1916 EASTER COMMEMORATIONS 1997LEINSTERDUBLINThe main commemoration took place at the GPO, Dublin at 12 noon on Easter Sunday. The parade formed up at Abbey Street and marched to the GPO where the proceedings were chaired by Andy Connolly, Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Ceantair Átha Cliath. The Easter Statement from the Leadership was read by Tom Ryan. Peig King read the 1916 Proclamation and also a statement from the National Graves Association. A wreath was laid by Pat Smith, Dublin and the oration was delivered by Líta Ní Chathmhaoil, Ard-Rúnaí, Republican Sinn Fíin. The ceremony ended with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.DEANSGRANGERepublicans gathered in Deansgrange Cemetery in Dublin on Easter Monday in remembrance of the Republican dead and led by Seán Ó Sé carrying the National Flag, marched to the Republican Plot. The proceedings were chaired by Andy Connolly and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Jack Murphy. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of all those who died for Irish Freedom and the National Flag was dipped. The Proclamation was read by Mick Farrelly. The Easter Statement was read by Seán McGoldrick. The ceremony concluded with Amhrán na bhFiann played by Seán Ó Sé ar an bhfeadóg stáin.KILDAREKildare Republicans gathered at the graveside of Frank Driver buried in Bally-more Eustace. The commemoration was chaired by Matt Conway Kilcullen who called on Ibar Hawkins, Ballymore, to recite a decade of the Rosary. He also read the Proclamation. A wreath was read on the grave by Cecilia Conway. The Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Kitty Hawkins.Saoirse Breatnach, Ard- Chomhairle member from Dublin, gave the oration. Wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of Tomás O’Reilly, Hollywood; Mick Humphreys, Burgage; Tom Keeley, Celbridge; Joseph Bergan, Milltown Bridge; Bob Mullaly & Vol Brophy, Newbridge cemetery. A wreath was also laid on the Republican monument in Kildare and in Kilcullen on the Croppies 1798 monument. PORTLAOISEThe Republican prisoners in Portlaoise jail held a commemoration on Easter Sunday. The 1916 Proclamation and the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement were read. Easter 1916 was also marked in Limerick jail by Josephine Hayden, the sole Republican woman prisoner in the 26 Counties.LONGFORDLed by Veteran Republican Matt Casey, carrying the National Flag and the St Theresa Youth Band, Killoe about 30 Republicans marched from Newtownforbes to the graveside of Volunteer John Mahon at the Old Graveyard about half a mile outside the town.Opening the proceedings Cathaoirleach Seán Lynch went on to tell the crowd how Vol John Mahon lost his life in a shooting accident while “learning the skills of a soldier” at a training camp in 1919. A decade of the Rosary was recited by Tomás Mac Ruairí for the repose of the souls of all those who died for the cause of Irish Freedom. The 1916 Proclamation was read by Tom Lynch and Declan Curneen read the Easter Statement. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement and by relatives of Vol John Mahon. The oration was delivered by Seán Ó Sé, Baile Átha Cliath. LOUTHThe Dundalk Easter parade left the Adelphi Cinema at 1.30 on Easter Sunday and led by a piper the crowd of about 30 marched through the town to St Patrick’s Cemetery. The National Flag was carried by Seán Gallagher, followed by the four provincial flags.The commemoration was chaired by Pádraig Mac Mathúna. A decade of the rosary was recited in Irish by Frank Hanratty. Wreathes were laid by Marion Martin on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin, Dundalk and by Éamon Larkin on behalf of Bearna Uladh. The Easter Statement was read by Dessie Farrell. The bugler sounded the Last Post, and the flag was dipped. Pádraig Mac Mathúna called on Sarah Murphy to give the oration. The ceremony ended with the chairman’s remarks and the playing of the National Anthem. MEATHRepublican Sinn Féin held their annual wreath laying ceremony at the grave memorial of Lt.Thomas Allen at Killglass Cemetery Longwood on Easter Sunday at 1 o’clock. Tom Allen a native of Longwood killed on Easter Thursday 1916 was part of the Four Courts garrison. A laurel wreath was laid on behalf of the local cumann. A tricolour floral wreath was laid by the Meath Easter Commemoration Committee. A daffodil bouquet was placed by a relative of the Allen family. A similiar ceremony was held by the Allen cumann at the Memorial to Citizen Army volunteer Seamus Fox, at Knockmark Cemetery Drumree on Easter Monday. Seamus Fox killed in the fighting in St. Stephens Green, on April 25, 1916.OFFALYWreath-laying ceremonies took place throughout the county.WESTMEATHOn Easter Monday Republicans held the Easter Commemoration in Mount Temple Cemetery near Moate at the graves of the Tormey Brothers and George Adamson. The Easter Statement and 1916 Proclamation were read and a decade of the Rosary recited as Gaeilge. The oration was delivered by Emmett Walsh, Offaly.WEXFORDThe Easter ceremonies in Wexford began with a special Mass for all those who had given their lives for the cause of Irish freedom in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Wexford. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the Republican Garden of Remembrance.Wreaths were also laid at the graves of Joe Whitty in Ballymore, Mick and Bernie Radford and Con Mac Carthy in Murrintown and at the Kyle Cross memorial on Easter Sunday morning. The main commemoration took place in the afternoon and began with a parade from the Crescent Quay to Wexfords historic Bullring. From there the crowd was transported to St Ibars cemetery where Séamus Mac Suain chaired the ceremony at the Republican Plot. Wreaths were layed by Tom Malone on behalf of National Graves and by Michael Morris on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin. Fintan Kavanagh read the Proclamation and the Roll of Honour was read by Tom Malone. The Easter Statement was read by Ritchie Bierney. The ceremonies concluded with the playing of the Last Post and the oration, delivered by Ard-Chomhairle member Jimmy Kavanagh. ULSTERANTRIMThe Belfast Easter Sunday commemoration saw at least seventy people fall in behind the four flag-bearers, the first of whom carried the National Flag, followed by the Cumann na mBan, Starry Plough and Sunburst flags. The assembly marched from the gates of Milltown cemetery to the Republican Plot where Chairperson Leo Martin welcomed the crowd and then called for the wreaths to be laid on behalf of the Irish Republican Army, Cumann na mBan and Republican Sinn Féin.Following a decade of the Rosary in Irish, which was recited by Seán Convery, the Leadership Statement was read by Caoimhín Cunningham. The chairperson then asked Joe Lagan to read the 1916 Proclamation and then called on John Horan, Dublin, to give the oration. The chairperson thanked those in attendance and ended proceedings by stating that Republican Sinn Féin will continue its work in the Belfast area. ARMAGHRepublican Sinn Féin held their Easter Commemoration at the Republican Plot in Armagh on Easter Sunday. Kevin Trainor presided and introduced John Joe McCusker of Fermanagh who delivered an inspiring oration. The Proclamation was read by Deirdre Dalton.The Roll of Honour was read by Gregory Trainor. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Tony McCracken; on behalf of the local McKearney/Corrigan Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin by Aisling O’Brien; and on behalf of the National Graves by Des Cox. A statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by John Joe McCusker. SOUTH ARMAGHThe annual Easter commemorations held by Bearna Uladh, South Armagh began on Holy Saturday when Republicans gathered at the Republican Plot in St Mary’s Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony and the recitation of the 1916 proclamation. Later that evening Republicans paraded to the Republican Plot in Carrickcruppin Cemetery, Camloch, to honour Seán Doran, from the 1920s, Veteran Republican Art McAlinden and Raymond McCreesh and Brendan Quinn. The Statement from the Leadership and the 1916 proclamation were read and wreaths laid.On Easter Sunday morning a commemoration was held at St Patrick’s Cemetery, Dromintee at the grave of Vol Jim Lochrie, killed in a premature explosion on December 6, 1975 along with Volunteer Seán Campbell, who is buried in the Republican Plot at Kilcurry, Co Louth. The oration was delivered by Éamon Larkin, Ard Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin. A commemoration was also held at the graves of Volunteers John and Thomas O’Reilly and Peter McGinnity at Killeen, where the oration was also delivered by Éamon Larkin. Wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at the grave of Volunteer Michael McVerry in Cullyhanna, at the Edentubber Martyrs Memorial in Co Louth, at the grave of Volunteer Gerard McKiernan in Mullaghbawn Cemetery, at the Republican Plot in Jonesborough which holds the remains of Volunteer Francis Jordan and at the Republican Plot in Dowdallshill Cemetery, Dundalk, Co Louth in honour of John Halpin, whose 75th anniversary takes place this year. CAVANThe Republican Sinn Féin Easter Commemoration was held at Ballinagh Cemetery at the graves of Capt. Thomas Sheridan and Comdt.Thomas FitzPatrick. Paddy Duffy chaired the ceremony and gave a spirited introduction. The Proclamation was read by Noreen Fitzpatrick. A wreath for Republican Sinn Féin was laid by Charley Boylan. Wreath for the Cavan Easter Commemoration Committee was laid by Frank Reilly. Bosco Mc Brien laid a Republican Movement wreath. John Jordan laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican prisoners. The Cavan Roll of Honour was read by Oliver Prunty.The Easter Statement was read by Hughie McGovern and a decade of the Rosary was led by A McGovern. The oration was given by Niall Fagan.DERRYA large crowd, including many young people, were present at the Cúchulainn Memorial in Derry City Cemetery for the annual Easter commemoration ceremony on Easter Sunday. Deaglán Ó Donghaile presided and Mary Ellen O’Doherty read the 1916 Proclamation. The Easter Statement was read by Micky McGonigle, Dungiven, and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Leadership of the Republican Movement and on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin. A decade of the Rosary was recited by Gearalt Ó Donghaile and Des Dalton, Ard-Chomhairle, Republican Sinn Féin, delivered the oration.Wreath-laying ceremonies took place on Easter Sunday morning at the Loop, Co Derry at the grave of Brigadier Seán Larkin, and at the graves of Volunteers Kevin Lynch, O’Carolan, Kilmartin, James Kealey and Tommy Toner in Dungiven Cemetery. DONEGALRepublicans assembled at Johnson’s Corner, Ballybofey on Easter Sunday and marched to the Drumboe Monument in Stranorlar. Cllr Joe O’Neill, Bundoran, chaired the proceedings . The Chief Marshal was Felix McAteer of Tyrone. A decade of the Rosary was recited as Gaeilge by Fergus McCabe, Hughie Darcy read the 1916 Proclamation and the Roll of Honour was read by Fergus McCabe. The Statement on behalf of the Leadership was read by Pat Barry. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Leadership by Jimmy McElhinney, on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin by Barry McElhinney and on behalf of the Drumboe Commemoration Committee by Cormac McElhinney. A wreath was also laid on behalf of Donegal Comhairle Ceantair, Republican Sinn Féin. The oration was delivered by John McElhinney, Tyrone.DOWNAssembling at Kilcoo Church behind the Tricolour County Down Republicans paraded to the grave of Paddy Devlin, late OC of the South Down Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann.A wreath was laid on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin and the Proclamation was read. Danny Fitzpatrick, who presided at the ceremony, read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement and then called on Róisín Fitzpatrick to lead the gathering in a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge. The oration was given by Bearcheart Ó Casaide, who welcomed the attendance at the commemoration of members of Paddy Devlin’s family and stressed that the only leadership for the Republican people is Republican Sinn Féin whose principles are cast in stone. Later that morning Republicans assembled at the Republican Plot in Aughlisnafin Cemetery where a wreath was laid and a decade of the Rosary recited as Gaeilge. FERMANAGHThe Roll of Honour preceded the reading of the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement, following which two wreaths were laid on the grave of Volunteer Patrick McManus, Swanlinbar, Co Cavan on Easter Monday.MONAGHANThere was a very good gathering at Séamus McElwaine’s Easter commemoration in Urbleshanney, Scotstown where Pádraig Ó Baoighill gave the oration. In the course of a lengthy address, which was greatly applauded, he quoted from Pearse’s writings. Hugh Moyna, Knockatallon was chairperson of the proceedings and the rosary was recited in Irish by an tAthair Pádraig Ó Gallchóir, Rockcorry, Co Mhuineachán.TYRONERepublican Sinn Féin marked the 81st anniversary of the momentous Easter Rising of 1916 with wreath-laying ceremonies at the graves of Gerard McGlynn, Castlederg, John Philip O’Donnell, Aghyaran and Frank Ward, Carrickmore. Speaking in Carrickmore, Jimmy McElhinney, Chairman of the Seán South Cumann extended greetings to all Irish political prisoners everywhere who stand for British withdrawal and a New Ireland.MUNSTERCLAREA good crowd attended the Easter commemoration at John Breen’s memorial, Kilmihill. A wreath was laid by Denis McInerney, Ennis on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin. The oration was given by Martin Calligan. The Easter Statement was read by Mattie Shannon.On Sunday afternoon a wreath was laid at the Republican monument in Rineen by West Herts Republican Sinn Féin member Conor O’Sullivan. The monument was erected in memory of those men who died in the Rineen ambush on September 22, 1920. CORKThe Easter commemoration took place on Easter Sunday at the Republican Plot in St Finbar's Cemetery. The parade assembled at the Wilton Roundabout and march to the Republican Plot where the ceremonies were chaired by Dónal Varian. A decade of the Rosary was recited as Gaeilge by Antoine Ó hAnnracháin, Kitty O'Brien read the Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement and a number of wreaths were laid. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by a bugler. The oration was delivered by Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, Uachtarán, Sinn Féin Poblachtach.KERRYCAHERSIVEENCahersiveen commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Easter Rising on Easter Sunday with a parade from the Fair Green through the town to the Republican monument in Church Street. This was erected in 1957 to commemorate the Volunteers of the 2nd and 3rd Kerry Brigades who died for the 32-County Republic. John Joe Rice, former Commandant of the 2nd Brigade and then a Sinn Féin TD unveiled the monument.A few years ago it was completely rebuilt by Cumann Maurice O’Neill, Republican Sinn Féin and on that occasion was unveiled by the late Dáithí Ó Conaill. The parade was led by a lone piper and flagbearer. At the memorial, Derrick McKenna, presiding, gave the opening address and read the Roll of Honour of the two local Brigades. Joe Taylor of Glencar, nephew of the Taylor Brothers, one shot in the back by the Black-and-Tans and other by the ‘Green-and-Tans’ laid the wreath on the monument. The piper played a special lament he had prepared that morning for the event. Jack Foley, another Glencar veteran, then recited a decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge for the repose of the souls of the Volunteers named on the monument. The statement from the Leadership was then read. The commemorative address was given by Liam Cotter of Tralee. In a stirring address he fully explained to the large crowd the present policy of Republican Sinn Féin on all aspects of the present situation. The weather being ideal, a very good and representative crowd were present for the ceremonies. Indeed there were many more present than if the traditional parade to Killavarnogue had been carried out. Owing to the break up of the Newmarket Band, traditionally booked, shortly before, it was decided to hold the commemoration at the monument. However wreaths were laid on the graves of all the Volunteers buried in Killavarnogue and also laid at wayside crosses. TRALEELed by a pipe band the parade of more than a 100 people marched from Denny Street to Rath Cemetery where the proceedings were chaired by George Rice. Wreaths were laid on behalf of all those who died for Ireland by Dan Keating, Ballygamboon and on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin by Michael O’Brien. A decade of the Rosary as Gaeilge was recited by Sharon Kissane and the 1916 Proclamation was read by Siobhán Walsh. The oration was delivered by Ruairí Óg Ó Brádaigh, Publicity Officer, Republican Sinn Féin.LIMERICKThe Limerick Easter Sunday Commemoration was chaired by Des Long. A decade of the Rosary was recited and a wreath was laid at the Republican Plot by Johnny O’Brien. The Easter Statement was read by Joseph Lynch. The oration was given by Cathleen Knowles, Ard-Rúnaí, Republican Sinn Féin. A wreath was laid at the grave of Seán Glynn, the first Republican to die under the Fianna Fáil administration in 1936, by Mrs Helen Carmody, mother of Republican Prisoner John Carmody. Greetings were sent to Josephine Hayden, political prisoner, Limerick jail. Seventeen Special Branchmen stood around during the proceedings.TIPPERARYThe Easter Sunday Commemoration in Nenagh was held at Banba Square in the town centre at the memorial. The commemoration was chaired by Tomás Malone. A wreath was laid by Mickey Nolan, Roscrea. A decade of the Rosary was recited by Gearóid Ó Broin, Toomevara.Cathleen Knowles, Ard-Rúnaí, Sinn Féin Poblachtach read the 1916 Proclamation. The oration was given by Des Long, Vice-President, Republican Sinn Féin. Wreaths were laid in Roscrea at the grave of Joseph Mangan and at the memorial to Russell O’Shea and McNamara. CONNACHTGALWAYA large crowd from all over Co Galway attended the annual Republican Sinn Féin Easter Commemoration on Sunday. The crowd assembled at Queally’s Cross, Caherlistrane and marched to the Republican plot in Donoghpatrick Cemetery, led by a Republican Colour Party and a lone piper. The ceremonies to mark the 81st Anniversary of the Easter Rising were chaired by Frank Glynn of Milltown.The Galway Roll of Honour of those who had given their lives for Irish freedom was read by Seamas Ó Naraigh (Carnmore), followed by a decade of the rosary in Irish, which was led by Conchúr Ó Brádaigh (Oranmore). The 1916 Proclamation was then read by Joe D’Arcy, son of hunger-striker Tony D’Arcy, who is buried in Donoghpatrick. Wreaths were laid by the following people : Tony D’Arcy on behalf of the D’Arcy family, Michael Moylan (Annaghdown), on behalf of the Moylan family and Jasmin Bari (Galway), on behalf of the Republican Movement in Co. Galway. The Easter Statement from the leadership of the Republican Movement was then read by Stephen O’Sullivan (Athenry). The main speaker at the commemoration was Seán Ó Brádaigh, of Dublin. Earlier on Easter Sunday, a well-attended commemoration was held at the Liam Mellowes statue in Eyre Square in Galway City. Wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at the grave of Fr. Michel Griffin in Loughrea, at the workhouse in Tuam where Republican prisoners were exectuted by Free State Forces in 1922, and on Saturday night at the grave of Volunteer Séamas Ó Máille in Oughterard. LEITRIMEaster Sunday saw a commemoration at the grave of Vol Jack McCabe in Rossinver. John M Branley, Largydonnell, carried the National Flag. Jim Mannion, Manorhamilton, laid a wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement. He also read the Leadership Statement. The Proclamation was read by Emmet Curneen, Glenade. Séamus McGowan, Uragh, Kinlough, said a decade of the Rosary in Irish.Republican Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Declan Curneen, Glenade, spoke of the hardship and sacrifice Vol Jack McCabe endured in his great efforts to strengthen resistance to British rule in the Six Occupied Counties. A wreath-laying ceremony took place later that day at the grave of Captain Jimmy Joe Reynolds at Cloonmorris Cemetery, Bornacoola. The National Flag was carried by Michael McDonagh, Drumshanbo.
MAYOAmong the wreaths laid at the annual 1916 commemoration at the East Mayo IRA memorial on Easter Monday was one by John Snee, now in his 96th year and living in Dublin, a veteran of the Brigade.Others were laid by Paddy McKenna, Ballyhaunis on behalf of northern Republicans, by Peter Spellman, Newport on behalf of Mayo Republicans and by Paddy Reilly, Kiltimagh on behalf of the Seán Corcoran Cumann of Republican Sinn Féin. The ceremony was well attended. Earlier a parade formed up in Kilkelly outside the church at 12 noon and marched through the town to the memorial. It was led by a colour-party bearing the National Flag and a piper from the Balla Pipe Band. Dan Hoban, Newport presided at the ceremonies and read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. Seán Mac an Iomaire, Gaillimh led the crowd in the recitation of a decade of the rosary in Irish. Declan Curneen, Leitrim read the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic Easter 1916. Pat Colgan, Dublin read the Roll of Honour of the East-Mayo Brigade. Joe O’Neill, a Republican Sinn Féin member of Bundoran, Co Donegal Urban Council gave the oration. ROSCOMMONEaster 1916 commemorative ceremonies were held under the auspices of the Co Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee at various venues throughout the county on Easter Sunday.Following 11.30am Mass in Elphin a parade took place to the County IRA Memorial at Shankill Cross. There Padraic Cryan, Cortober, chairman of the County Committee presided and the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic was read by Addie Clarke, Hillstreet. Seán Fitzmaurice, Kilmore, read the County Roscommon Roll of Honour of all who died for Ireland since the 1916 Rising. Patsy O’Connell, Elphin, secretary of the County Committee led the attendance in a decade of the Rosary in Irish. Michael Fitzmaurice laid a wreath on behalf of the Memorial Committee. A highly successful music and ballad session was held in the Lantern Pub, Elphin that night with music by Cox Family in aid of the Memorial Restoration Fund. The imposing memorial in honour of the 40 Roscommon people who died in the fight for freedom 1920-23 was unveiled in 1963 by the IRA Veteran and TD of the Second (All-Ireland) Dáil, Comdt-General Tom Maguire. A book about him was published on April 24. After 12 noon Mass in Ballinlough a ceremony took place at the IRA memorial to Comdt Pat Glynn and Lieutenants Michael Glavey and Michael J Keane who were killed by British troops in 1920. Paddy McKenna, Ballinlough presided and read the Easter Statement from the leadership of the Republican Movement. Joe Murphy, Ballinlough read the 1916 Proclamation and Carmel Grant, Ballyhaunis raised the National Flag to full mast after which a minute’s silence was observed. Stephen Lynch, Lisacul laid wreaths on behalf of the organising committee. The County commemoration took place in the afternoon at Tulsk. A parade led by a colour-party bearing the flags of 1916, the Tricolour, the Starry Plough and the Sunburst, and followed by the Raheen Pipe Band marched from Simpson’s cross to Kilcoole Cemetery. The Chief Marshall was Addie Clarke. There the ceremonies were held at the grave of Vol Hubert Tully, IRA who was assassinated by British forces at his lodgings in Galway city in 1921. He was aged 26 and was a foreman at Galway Railway Station. Dermot Mullooly, Strokestown, presided and Pádraic Cryan, Cortober read the Easter Statement. Mrs Murray, a niece of Hubert Tully recited a decade of the rosary in Irish. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the County Commemoration Committee by Michael Fitzsimons, Kilmore; on behalf of Republican Prisoners by Sam Cryan, Drumlion; on behalf of women political prisoners by Rosaleen Conry, Killina and on behalf of Roscommon Comhairle Ceantair of Republican Sinn Féin by Tommy Morris, Kiltoom. The oration was delivered by Frank Graham, Dublin in the course of which he said the Roscommon commemorations were part of a chain of similar ceremonies held in every county in Ireland, in England, Scotland, America and Australia. SLIGOOn Easter Sunday Republicans from Sligo marched behind the National Flag and a lone piper to the Republican Plot in Sligo Cemetery where Sligo’s Noble Six are buried. The proceedings were chaired by Bernard McDermot. Brian McGovern laid a wreath on behalf of the Leadership of the Republican Movement and Val Harnon read the 1916 Proclamation. Éamon Healy read the Leadership Statement and the Proclamation was read. Seán McGoldrick recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish and a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Sligo’s patriot dead. The oration was delivered by Peter Cunningham, Dublin. The proceedings concluded with the playing of the National Anthem. A carload of political police was in attendance.GLASGOWA large crowd turned out on Easter Sunday for this year’s ceremony at Pearse Park GAA Ground in Cambuslang. A welcome development on previous years was the participation of two clubs; local team Tír Conaill Harps and visitors, Our Lady of Good Counsel from Drimnagh in Dublin.The proceedings were chaired by Stephan Coyle of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Féin Poblachtach who welcomed all in attendance. He then introduced Janice Ross, a prominent Scottish trade unionist, who read the Easter Proclamation. Irish political campaigner and President of the printers union SOGAT, Jim Friel, then read the Roll of Honour for Scotland. Jim referred to the role of organised labour in the Easter Rising as well as reminding the assembly that this year is the 50th anniversary of the death of Irish trade union leader Jim Larkin. The chairperson then called on James Sweeney to read the Statement from the Leadership. James who is a native of Creeslough in County Donegal, was one of the first Republican prisoners outside of Ireland during the present campaign. Owen Kelly, GAA stalwart and groundsman at Pearse Park, updated the crowd on plans to redevelop the ground, and then recited the moving poem Mise Éire. The chairperson then introduced the main speaker Mary Ward, Vice-President of Sinn Féin Poblachtach. In a defiant and stirring oration she stated “There can be no place for compromise or a selling out on fundamental principles. People fight for liberty; they do not fight for a few people to obtain seats in partitionist assemblies. Easter Week gave us our Charter of Freedom. Let us strive to ensure its implementation and by doing so we will achieve the unity of purpose our people so badly need”. Máirtín Ó Catháin recited a decade of the Rosary and the ceremony closed with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann by Daithí Bowers on the tin whistle. In the evening several hundred Glasgow Irish converged on the Clada Club for a céilí. The guest speaker was Mary Ward, who said in the course of her address: “Could anyone seriously imagine Pádraig Pearse standing outside the GPO, having defied the might of the then greatest Empire in the world, and proclaiming his objective as an ‘inclusive negotiated settlement?’ The answer is of course NO, because the objective of Irish struggle down the centuries has been Irish freedom and justice, from which peace will naturally flow.” A raffle of prisoners crafts was held and a large sum of money was raised for the prisoners fund CABHAIR. LONDONThe annual Easter commemoration took place on Easter Monday in Hendon Cemetery at 12 noon. The 1916 Proclamation and the Statement from the Leadership were read and a wreath was laid.LIVERPOOLThe John Whelan Cumann, Republican Sinn Féin Easter Sunday Commemoration at the Fenian Monument in Ford Cemetery on the outskirts of Liverpool was attended by around 30 people. Pádraig Mac Domhnaill read the Easter Statement and Proclamation. Ron Shaw laid a floral tribute in honour of all those who have died for Ireland’s freedom.On returning to Liverpool Irish Centre, the James Larkin Liverpool-Irish flute band played them into the main ballroom. The Co-ordinator of the Irish Centre made a short speech which linked the 1916 Rising to the plight of Irish political prisoners today, with special reference to Róisín McAliskey. About 200 persons were in attendance. NEW YORKThe Easter Sunday commemoration was again held in Gaelic Park, Bronx, New York. Co-sponsors were Cumann na Saoirse, Friends of Irish Freedom, Saoirse — Irish Freedom News, Sean-Óglaigh na hÉireann Heritage Association, and the Irish American Fenian Society of New Jersey.Chairperson Frank Durkan introduced the speakers, New York Assemblyman Joseph Crowley and Nollaig Ó Gadhra, from Ireland. The Easter Proclamation was read in Irish and English by Helen Dillon Grogan and Charlie McLoughlin. Special guests of honour were Veteran Republicans Seosamh Bré, Limerick and New York and Mark Travers of Tipperary and New York. A message of greetings was read from Republican Sinn Féin Patron George Harrison in which he said that the issue today is Ireland’s full and unfettered freedom, not a limited one of colonial consent.
“It is by Irish will and determination that this will be accomplished, not by English pleasure,” he said.
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