of the freedom fighters of the past and another group of Irish traitors accepted British rule in part of Ireland.
She continued: "Today we must have the courage to face those who are damaging the cause of Irish nationhood. Since it was carved out of Ireland 80 years ago on the basis of a sectarian head-count the Six-County area has never been a democracy. Fifty years of one-party unionist rule were followed by the Sunningdale collapse and ongoing conflict. Now another artificial means has been devised to govern an artificial area under British rule. And that will fail because it does not address the basic cause of the conflict -- the presence of the British government in Ireland.
"When the British suspended the Stormont assembly they showed the contempt in which they held the Irish people and the Stormont Agreement was no more valid than the Treaty of Limerick. But don't forget. Articles 2 and 3 of the Free State constitution have forever been removed from the statute books. The people of Ireland were told that by getting rid of them it would help bring about a united Ireland. But the British presence is only copper-fastened by any agreement that does not have a declaration by the British to withdraw on the top of its agenda.
"Republican Sinn Féin stands as the only political organisation who will not recognise or legitimise Partition or the States that have resulted from it. We will not be asking Irish people to join the RUC or take seats in Stormont, Westminster or Leinster House."
LIMERICK had one of the largest commemorations for many years on Easter Sunday. Over 150 people marched behind a Republican colour party and Na Fianna Éireann, led by Christy Leo playing the pipes.
The proceedings were chaired by Timmy King. Michael Ryan laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement and Larry McCaffrey, Kinawley, Co Fermanagh laid a wreath on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin. The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Rose Lynch.
Emmett Walsh, Offaly, delivered an outstanding oration, following which the crowd marched to the grave of Vol Seán Glynn, where a wreath was laid. Timmy King told the crowd that Seán Glynn was one of the men who were arrested in Bodenstown in 1936. He was imprisoned in Arbour Hill where he was found dead in his cell under a Fianna Fáil regime. Seán Glynn, a young Republican, was aged 24 years.
THE North Tipperary commem-oration was held at the Hunger Strike Memorial in Banba Square, Nenagh, on Easter Sunday. More than fifty people attended the ceremonies which were chaired by Donal Malone.
Gearóid Ó Broin recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge. The North Tipperary Roll of Honour was read and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Republican Movement at the Memorial by Michael Nolan, Roscrea. The 1916 Proclamation was read. The Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by John Monks. The oration was delivered by Liam Cotter, Tralee.
Later on Easter Sunday a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the grave of Jack Moloney in Roscrea.
On Easter Saturday a wreath was laid at the Republican Plot in St Michael's Cemetery in Tipperary town.
THE main Dublin commemoration took place at the GPO, O Connell Street, at 12 noon on Easter Sunday. A contingent of Republican supporters formed up at Abbey Street behind a colour party and Na Fianna Éireann, and marched the short distance to the GPO, where a crowd of between 400 and 500 people attended.
The proceedings were chaired by Andy Connolly, who welcomed the large attendance and called on Róisín Hayden to read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement, following which the 1916 Proclamation was read by Paddy Ennis. A wreath was laid at the GPO by Johnathan Bermingham, and a fine oration was delivered by Michael McManus, Fermanagh, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin.
He said that the ideals of 1916 have been ignored by all other political organisations and replaced by the British-conceived agenda of Stormont and no amount of spin-doctoring can suggest otherwise. The objectives of Easter Week are still adhered to by true Republicans in Republican Sinn Féin and should be supported by all nationally-minded people, he said.
He went on to say:
"Today in the first year of this New Millennium we are confronted by yet another betrayal. The corrupt and morally bankrupt Free State political parties and the former nationalists and pseudo-Republican parties of the occupied northern Six Counties have combined to copper-fasten continued British occupation by acceptance of the Stormont Agreement of Easter 1998.
"The concept of a 32-County Irish nation has been abandoned. The right of the Irish people to the island of Ireland has been denied once again. The noble ideals of the men and women of 1916 have been ignored and replaced by a British-conceived agenda of Stormont and no amount of spin-doctoring can suggest otherwise.
"What Republicans find most galling about the Stormont process and its aftermath is that today all these elements, fellow-conspirators involved in treachery, will gather at the graves of our dead patriots to pay lip- service to the sacrifice and ideals of those who made the supreme sacrifice to bring the ideals of 1916 to a living vibrant reality. Their hypocrisy is breath-taking. This is the ultimate insult."
The ceremony ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann. Following the commemoration a wreath was laid at the Republican Plot in Glasnevin Cemetery by Tom Ryan.
The commemoration in Deansgrange cemetery, organised by the Cathal Brugha Cumann, Dún Laoghaire/Bray, was held on Easter Monday. The party assembled at the main gates and marched to the Republican Plot behind the National Flag.
The proceedings were chaired by Andy Connolly. A wreath was laid by Dan Donoghue and the National Flag was carried by James McDonagh. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Joe Phelan. The Easter Statement was read by Seán McGoldrick. The oration was given by Seán Ó Sé, Ard-Chomhairle member, Republican Sinn Féin.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann on the tin whistle by Seán Ó Sé.
REPUBLICAN Sinn Féin held its Easter Commemoration on Easter Sunday. A crowd of more than 50 people assembled at the Adelphi Cinema and marched to St Patrick's Cemetery to the Republican Plot.
The parade was led by the Tricolour and a lone piper, Amanda Stewart. Proceedings were chaired by Paddy Kerr, Dundalk.
The 1916 Proclamation was read by Justin McCarthy and the Easter Statement from the Leadership read by Gerald Crilly. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by bugler James Callan and Paddy Kerr delivered the oration, calling on everyone present to uphold the principles of Republcian Sinn Féin in bringing about a free and just society in Ireland.
THE Kildare Easter Sunday Commemoration was held at the graveside of Frank Driver, Ballymore Eustace, Co Wicklow.
Matt Conway, Republican Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member, chaired the proceedings. Wreaths were laid at the grave and a decade of the Rosary and the 1916 Proclamation were read.
The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read and a fine oration was delivered by Paul Stanley.
Wreaths were laid in Kildare at Rathcoffey, Celbridge, Maynooth, Bodenstown, Old Kilcullen, Kildare town, Newbridge, Milltown and Hollywood and Blessington in Co Wicklow.
THE Easter Commemoration was held on Easter Sunday in Ardagh Cemetery, the 75th such commemoration to be organised by the Longford Committee.
A contingent of Republicans from Longford town, Abbeylara, Ballyleague and Mostrim assembled at the cemetery gates and, under instructions from Chairperson, Councillor Seán Lynch, formed up behind the National Flag and marched to the grave of Vol Alfred McHugh, Irish Citizen Army, who died in 1919 from wounds sustained in Easter Week 1916.
At the recently restored gravestone of Vol McHugh, the Chairperson welcomed those in attendance and gave a brief history of Alfred McHugh's involvement with the Irish Citizen Army. He then opened proceedings with a decade of the Rosary in Irish, following which Patsy Kiernan read the 1916 Proclamation and the Longford Roll of Honour.
Councillor Lynch then read a list of local cemeteries, naming the Republican dead interred in them, and then called on Mary Casey to read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
The oration was delivered by John Horan Dublin, who stated that "Vol McHugh did not fight for so-called 'civil rights'; he did not fight for the British to stay provided they treat us better; he did not fight so that Leinster House-registered so-called 'Republicans' could dress in nice suits as they check on the progress of their holiday homes in Donegal."
Two wreaths were then laid on the grave, the first by local Republican Stephen Fulham and the second by John Mimnagh, a cousin of Vol Alfred McHugh. Councillor Lynch then named local Republicans who have died in the last year, with special mention for the late Martin Carney, an "invaluable worker for the Republican Movement".
The Chairperson then instructed those present to fall in behind the flag-bearer and the parade left the cemetery and re-grouped at the gates where, following the playing of the National Anthem, the proceedings ended and the group dispersed.
A WREATH-laying ceremony took place at 12 noon on Easter Sunday by the Thomas Allen Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin at Kilglass Cemetery, Longwood at the grave of Lieut Tom Allen, killed at the Four Courts in 1916.
On Easter Monday another wreath-laying ceremony took place in Culmellen, Co Meath at the grave of Fian Séamus Fox, killed at Stephen's Green, Dublin in 1916.
WREATH-laying ceremonies were held throughout the county.
THE annual Co Westmeath Easter 1916 Commemoration took place on Easter Sunday in Fore, Castlepollard at the grave of Comdt Paddy Dermody, IRA. More than thirty people were in attendance.
The proceedings were chaired by Seosamh Ó Maoileoin. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Seán Lynch and the Co Westmeath Roll of Honour by Ciaran Dolan. The Statement from the Leadership was read by Tommy Morris.
REPUBLICANS gathered at the Crescent Quay, Wexford on Easter Sunday. They marched from there to the Bull Ring and proceeded from there to Crosstown Cemetery.
Chairing the ceremony Séamus Mac Suain called on Mrs Kavanagh to lay a wreath on behalf of the National Graves Association and Des Dalton laid a wreath on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin.
The Wexford Roll of Honour was read by Tom Malone and Jimmy Kavanagh read the Easter Statement. The oration was given by Republican Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Des Dalton, Kildare.
THE main Galway Easter Commemoration ceremony took place at Donaghpatrick Cemetary, Headford.
The ceremony, to mark the 84th Anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916, was held in brilliant sunshine on Easter Sunday afternoon, after a piper and colour party led a parade from nearby Caherlistrane. A large crowd attended the commemoration, during which wreaths were laid by family members of the Republicans buried there, all of whom had been executed, were shot, or died on hunger-strike at the hands of the Free State in the 1920s and 1940s.
The commemoration started with a minutes silence and a decade of the rosary (led by Seán Mac An Iomaire, Gaillimh), in memory of all those who gave their lives for Ireland. The 1916 Proclamation was then read by Joe D'Arcy (Galway), son of Comdt Tony Darcy, who died on hunger strike in Arbor Hill prison for political status in 1940.
The Roll of Honour of those who died for freedom in Galway was then read by Thomas Cuffe, and the following wreaths were laid: by Niall Foster, on behalf of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin; by Joe Darcy, on behalf of the Darcy family; by Tom Moylan (Annaghdown), on behalf of Galway Comhairle Ceantair of Republican Sinn Féin, and by Fergal O'Neill, on behalf of Republicans in the Occupied Six Counties. The statement was then read from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. The commemoration ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
The oration was delivered by Dan Hoban, Newport, Co. Mayo. He said: "Republican Sinn Féin are not 'dissidents', as described in the media, but are the direct inheritors of the men of 1916. We are only dissidents to the Good Friday Agreement, which we said at the time would not work, and this has now been shown to be so, as Britain has the final say in enforcing the Unionist Veto, and bringing down Stormont for the fifth time."
Dan Hoban criticised those former Republicans who now sought to have Stormont reinstated. "They would do well to remember that the sacrifices made by the Republican Volunteers of the 1970s and 1980s, including those who died on hunger-strike in Long Kesh, were not made for a New Stormont, but for a Free Ireland, where our children, and the children of all traditions in the Irish Nation, would live to see the fruits of true peace – peace with justice – and the British Army and Government gone from our shores for good, never to return."
Dan Hoban also sent greetings to the Republican prisoners, north and south, who would not be qualifying for early release this Summer, as they were opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.
He particularly mentioned the plight of Josephine Hayden, incarcerated in Limerick Prison, who was now the only female political prisoner on the island, and that despite her poor health, she was being denied political status, in an effort to break her resolve.
A WREATH-laying ceremony was held at the recently-unveiled Cull-Tymon memorial in Arigna on Holy Saturday evening.
On Easter Sunday afternoon the annual Co Leitrim Easter commemoration was held in Drumshanbo at the grave of Séamus McGlynn and Jim Vaugh.
Mícheál McDonagh presided and Declan Curneen was the speaker. Jim McCormack, nephew of Captain Jim Vaugh attended and his sister laid a wreath on the grave. Easter Lilies were very much in evidence in the town.
Wreaths were laid at Vol Jack McCabe's grave in Rossinver on behalf of his family. The 1916 Proclamation and the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement were read. In Manorhamilton at the town's memorial to Capt Phil Gilgunn, killed in November 1922 by Free State forces, the 1916 Proclamation and the Easter Statement were read. Declan Curneen chaired the proceedings.
THE annual Easter 1916 Commemoration took place at the East Mayo Brigade IRA Memorial in Kilkelly, Co Mayo on Easter Monday.
The parade formed up at the church gate at 12 noon and headed by a colour party and a piper from the Balla Pipe Band marched through the town to the Memorial.
Dan Hoban, Newport, presided at the ceremony and Seán Mac an Iomaire, Gaillimh led the recitation of a decade of the Rosary in Irish for all those who died for Ireland.
Tomás Ó Curraoin read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
Wreaths were laid by Síle Henaghan, Bundorracha, Leenane on behalf of Cumann na mBan; by Peter Spellman, Newport on behalf of Republican prisoners in Belfast, Portlaoise and Limerick; by Paddy O'Reilly on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin and Maitias Ó Gormaile for Galway Republicans.
Joe O'Neill, Bundoran, Co Donegal, gave the oration. The proceedings ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
EASTER 1916 commemoration ceremonies were held at several venues in Co Roscommon on Easter Sunday.
All were under the auspices of the Co Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee.
The attendance at the IRA Memorial in Ballinlough at 12 noon was the biggest ever. Michael Hannily, Ballinagare presided there and John Gaffey led the crowd in the recitation of a decade of the Rosary in Irish.
Joe Murphy, Ballinlough, read the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic issued at Easter 1916. Stephen French read the Co Roscommon Roll of Honour. Berney Doherty read the Easter Statement from the leadership of the Republican Movement.
Wreaths were laid on the memorial to Michael Glavey, Pat Glynn and Michael J Keane killed by British troops at Ballinlough RIC barracks in 1920.
Michael T Mitchell laid a wreath on behalf of the organising committee, Ruairí Ó Béarra on behalf of Republican prisoners in Belfast, Portlaoise and Limerick; Pádraic Ó Broin, Philadelphia, USA on behalf of relatives.
After the 11.30am Mass in Elphin a parade took place to the Co Roscommon IRA Memorial at Shankill Cross. Pádraic Cryan, Cortober, chairman of the Memorial Committee, presided. He deplored the defacing with paint of the memorial on St Patrick's Day and called for subscriptions to the fund for its restoration.
Patsy O'Connell, Elphin, secretary of the Committee, recited a deacde of the Rosary in Irish. Addie Clarke, Hillstreet, read the 1916 Proclamation and Yvonne Mullooly, Strokestown, the Roll of Honour. Farrell Conry, Elphin, laid a wreath on behalf of the Commemoration Committee.
The County Commemoration was held ar Fourmilehouse at 3.30pm. The parade formed up on the Fourmilehouse-Strokestown road and headed by a colour party bearing the 1916 flags and the Raheen Pipe Band marched to Ballinderry Cemetery.
The ceremony took place at the graveside of Vol John Conry, IRA where Dermot Mullooly, Strokestown presided. After the decade of the Rosary and the 1916 proclamation, Farrell Conry read the Roll of Honour. Pádraic Cryan read the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
Wreaths were laid by Joe Kelly, Kilglass on behalf of the relatives; by Henry Owens, Strokestown on behalf of Republican prisoners; by TJ Flanagan, Kilglass on behalf of Roscommon Comhairle Ceantair, Republican Sinn Féin and by Pádraic Cryan on behalf of the organising committee.
Mary Ward, Donegal, Chairperson of Comhairle Uladh, Republican Sinn Féin gave the oration. She said that John Conry, a member of Ballinaheglish Company, IRA was taken from his home at Rathconnor by members of the British forces from Roscommon with blackened faces ten days after the Fourmilehouse Ambush. He was brought up the road from his house and shot five times.
The proceedings ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
SLIGO Republicans gathered at the Republican Plot to pay tribute to Sligo's 'Noble Six' who were shot by Free State Forces on the slopes of Ben Bulben in September 1922.
Con Darcy chaired the event. The 1916 Proclamation was read, following which Eamon Healy read the Easter Statement from the Leadership. Sligo's Roll of Honour was read and a minute's silence in memory of our patriotic dead was observed.
A wreath were laid by Val Harnon. Seán McGoldrick, Ard-Rúnaí, Sinn Féin Poblachtach, delivered the oration in the course of which he said that over the past year we have seen bizarre events taking place which have added insult upon insult on the proud tradition of Republicanism.
The event ended with the saying of a decade of the Rosary in Irish.
THE Glasgow Easter Commemoration took place on Easter Sunday. The 1916 Proclamation and the Statement from the Leadership were read. Wreaths were laid and Máirtín Ó Catháin delivered the oration.
A LARGE gathering of around 80 people assembled at the Fenian Monument on the outskirts of Liverpool on Easter Sunday to support the Easter Rising commemoration organised by Republican Sinn Féin. The main speaker for the occasion was Brendan Magill.
Rachel O'Neill of the local John Whelan/Manchester Martyrs Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin, opened the proceedings with the reading of the 1916 Proclamation and then Jim O'Dwyer, Chairperson of the Comhairle Ceantair, read the Roll of Honour of those Republicans who had died in England at the hands of the British State.
The reading was followed by the presentation of wreaths and flowers on behalf of the Leadership of the Republican Movement and the host Cumann and a minute's silence was observed.
The Easter Statement was read by Pat Mac Domhnaill (Liverpool) and Brendan Magill gave the oration. He said: "We recall our comrades from this generation who died in England. Their's was a lonely struggle among our enemies but with courage, conviction and a belief in the future of our people they gave their lives for the Irish Republic.
"The Republic they died for was the Republic of Tone, Pearse and Connolly. This new Stormont is a British institution and those who sit in it or hold office are lackeys of the people who have ruled Ireland for 800 years. They not only recognise the Free State but England's right to rule in Ireland.
"Republican Sinn Féin stands on the Rock of the Republic. We are part of a great Movement that has pledged to continue the fight until we achieve the Republic our comrades died for. We will not fail them for Republican Sinn Féin cannot be bought and will never be beaten. Long live the Republic!"
Brendan received a great ovation at the end of his speech.
The ceremony was concluded by Sharon, who played a beautiful lament on the flute. This was much appreciated by the gathering. Pat Mac Domhnaill, in closing the ceremony, said that it was by far the best supported Easter commemoration on that side of the Irish Sea.
AT 2.30pm on Easter Monday, the John Whelan/Manchester Martyrs Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin held a commemoration at the Martyrs Memorial in Moston Cemetery. Supporters were also present.
Len Browne-McKeyes read the Proclamation and a wreath was laid on behalf of the local Cumann. A one-minute's silence was observed, followed by the reading of the Roll of Honour. Debbie Grew read the Easter Statement.
The group then visited a graveside nearby where two former members of Cumann na mBan, sisters Catherine and Ellen Doherty, formerly of Lisacul, County Roscommon, are laid to rest. A wreath of flowers was left at the graveside.
ON Easter Sunday the Irish Freedom Committee/Cumann na Saoirse held their Easter commemoration at O'Lunney's in Midtown Manhattan. It was attended by supporters of the Republican Movement in the Tri-State area.
Rand March, Chairperson of the New York Chapter, read the 1916 Proclamation. John McDonagh delivered the Easter Message from the Republican Movement in Ireland. Tom McGrath read a solidarity message from Cumann na Saoirse Co-founder George Harrison. Gina Sigilitto conveyed a message of support from Josephine Hayden.
Brian Mór Ó Baoighill spoke of the history and events surrounding past Easter commmeorations in New York and paid tribute to Republican leaders and activists that were in the forefront in the last century. A moment of silence was held for those who have departed.
In a statement read at the commemoration the Irish Freedom Committee said: "It is time we take back the term 'Republican' from those who are unworthy. The Irish Freedom Committee, Cumann na Saoirse is the true Irish Republican movement in America just as Republican Sinn Féin is the true inheritors of Republicanism in Ireland. We both walk parallel roads without departure.
"We know it is a dangerous road and a long road, but we will never waiver in our commitment. It is through the commitment and support of members and friends that we are are able to meet our primary financial obligation and render assistance to CABHAIR (Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund."
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