8 April 2004 Edition

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Republicans to dedicate Toome bridge to 1798 hero

Republicans are to name the recently opened road bridge over the River Bann at Toomebridge in County Antrim the Rodaí MacCorlaí Bridge, after the United Irishman who was executed in the village after the 1798 Rebellion.

Sinn Féin's Martin Meehan told An Phoblacht that the naming ceremony will take place on Easter Tuesday 13 April after a parade through the County Antrim village in honour of Ireland's republican dead.

Last month, the new bridge was officially labelled the Toome Bridge by former NIO Minister John Spellar, when he opened it as part of the new by-pass around Toome on the main Belfast to Derry road.

However, Sinn Féin's Meehan accused Spellar of taking the decision "without consultation and without any survey of the residents of Toome as a whole.

"The people of Toome and surrounding area are determined to rename the bridge in honour of Roddy McCorley, who was hanged in the village after the 1798 Rebellion. He has local historical links to this area so it's very appropriate to rename it after him.

"Magherafelt District Council passed a motion backing the plan to name it the Rodaí Mac Corlaí Bridge", stated the Sinn Féin man.

Easter Tuesday will also see the renewal of the Roddy McCorley commemoration at Toome. Announcing details of this year's commemoration, Meehan said the organisers are determined to ensure it is established as an annual event.

"The 1798 period is one of the most important chapters in the freedom struggle and the legacy of that period is still alive in the hearts and minds of republicans today," said Meehan. "One of the most enigmatic leaders of the period was Roddy McCorley and his life has been captured in song and verse.

"The people of Toomebridge and surrounding areas are intensely loyal and proud of his memory.

"We are very happy and proud also that members of the Roddy McCorley Society from Belfast will turn out on the day to provide a colour party."

On the day a parade will leave the Drumderg roundabout at 4pm and proceed to the Roddy McCorley memorial. A rally, addressed by European candidate Bairbre de Brún, will be held at the Post Office on Main Street. Afterwards, a presentation and film show of the history of the area from the 1798 period will be shown and original memorabilia will be on display throughout the day.

The Roddy McCorley Society has organised a free bus, leaving their Glen Road clubrooms at 2pm sharp, and invite everyone to attend. The bus will leave Toomebridge at 8.30pm to return to Belfast. To arrange travel, telephone the Roddy's club on 028 90 6111515 from 6pm each evening.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland