Séan Sabhat Commemoration

Over 200 people braved the wet weather on Sunday 4 January to attend the annual Séan Sabhat commemoration in Limerick. Marchers assembled at Bedford Row in the city centre and proceeded to the Republican Plot in Mount St Laurence Cemetery, led by the Youghal Republican Flute Band.

Local election candidate and Vice Chairperson of Limerick Sinn Féin, Maurice Quinlivan, oversaw the commemoration at Séan Sabhat's grave, where a wreath was laid and a minute's silence was observed.

Munster EU candidate David Cullinane delivered the main oration. He reminded those present that all republican strategy was aimed at the achievement of the independent 32-County democratic socialist republic, for which Sabhat and other IRA Volunteers had given their lives.

There was a large Special Branch presence and the names of four Limerick Sinn Féin members were taken. A party spokesperson for the county criticised this action, pointing out the rising level of crime associated with Limerick, and questioning why senior detectives would waste time engaging in petty harassment of a political party lawfully going about its business.