Easter 1916 Commemorations

Bairbre de Brún addresses the main Belfast commemoration in Milltown

ANTRIM

Belfast

On Easter Sunday, thousands of people turned out to participate in Easter commemorations on the Falls Road in West Belfast.

In one of the largest turnouts in recent years, a massive crowd accompanied a smartly dressed colour party and many participating bands to the Republican Plot in Milltown Cemetery. The crowd was so large that people were still filing into the cemetery even as proceedings began.

This is the first year the Easter commemorations have been held at the new republican plot instead of the old County Antrim Memorial.

Back in January, 22 headstones were completely destroyed by vandals in an attack and the National Graves Association (NGA) should be commended for all the hard work they have done to ensure the headstones of the fallen Volunteers were restored to their original state for the Easter Rising celebrations.

"The repairs were financially very hard," Chairperson of the NGA Liam Shannon told the assembled crowd, "but we made a call to the people of Belfast for assistance — both financially and physically — and they answered the call as always. We have only you to thank for it and we thank you for all the help you have given us through the years."

After a decade of the rosary and the laying of the wreaths, the 1916 Easter Proclamation was read aloud, followed by the Easter message from Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Sinn Féin MLA and candidate for the upcoming EU elections, Bairbre de Brún, was the main speaker at the event. She paid tribute to the great sacrifices made by the men and women who have led the struggle for Irish freedom throughout the years, and to the courage of their families.

De Brún pointed out that this August will mark the tenth anniversary of the 1994 cessation and added that it was this initiative which more than any other made the Peace Process possible.

Speaking of the current state of the political process, she said that opportunities for progress had been squandered by the two governments — particularly the British Government.

De Brún also paid tribute to the families of those killed through the British state's policy of collusion and said Sinn Féin will closely scrutinise all inquiries that are established.

"What hope can there be for truth when the state responsible for the policy of collusion is also responsible for setting the terms of reference, structure and membership of any inquiry?" she asked.

Toomebridge

This year saw the reinstatement, after five years, of the Roddy McCorley commemoration parade as part of the Republican Easter Commemorations in Toomebridge, County Antrim.

The parade left the Drumderg Roundabout, on the main Derry to Belfast Road, and proceeded to the memorial to United Irishman Roddy McCorley, who was executed in the village in 1799 after the United Irishmen Rebellion.

The impressive memorial is situated at the site of McCorley's execution, facing the PSNI fortress that dominates the village.

Upwards of 1,000 people, including four bands, took part in the parade, which was led by a colour party made up of members of the Belfast-based Roddy McCorley Society.

A large number of local people lined the route as the marchers passed, no doubt lending their support to the campaign to have the new bridge over the River Bann named in honour of McCorley.

Sinn Féin's Martin Meehan chaired the proceedings and EU election candidate Bairbre de Brún delivered the main oration.

Greencastle/Whitewell/Bawnmore

Easter commemorations in the Greencastle community culminated in the opening of a beautiful new memorial garden. The garden was created to honour all the people from the area who had lost their lives throughout the past 30 years of political conflict.

Local activists worked right up to the last minute to finish the garden in time but the end result of all their hard work was truly worth the wait. The memorial is a fitting tribute to the men, women and children it was intended to commemorate and will act as a permanent monument that the local community can take great pride in for decades to come.

Hundreds of people turned out to accompany the Easter march as it wound its way to the stunning new landmark, passing under a huge Tricolour which had been stretched across the road leading into into the Bawnmore Estate.

Sinn Féin's newly-elected MLA for North Belfast, Kathy Stanton, addressed the gathered crowd.

Stanton thanked the memorial committee for their tireless work and the families for their participation. "Together we will achieve Irish unity and independence," she told the crowd proudly. "It is not 'if' anymore, but 'when'."

New Lodge/ Newington

Nearly 1,000 people turned out to participate in and line the route of the Newington and New Lodge commemorations. A smartly turned out colour party led both marches, accompanied by several equally impressive bands.

In the New Lodge, Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy addressed the crowd in the midst of a stunning new Garden of Remembrance, erected to pay tribute to all those from the area who have died in the conflict.

The garden — which was funded entirely by donations from the local community — includes two small water fountains and an array of flowers and potted plants. It is an oasis of calm in the centre of one of North Belfast's most deprived communities and a fitting tribute not only to those who have passed on, but also to their families, friends and community.

In an impassioned address, Molloy told the crowd he questioned the direction and role of the British state's in the current political process.

"This is a time to refocus," said Molloy passionately. "It is time for reorganisation. A time to look forward.

"Mr Blair, it is time for completion. Time for completion of your forces in this country. Time for an end to collusion with loyalist paramilitaries, and it is time for the completion of the end of British rule in Ireland. You can no longer continue to occupy part of our country and talk peace at the same time. We're tired of double standards."

CAVAN

The County Cavan Sinn Féin Easter Commemoration took place this year at the grave of Volunteer Seán McIntyre in Drumlane Cemetery, Milltown. Giving the oration at Drumlane Cemetery was Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone.

Chairing the proceedings, Sinn Féin local candidate Donal Carlin welcomed everyone to Drumlane Cemetery. Participating in the proceedings with him were candidates Eddie Fitzpatrick, Kelly Lennon and Dympna Curran. Carlin urged all present to help in the campaign to elect eleven Sinn Féin candidates in the upcoming elections and to elect Pearse Doherty in the EU election. The well-attended parade was accompanied by the Bunnoe Brass Band, the Louis Leonard Memorial Band and a local colour party.

CORK

Bandon

The Charlie Hurley Cumann held their Easter Commemoration at St Patrick's Church in Bandon on Sunday. A march, led by The Bandon and District Pipe Band, made its way through the Graveyard, to the Republican Plot. DJ O Driscoll chaired the proceedings. Bantry Councillor Anne O'Leary made the main speech.

Clonakilty

Clonakilty held its annual Easter Sunday commemoration at Astna Square, and had Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin as the main speaker. Proceedings were chaired by local Town Councillor and County Council Candidate Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin. During his wide-ranging address, Mitchel McLaughlin said, "Sinn Fein is the only party with a strategy and policies for achieving Irish unity and independence."

DERRY

The Loup

Hundreds of republicans from throughout Derry and Antrim mobilised at the Loup, on Easter Sunday to commemorate the 1916 Rising. Marchers assembled at Ballyronan Road before making their way to the grave of Brigadier Seán Larkin in a colourful parade, which was led by the South Derry Martyrs Flute Band. The main oration was given by Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh, Conor Murphy.

Earlier in the day the North Derry Commemoration took place in Dungiven, and a number of wreath-laying ceremonies were held in the morning at republican plots at Coolcalm Rasharkin, Newbridge, Dunloy, Kilrea, Loughguile, Lavey, Cargin, Glen and Bellaghy.

The annual 1916 Commemoration on Easter Monday held in Swatragh saw an increased attendance. The principle speaker was former republican prisoner and Sinn Féin All-Ireland Strategy co-ordinator, Martina Anderson.

Bogside

Sinn Féin Councillor Maeve McLoughlin spoke at the early morning local commemoration held at the Bogside and Brandywell Volunteers monument on the Lecky Road in Derry City. Up to 100 people attended this ceremony.

DOWN

Downpatrick

In one of the most picturesque commemorations to be held in the Six Counties, upwards of 400 people turned out to join the Easter commemorations in Downpatrick.

Three bands, the Felons Pipe band (Piobairí na Meirleach), Éire Nua flute band, and the Banna Flúit Naomh Padraig from Kilkeel followed the local colour party as the parade weaved its way through the winding streets of Downpatrick. The procession ended in Thomas Russell Park named after the 'Man from God Knows Where', who was executed in Downpatrick Jail after the 1798 Rebellion.

The area's Republican Memorial is sited in the park at the place where Volunteer Colum Marks was assassinated by RUC gunmen while on active service in 1991.

Special mention was made of local cumann member Felix Duffy, who sadly passed away at Christmas last year.

Praising the commitment and hard work of local activists, Sinn Féin candidate for the upcoming EU election, Bairbre de Brún, addressed the gathered crowd.

"In the local government and EU elections in June Sinn Féin will be presenting its largest ever number of candidates," said de Brún. "We are the only party standing in all five EU constituencies on the island and we will be standing more than 200 candidates in the Local Government elections in the South.

"We are determined that these elections will build on the tremendous success of last November's Assembly elections, when we confirmed our position as the largest nationalist party — and that was due in no small measure to the gains made here in South Down, a tremendous showing that people here can be very, very proud of."

GALWAY

Easter 2004 saw the biggest ever amount of commemorations held in County Galway with events in Ballinasloe, Tuam, Ros Muc, Oran Mór, and Clifden. Northwest EU Candidate, Pearse Doherty attended many of the local events, while the guest speaker at the county commemoration was Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD.

Speaking at the Liam Mellows Statue in Eyre Square, Caoimhghín stated that "serious questions must be asked of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen for allowing PD Minister McDowell to take such a leading role in determining Irish Government policy in the peace process". He added that the Dublin Government has been "silent too long on the British Government's violation of the Agreement".

The commemoration ended at Bothar Mór Cemetery with wreaths been laid at the graves of murdered SF Councillor Michéal Breathnach, and that of recently deceased '50s Volunteer, Seosamh Mac Liatháin.

LOUTH

Drogheda

A larger crowd than last year attended the Easter Sunday parade in Drogheda this year. A nine-person colour party marched down the Marsh road past the spot were two members of Sinn Féin, Tomas Halpin and John Moran, were murdered by crown forces in February 1921.

Local election candidate Dom Wilton chaired the commemoration proceedings at the Halpin/Moran Memorial. The main speaker on the day was Sinn Féin's EU candidate for Leinster, John Dwyer.

Dundalk

A number of commemorations took place throughout Dundalk last Easter weekend. On Easter Saturday local election candidate Ian Dooley chaired the annual Watters Brothers Commemoration. Dooley pointed out that it is 83 years since the two Watters Brothers were taken from their homes and executed by British Forces. "There is absolutely no difference between the Black and Tans of 1921 and the loyalists who have been trained, armed, and co-ordinated by British Agents. They murdered Sinn Féin Councillor Eddie Fullerton, Mairéad Farrell, and Fergal Caraher in the same manner. At Easter, we remember all those who died for the cause of Irish republicanism."

Also on Saturday, Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Meenan chaired the proceedings at Knockbridge Cemetery. Wreaths were laid in behalf of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Rogers/Martin Sinn Féin Cumann and the Easter Commemoration Committee. Councillor Meenan welcomed the fact that this commemoration has been revived.

On Easter Sunday, the Volunteer Seán McIlvenna Memorial Band, the Burns and Moley Memorial Band, and the Dundalk Colour Party led a large crowd along the decorated route from Dundalk Town Square to Dowdallshill Cemetery.

Sinn Féin candidate Ian Dooley chaired the proceedings. Leinster EU election candidate, Councillor John Dwyer, addressed the commemoration.

LAOIS

The Laois Easter commemoration took place in Portlaoise last Sunday. Local Councillor Brian Stanley addressed the crowd, before the main speaker, MLA for West Tyrone Barry McElduff, made his speech. McElduff referred to the "strong tradition of Irish republicanism in County Laois, not least the contribution of James Fintan Lalor, "the great revolutionary of the 19th Century".

LIMERICK

Over 70 people attended the annual Sinn Féin Easter commemoration in Limerick on Sunday. This year's march began outside the main gate of Mount St Lawrence Cemetery and proceeded to the Republican Plot. There, a wreath was laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Malachy McCreesh, brother of Raymond McCreesh, one of the H-block Hunger Strikers who died in 1981.

Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, chairperson of Munster Sinn Féin and Ard Chomhairle member, delivered the main speech.

MONAGHAN

Over 1,000 people participated in the annual Easter parade and commemoration in Monaghan town last Sunday. Local commemorations in Inniskeen and Clones were also well attended, as were the annual wreath-laying ceremonies at nine further locations throughout Monaghan over the weekend.

The Monaghan Town commemoration began at the Fergal O'Hanlon Memorial on the Clones Road. Led by a 13-strong colour party and the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band from Dublin, the parade made its way through the town to Latlurcan Cemetery, where the ceremony was held. The Dan Darragh RFB from Ballycastle in County Antrim also attended.

The main oration was delivered by the Mayor of Armagh City, Cllr Patricia O'Rawe.

TYRONE

Several thousand republicans converged in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 88th anniversary Easter Rising 1916. Organisers of this year's parade hailed the event as 'a huge success', citing the participation of hundreds of young people as perhaps its most remarkable feature. The parade began at Main Street Carrickmore where a 16-member Colour Party led the procession.

Family members and relatives of republicans killed in the conflict carried photographs of their loved ones while seven young people each carried a painting of one of the 1916 Easter Proclamation Signatories.

Four marching bands took part in the parade, including the Martin Hurson Memorial Band, the Pomeroy Band, the Sons of Erin Band from Rasharkin and the Clooney Band.

In dry pleasant weather, the parade wound its way around Carrickmore with the crowd stretching back as far as the eye could see.

National flags flew from many homes in the town and all those who paraded wore an Easter Lily.

Barry McColgan from Omagh addressed the gathering on the subject of the role of youth in Ireland's freedom struggle.

Martin McGuinness delivered the main oration.

• 34 local graveside commemorations and wreath laying ceremonies took place at various locations in County Tyrone over the Easter Weekend.

In the East of the County large crowds attended commemorations in Ardboe, and Coalisland where Geraldine Dougan, Mid-Ulster MLA and Francie Brolly East Derry MLA spoke respectively. Other ceremonies took place at Agyharan, Aughnagar, Boughderg, Cranagh, Drumagh, Edendork, Galbally, Kildress, Rock, Clonoe, Altmore, Carrickmore, Donaghmore, Dunmoyle, Eglish, Greencastle, Lougmacrory, Pomeroy and Tullysaran.

In addition wreaths were laid at republican graves at Ardboe, Ballinderry, Ardboe Old Cross, Castlederg, Cookstown, Dunamore, Dungannon (Carland Road), Fintona, Moortown, Trillick, Seskinore, and Drumragh (Old Graveyard).

WICKLOW

Wicklow Town

Almost 200 people attended the 1916 Easter Parade in Wicklow Town on Sunday. The parade set off from White Gates at 12 noon, and, led by the Wicklow Town Colour Party and a lone piper, made its way through the Main Street to the 1798 United Irishman monument, commonly known to locals as the Billy Byrne Monument.

Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis gave the main oration.

Bray

Sinn Féin Local Candidate for Bray West Ward, John Brady, chaired the Easter commemoration, which took place in Bray, County Wicklow, on Monday. A crowd of around 150 people, led by a colour party and an RFB, marched from the Town Hall to the 1798 Monument.

Dublin City Councillor Larry O'Toole gave the main address and stressed the need for activists within the county to remain focused on their goal of Irish independence. O'Toole also wished Sinn Féin's Leinster candidate in the forthcoming European elections, Cllr John Dwyer, well.