Vol Tom Smith honoured in Dublin

BY JOANNE CORCORAN

Sunshine, in a week of dismal weather, greeted marchers for the annual Tom Smith commemoration in Dublin on Wednesday 17 March. Smith was shot dead by 26-County troops as he tried to escape from Portlaoise Prison on St Patrick's Day 1975.

The absence of rain set the tone for an enjoyable afternoon, which saw hundreds of people gather at the Berkeley Road Church to march to Glasnevin Cemetery, following the original route of Tom Smith's funeral procession.

The march made its way to the graveyard, led by two colour parties and two bands — the Hugh Hehir/Lisa Bell RFB and the Smith/Harford/Doherty RFB.

Áine ní Gabhann, a candidate in Cabra/Glasnvin in the upcoming local elections, chaired proceedings. A number of wreaths were laid on Tom's grave, followed by a speech from Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin member Laoise ní Chleirigh.

The main speaker at the event was Mary Lou McDonald, Dublin's EU candidate for the June elections. She welcomed the crowd, which contained members of Tom's family, and spoke about his contribution to the republican struggle.

She also spoke about the success Sinn Féin is expecting in June, and hit back at the criticism the party has been at the receiving end of in recent weeks.