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| NEWS FROM
SAOIRSE (freedom). The Voice of the Irish Republican Movement. http://rsf.ie 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 229 Falls Road, Belfast |
THE Republican Sinn Féin commemoration took place at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast in driving wind and rain.
An eight-strong colour party carrying the Tricolour, Fianna, Starry Plough, Cumann na mBan and Four Provinces flags, led the parade from the cemetery gates to the Sean-IRA Plot. The new flag of the Belfast Brigade, Cumann na mBan was paraded for the first time to rousing applause from the gathered crowd.
The parade was followed by over 150 people, also in attendance were the family of Volunteer Paul 'Basil' Fox IRA, who died in a premature explosion along with his comrade Vol Laura Crawford, Cumann na mBan in December 1975. Geraldine Taylor, Vice-President, Republican Sinn Féin, chaired the proceedings.
The Proclamation was read by Veteran Belfast Republican Davey Taylor and the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read. Wreaths were then laid from Óglaigh na hÉireann; Cumann na mBan; Republican Sinn Féin; Fianna Éireann and Republican POWs. A wreath was also laid at the Republican Plot by the Fox family.
The flags were then dipped in salute during a one-minute silence. Des Long, Limerick, Vice-President of Republican Sinn Féin, gave the oration and was well received by the enthusiastic crowd in attendance.
He said: “In every generation we have had brave men and women who have had the courage to challenge the British Empire -- men and women of vision and a determined spirit to take on the power and might of the British militancy -- it is these men and women we honour today.”
He went on to say: “Our task here today is to honour all those who have fallen in the struggle for Irish freedom; but let there be no mistake: the fight is not over.”
He ended by saying: “Today on this most sacred of days in the Republican calendar we appeal to all steadfast Republicans to once again take up the torch of Irish freedom and work with Republican Sinn Féin towards achieving the objectives of the Irish Republic.” Geraldine Taylor concluded the ceremony by calling on everyone to get involved in the Republican struggle and to work to have political status restored as a right to Irish Republican prisoners of war.
A SIGNIFICANTLY larger crowd than usual turned out to honour the 1916 Rising at Republican Sinn Féin’s annual Easter commemoration at the Republican Plot, St Patrick’s Cemetery, in the historic city of Armagh.
Kevin Trainor presided and began proceedings by pointing out the continuity of the Republican struggle in Armagh city, as demonstrated by a plaque in the graveyard that commemorates the 1798 patriot priest Fr James O’Coigly.
Re-enacting Pádraig Pearse on Easter Monday 1916, Deirdre Dalton read the 1916 proclamation. Those on the local Roll of Honour were remembered by Tony McCracken and wreaths were laid on behalf of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Republican prisoners and the Corrigan/McKearney Cumann of Sinn Féin Poblachtach. Gearóid Mac Giolla Cheara recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish.
There was sustained applause for a stirring reading of the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement by Malachy Trainor.
Finally, Veteran Republican Niall Fagan delivered a fine and stirring oration that was well received by all present. During the course of his address, he condemned erstwhile Republicans for their counter-revolutionary activities. To much applause he told the crowd that “armed resistance was the way and the means of Pearse and Connolly”. He called for support for the campaign for political status for Tommy Crossan and his comrades.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Republican Plot, St Colman’s Cemetery, Lurgan.
DUE to the foot and mouth crisis commemorations were cancelled in South Armagh. However wreaths were laid at Republican graves throughout the area.
DUE to the foot and mouth crisis the Cavan commemoration was called off. Wreaths were laid at Republican graves throughout the area.
THE main Derry commemoration took place in the city ceremony at 12 noon on Easter Sunday. Michael McGonigle, Dungiven, chaired the proceedings and read the Easter Statementr from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. Alice Fleming read the Proclamation and Frank O’Neill the Derry Roll of Honour. Fergus McCabe said a decade of the Rosary in Irish and wreaths were laid by Gary Darcy and Felix McAteer. Mary Ward, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Uladh, Republican Sinn Féin, Donegal, gave the oration. Following the commemoration a wreath was laid at the Seán Keenan memorial in the Bogside by Michael McGonigle.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place on Easter Sunday at the Loup Cemetery at the grave of Brigadier Seán Larkin by Seán Lynn. At Dungiven Cemetery a wreath was laid at the grave of Vol James Kealy by his brother Thomas Kealy. A wreath was also laid at the graves of Vols O’Carolan and Kilmartin by Michael Begley; at the grave of hunger striker Kevin Lynch by his sister Bridie Lynch and at the grave of Tommy Toner by Damian McGonigle.
Around 300 people attended the County Donegal commemoration at Drumboe on Easter Sunday. The parade formed up at Johnston’s Corner, Stranorlar and led by a colour party and the Dr Arthurs Accordion Band from the Glens of Antrim marched to the Drumboe Martyrs Monument in the town.
The proceedings were chaired by Joe O’Neill, Bundoran and the Chief Marshall was Jimmy McElhinney, Omagh. Wreaths were laid by Jimmy McElhinney on behalf of the Leadership; by Mick Cullen on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin and by James Sweeney, ex-prisoner, on behalf of the Drumboe Commemoration Committee. The flags were dipped to a roll of the drum. The Easter Statement was read by John McElhinney and Feilim McAteer read the 1916 Proclamation. Fergus McCabe recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge.
The oration was delivered by Mary Ward, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Uladh, Republican Sinn Féin.
A WREATH-laying ceremony took place at St Mary’s Cemetery, Newry on Easter Sunday. The Proclamation was read by Gerald Crilly. Margaret Matthews said a decade of the Rosary, a wreath was laid by Frank Gartland on behalf of the National Graves and by Aisling White on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin. Sarah Murphy, Ard Chomhairle, read the Easter Statement and gave a short oration.
ON Easter Monday Fermanagh Republicans gathered in Arney Cemetery at the grave of Vol Philip Cassidy who fought at the GPO in Dublin in Easter Week 1916.
Seán Mac Oscair presided at the commemoration. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin by Cathleen Magee and a laurel wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement. The Easter Statement was read by Michael McManus and a minute’s silence was observed.
In his oration Ruairí Óg Ó Brádaigh, Publicity Officer, Republican Sinn Féin, called on young Irish people not to join any British police force in Ireland. He said that ÉIRE NUA, a four province federal Ireland, a constituent assembly in the context of a British declaration of intent to withdraw and social justice could achieve democracy for all the Irish people.
“Together they constitute a credible alternative to the Stormont Agreement which will not work whether in the short, medium or long term. Join with Republican Sinn Féin to restore all-Ireland democracy,” he said.
MONAGHAN Republicans assembled at the Fergal O'Hanlon Memorial on the Clones Road, Monaghan at 12 noon on Easter Sunday, where Fergal Moore, Ard Chomhairle, 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 a wreath-laying ceremony took place at Killaloe Bridge to honour those Republican Volunteers who were murdered by Black-and-Tans, Vol Rodgers, McMahon, Kildea and Egan. In a short oration Paddy Kenneally said that East Clare had always been an area which resisted British rule, especially in 1920 when Volunteers of the East Clare Brigade fought the Black-and-Tans, the RIC and other regiments of the British army. He said that Republican Sinn Féin were proud to lay a wreath at the monument in their honour.
The county commemoration took place on Easter Monday at Drumcliffe Cemetery, Ennis. A parade, led by a colour party and a piper, marched from a nearby carpark.
Wreaths were laid at the graveside of Patrick Mahoney, Christopher Quinn and William O’Shaughnessy, all of Ennis who were executed by Free State forces in 1923. The latter two were actually done to death two days after the Republican ceasefire came into operation on April 30, 1923. James Glynn, also of Ennis, who was killed by the Blueshirts in 1934, is also buried in this grave. The fine memorial stone was erected by Republican Veterans in the USA, in memory of all four Republican soldiers.
Paddy Kennealy presided and the Easter Statement was read by Sinéad Kenneally. Martin Calligan of Kilmurry McMahon also spoke.
The oration was delivered by Seán Ó Brádaigh, Dublin. He said that in order to achieve a permanent peace based on justice in Ireland there were three requirements.
“Firstly, the Westminster government must accept the right of the Irish people to their freedom. There must be a declaration of intent to withdraw, followed by a phased and orderly withdrawal. This means England accepting at last what she refused to accept in 1918 and 1919.
“Secondly, both states, of Six and 26 Counties, must be replaced with new 32-County structures, coupled with four provincial parliaments along with regional, local and community government. This would be a new democracy with real power-sharing and would guarantee the rights of all.
“Thirdly, we need a new social order, with programmes to develop the nation’s resources, caring for all citizens, not just an elite of capitalists, native or foreign.
“Agus ní foláir an teanga Ghaeilge agus ár gcultúr a neartú, appealing to the better instincts of the youth of Ireland and giving them an opportunity to develop their distinct Irishness.
“We need investment in education, health services and a healthy environment. We need to replace the motivation of greed with the fine principles of the Democratic Programme of the First Dáil,” he concluded.
THE Cork Easter commemoration commenced with assembly at the Wilton Roundabout at 2pm. The large crowd, led by two pipers, followed by a colour party of the Tricolour and the Cumann na mBan 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. Alfie McAvoy read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
A very appropriate oration was delivered by Seán Ó Sé, 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.
The ceremonies were chaired by Pat Garvey, who also read the Proclamation and the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.Jerome O’Neill, brother of Maurice O’Neill, laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement. A decade of the Rosary was recited as Gaeilge. A piper played a lament. Josephine Hayden, who was released from Limerick prison last July, gave a fine oration, in the course of which she said:
“At the moment Tommy Crossan, a political prisoner, is being treated as a criminal prisoner in Maghaberry prison. He is housed with loyalist thugs who have hospitalised him from a severe beating. They have also scalded Tommy with boiling water, threatened his wife and family on visits and generally make life very difficult. The prison authorities turn a blind eye. Conditions for him have deteriorated since his campaign for political status has gained momentum. It will probably further deteriorate when Tommy stands as a candidate in the forthcoming British general election on an abstentionist basis to highlight the campaign to win back political status. He is now being strip-searched on a daily basis (often more than once) and his mail is being tampered with – he is not receiving all his mail. In March Tommy’s family were informed that they are on a loyalist death list.” She called for support for Tommy and his comrades.
The ceremony ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
In Tralee, a large crowd of Republicans assembled at the Pikeman Monument in Denny Street, and marched behind a six-person colour party and a lone piper to the Republican Plot at Rath Cemetery.
The proceedings were chaired by George Rice. A wreath was laid by Donie Coffey. Dan Keating (99), Tan War Veteran, who has recently recovered from an operation, laid a wreath on behalf of Republcian Sinn Féin and received a warm welcome from all present. A decade of the Rosary was recited. Siobhán Walsh, Listowel, read the Proclamation and the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Éamon Breen, Castleisland. The Last Post was performed by bugler Pat Sharpe, Killarney.
A fine oration was delivered by Sean McCusker, Fermanagh.
On Easter Saturday a wreath-laying ceremony was held by the Doherty-Daly Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin at the Republican Plot, Castleisland, the home of the Moonlighters. John Kelly, Listria, Firies laid the wreath in honour of all those who died for Irish freedom. Wreaths was also laid by Michael Mitchell in honour of Republican hunger striker Brendan Doherty, Currow and in honour of Charlie Daly, Firies who was executed by the Free State at Drumboe Castle, Co Donegal. The Doherty-Daly Cumann is named after both of these Irish Republicans.
On Easter Sunday a wreath-laying ceremony was held by Republican Sinn Féin at the Eddie Carmody Memorial, Ballylongford. John Sheal, Ballylongford laid the wreath in honour of all those who died for Irish freedom. Twenty-six-County political police showed a lot of interest in the proceedings.
Members of Republican Sinn Féin from North Kerry laid a wreath at the Republican Plot, Listowel on Easter Sunday, closely watched by the Free State political police.The wreath was laid by Bill O’Shea, Ballylongford. A special thanks to Peter Hayes, Listowel who donated the wreath.
A VERY large crowd attended the Easter commemoration on Easter Sunday.
More than 250 people marched behind a nine-man Republican colour party and Na Fianna Éireann.
The proceedings were chaired by Joe Lynch. Veteran Republican Eddy Costello 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.
Sinéad Kenneally, a young Republican from Co Clare, gave a very moving oration, Joe Lynch thanked all those who turned out and told them that the struggle will continue until the last British soldier leaves Ireland. he called on all those who have been mislead to come back to the Republican Movement.
The crowd then marched to the grave of Vol Seán Glynn, where a wreath was laid by Ned Kavanagh. Joe Lynch concluded the proceedings by reminding the crowd that Seán Glynn was imprisoned in Arbour Hill where he was found dead in his cell under a Fianna Fáil regime in 1934 and attacked the corruption of the Leinster House politicians.
THE North Tipperary commemoration 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 Emmett Walsh, Offaly.
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 Fianna Éireann colour party and marched the short distance to the GPO, where a crowd of more than 500 people attended.
The proceedings were chaired by Andy Connolly, who welcomed the large attendance and called on Paddy Ennis to read the 1916 Proclamation. Róisín Hayden read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement, following which a wreath was laid at the GPO by Dan Donoghue. A Fianna bugler played the Last Post and Reveille. A fine oration was delivered by Des Dalton, Kildare, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin.
In the course of his oration Des Dalton attacked moves by the British and Free State governments to lure young nationalists into a repackaged RUC, “whilst also enlisting organisations such as the GAA as recruiting sergeants”. He quoted hunger striker Francis Hughes who followed Bobby Sands on hunger strike and called on those present to attend commemorative events throughout the country, in particular the Dublin rally being held at the GPO, Dublin on May 5, the anniversary of Bobby Sands death.
The ceremony ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann. Following the commemoration a wreath was laid at the Republican Plot in Glasnevin Cemetery.
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 Peig Galligan and the National Flag was carried by James McDonagh. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Garret Donoghue. The Easter Statement was read by Seán McGoldrick. 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. The assembled crowd marched from the gates of St Patrick’s Cemetery to the Republican Plot.
The parade was led by the Tricolour carried by Ruairí White. Proceedings were chaired by Paddy Kerr, Dundalk.The 1916 Proclamation was read by Gerald Crilly and the Easter Statement from the Leadership read by Sarah Murphy. Frank Hanratty said a decade of the Rosary.The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by bugler James Callan and Sarah Murphy delivered the oration.
THE main ceremony took place at 12 noon on Easter Sunday as Republicans from Kildare and west Wicklow marched behind a colour party to the Republican Plot in Gregabbey outside Kildare town, the last resting place of seven soldiers of the Republic, executed by the Free State in December 1922.
The proceedings were chaired by Matt Conway, Kilcullen. Paul Stanley recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Brian O’Connell. Ibar Hawkins read the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
The oration was given by Tomás Ó Cléirigh, Ard Chomhairle, Dublin, who recalled that seventy-seven soldiers of the Republic were executed in that sorrowful period 1922-23.
“Gallant men whose hearts and minds were ablaze with the Easter dream, killed by those who compromise. To compromise with tyranny is to strengthen tyranny and to become its agent”. He said that those who accept the Stormont pact which includes drawing Ireland into a British Council of the Isles are helping to re-impose the British Connection – “thus making of themselves de facto unionists”.
The Cathaoirleach, Matt Conway then called for a minutes silence for all those who died for Irish Freedom.
Wreaths were also laid at Rathcoffey, Cellbridge, Bodenstown, Old Kilcullen, New Bridge, Milltown and Hollywood in Co Wicklow.
A WREATH was laid on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin at the Memorial in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny to Volunteers Seán Hartley and Nicholas Mullins of the North Kilkenny Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann who were killed in the Black-and-Tan War.
DUE to the foot and mouth crisis commemorations were cancelled Co Longford. However wreaths were laid at Republican graves throughout the area.
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.
ON Easter Sunday the parade formed up in Church Street, Athlone at 3pm and led by a flag-bearer carrying the Irish Tricolour marched to the Athlone Brigade IRA Memorial in Costume Place beside the historic bridge of Athlone. The proceedings were chaired by Seosamh Ó Maoileoin, Tyrellspass, the Rosary was recited as Gaeilge by Séamus Ó Dálaigh and wreaths were laid by Kathleen Tormey and Tommy Morris. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Jimmy Doyle and the Roll of Honour by Kathleen Tormey. Tommy Morris read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement and a fine oration was delivered by Frank Graham, Dublin.
LED by a smartly-turned out colour party one of the largest crowds in recent years marched in the traditional Republican parade from Crescent Quay to the Bullring. They proceeded from there by bus and car to St Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown, marching from the cemetery gates to the Republican Plot.
At the Republican Plot they were welcomed by Séamus Mac Suain, who chaired the proceedings. Margaret Kavanagh laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement and Jimmy Hanley on behalf of the Wexford Easter Commemoration Committee. Before the ceremony wreaths had been laid on the graves of Paddy Parle, John Lacey and Matthew Furlong in Crosstown, Con McCarthy, Bernie Radford at Murrinstown, Joe Whitty, Ballymore and at the Kyle Cross Memorial. Mrs Hunt read the Proclamation of the Republic and Tom Malone read the Wexford Roll of Honour. A decade of the Rosary was recited by Frank McManus.
Seán McGoldrick, Dublin, Ard Chomhairle, Sinn Féin Poblachtach, gave a spirited oration in which he stressed that there are still Republicans in jail who were being denied political status.
A minute’s silence followed then the dipping and raising of the Tricolour. The Chairperson concluded by thanking the crowd for their attendance and reminding them of the annual Parle, Crean and Hogan commemoration. Earlier in the day a special Mass in honour of those who died for Ireland was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Wexford.
THE Galway City commemoration was held at the Liam Mellows statue at Eyre Square, Galway on Easter Sunday morning, and following a parade from the Cathedral, led by a piper and the National Flag. At Eyre Square, the commemoration was chaired by Tomas O Curraoin, (Bearna). The 1916 Proclamation was read by Colette Butler (Knocknacarra) and the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Conchur Ó Brádaigh (Castlegar). A wreath was laid at the monument by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, on behalf of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin.
The Headford commemoration was held at the Republican Plot at Donoghpatrick Cemetery and was attended by several hundred people. It followed a parade from Caherlistrane, led by a piper and a Republican colour party, and was chaired by Tomas O Curraoin (Bearna).
The 1916 Proclamation was read by Joe D’Arcy (son of Tony D’Arcy, Galway hunger striker who is buried at Donoghpatrick), and the Roll of Honour of Galway people who had died in the freedom struggle was read by Brendan Madden (Tynagh). Duirt Sean Mac An Iomaire (Cathair na Gaillimhe) deichniur den phaidrin ar son iad siud a fuair bas.
The Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Dan Hoban (Newport, Mayo). Wreaths were laid at the grave of the 10 volunteers by Joe D’Arcy, (on behalf of the Darcy family), by Tom Moylan (on behalf of the Moylan family, Annaghdown), by Dan Hoban (on behalf of Republicans in the occupied Six Counties), and by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh (on behalf of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin)
After his oration, a special presentation was made to Ruairí Ó Brádaigh by Frank Glynn (Milltown), former Chairman of Galway Co. Council, on behalf of Galway Republican Sinn Féin. The presentation was a framed print of the members of the First All-Ireland Dáil.
In his oration, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh said: “Today’s Ireland resulted from the defeat of the 1916-21 independence movement when the British partition settlement of the 1920s was forced on the Irish people in spite of their declared will in the elections of 1918, 1920 and again in 1921. The counter-revolutionary forces of the Free State filled the graves in Republican Plots throughout the 26 Counties to enforce England’s alternative to Irish national independence.
“Similarly the Stormont Agreement of 1998 which updated and broadened the base of British rule in Ireland was forced on the Irish people in two concurrent referendums under the threat of a return to ‘another 30 years of warfare’.
“Three years later that Agreement is still in crisis because it promised contradictions — the way to a united Ireland to nationalists and the strengthening of English rule to unionists. It will fail whether in the short, medium or long-term because Irish history has taught that as long as the British government remains in Ireland there will be those who will oppose it and resist it.
“The alternative lies in the EIRE NUA a proposals advocated by Republican Sinn Féin for 30 years: a new four-province federal Ireland, including a nine-county Ulster where the former unionists will have a working majority but the nationalists will be within reach of power. Strong regional boards and powerful district councils will reflect local majorities and minorities.”
The annual Co Leitrim ceremony was held in Jamestown at the grave of Vol Patrick Gill, IRA, shot dead by British forces in Drumsna in September 1920. Over 100 people were in attendance.
The parade formed up at the Shannon bridge and led by a colour party and a piper from the Raheen Band marched to the cemetery. Addie Clarke, Hillstreet, was chief marshal.
Declan Curneen, Glenade, presided at the graveside and Séamus McGovern, Tullaghan recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish. Seán Cassidy, Mohill laid a wreath.
The 1916 Proclamation was read by Addie Clarke and the Easter Statement by Joe Murphy, Ballinlough.
The oration was given by Fergal Moore, Monaghan, a member of the Ard Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin.
THE annual Easter 1916 Commemoration took place at the East Mayo Brigade IRA Memorial in Kilkelly, Co Mayo on Easter Monday. Dan Hoban, Newport chaired the ceremonies and read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. Wreaths were laid by Paddy O’Reilly, Kiltimagh on behalf of Mayo Republicans and by Síle Heneghan on behalf of Cumann na mBan. Liam Cotter, Tralee, Co Kerry gave the oration. The proceedings ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
WHILE the main Co Roscommon Easter 1916 commemoration on Sunday afternoon was cancelled due to the foot and mouth crisis, ceremonies in the morning went ahead in urban areas.
Following the 11.30 am Mass in Elphin a parade marched to the Co Roscommon IRA Memorial at Shankill Cross. Pádraic Cryan, Cortober, Chairperson of the Co Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee, presided and Patsy O’Connell, Elphin, Secretary, recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish.
The Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic, Easter 1916 was read by Addie Clarke, Hillstreet and the Co Roscommon Roll of Honour by Dermot Mullooly, Strokestown.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the oprganising committee by Joe Kelly, Kilglass, on behalf of Republican prisoners by Sam Cryan, Drumlion and on behalf of Roscommon Comhairle Ceantair by Farrell Conry, Elphin. Seán Fitzmaurice, Kilmore, read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.
The annual ceremony at the IRA memorial in Ballinlough was bigger and more successful than ever. Easter lilies were very much in evidence.
Joe Murphy, Ballinlough, was Master of Ceremonies and the 1916 Proclamation was read by Stephen French, Lisacul. Diarmaid Mac Diarmada, Lisacul, read the Co Roscommon Roll of Honour.
Wreaths were laid by Michael T Mitchell, Ballinlough on behalf of Republican prisoners, by Kevin Boyle on behalf of the Co Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee and by Stephen French on behalf of the families of IRA Volunteers Pat Glynn, Michael Glavey and Michael J Keane who were killed by British troops during the burning of Ballinlough RIC barracks in 1920. F Dolan, USA also laid a wreath and Berney Doherty, Ballinlough read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement.Michael McManus, Fermanagh then delivered the oration.
SLIGO 1916 Commemoration took place on Easter Sunday at 1pm. A parade formed up at the town's cemetery gates and marched to the 3rd Western Division IRA Memorial where Sligo's Noble Six are interred in the Republican Plot.
The Proclamation of the Republic 1916, the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement were read and Con Darcy gave the oration. About 20 people attended and wreaths were laid at the memorial.
IN bright sunshine a large crowd of Republicans assembled on Easter Sunday beside the monument to Patrick Pearse at Cambuslang GAA Ground. A Republican colour party of two women wearing white shirts and black skirts carried the National Flag and Starry Plough.
The proceedings were chaired by Stephen Coyle who welcomed the crowd on behalf of the organising committee. He called on Janice Ross to read the 1916 Proclamation. Seamus Filbin then read the Roll of Honour for Scotland.
Flowers were then laid on behalf of the organising committee by Sylvia Grant. The Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Damien Brogan whose people hail from Buncrana in Donegal.
The chairman called to mind Seamus ‘Ruairi’ Campbell who passed away last year. As a boy he was a member of Na Fianna Eireann, and is best remembered for the sterling work he did on behalf of the GAA and Comhaltas in Glasgow over several decades. A minute’s silence was then observed for the men and women who died for Ireland, particularly the Hunger Strike martyrs of 1981. Fermanagh man Owen Kelly, recited the poem Mise Eire.
Seán Feeney of the Gaelic League then led the crowd in a decade of the Rosary. The ceremony closed with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann by a group of young musicians from St Roch’s Ceilí Band.
DESPITE repeated attempts to disrupt the commemoration the Comhairle Ceantair, Republican Sinn Féin, England, Scotland and Wales, held a successful commemoration for the 85th anniversary of the Easter Rising at the Fenian Martyrs Monument, Ford Cemetery on Easter Sunday.
Opening the proceedings, the Chairperson welcomed those who managed to attend the commemoration (some had travelled from as far as London, over 200 miles away). The 1916 Proclamation was read by the Vice-Chairperson of the Comhairle Ceantair, followed by the local Roll of Honour read by a member of the Joseph Fitzsimmons-James McDade Cumann, Midlands. Guest speaker, Líta Ní Chathmhaoil, Ard-Runaí, Sinn Féin Poblachtach laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement. A wreath and a bouquet of flowers were laid at the monument on behalf of the Comhairle Ceantair. A minute’s silence followed to commemorate all those who had given their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom and was followed by a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge.
The Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by the PRO, Republican Sinn Féin, England, Scotland and Wales.
In the course of her oration, Líta Ní Chathmhaoil said: “I would like to emphasise the importance of working together within the ranks of Republican Sinn Féin. Only by unity within our organisation and supporters can we make inroads into the immense task that lies before us. To you here today, I say, carry on with your work for the Republican Movement in Ireland. We place our trust in you to organise in England, Scotland and Wales and only through the democratically-elected Comhairle Ceantair here can come progress. Those who wish to operate outside the structures of Republican Sinn Féin are not working in the cause of Irish freedom. We in Ireland are proud of our members in England, Scotland and Wales, we are proud of the work of the Comhairle Ceantair here and we look forward to continued success in your endeavours in the future.”
At the conclusion of the commemoration the Chairperson said: “Let us go from this hallowed place, renewed in our Republican faith and on the same path as those great patriots who have gone before us in the struggle for Irish freedom.”
WREATHS were laid at the Manchester Martyrs Memorial at Moston Cemetery and at the nearby grave of Vol Seán Morgan, Manchester Battalion, Oglaigh na hEireann, shot dead by English police on May 2, 1921 at Hulme, Manchester.
THE National Irish Freedom Committee (NIFC)/Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta held its annual Easter commemoration at O’Lunney’s in Manhattan on Easter Sunday at 1pm.
The event was chaired by Brian Mór Ó Baoighill, a member of the National Executive. John McDonagh, National Chairperson, emphasised that the organisation will remain pro-active despite ongoing and future attempts from foreign and domestic attempts to distract the NIFC from its stated objectives.
George Harrison, a founding member of the (NIFC) Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta delivered a brief and passionate speech noting that the struggle for Irish freedom was in good hands both in Ireland and in America.
Joseph Savignon, a former national chairperson of the (NIFC) Cumann na Saoirse delivered a statement from the NIFC. Chris Dugan of the Thomas Ashe Chapter in New Jersey read the Easter Statement from the Republican Movement in Ireland.
EIRE NUA, visa denial information and SAOIRSE were in demand as were the Memoirs of Michael Flannery and a new hunger strike commem-orative T-shirt specially designed by Brian Mór.
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Web layout by SAOIRSE -- Irish Freedom May 8, 2001 Send links, events notifications, articles, comments etc, to the editor at: saoirse@iol.ie marked "attention web-editor". |
