Hundreds attend Ligoniel commemoration

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Theresa McCloskey of the Ligoniel Commemoration Committee and Councillor Martin Meehan

HUNDREDS of local people attended this year's Ligoniel Martyrs commemoration in North Belfast on Saturday 7 August.

Among the marchers were Theresa McCloskey of the Ligoniel Commemoration Committee, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Antrim Town Councillor Martin Meehan, local Councillor Eoin Ó Broin and ANC representative Army Moseia.

The commemoration took the now traditional route through the Ligoniel Estate before assembling at the new memorial plaque at Mill Bank Park.

The day's speaker was Cavan and Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who spoke of recent events in Ligoniel and North Belfast, and of the resilience of local people in the face of loyalist paramilitary, PSNI and NIO aggression. He reminded the crowd that they were not alone and that the people of Cavan Monaghan and indeed the entire 32 Counties are standing with them.

He also criticised the NIO for their recent decision to force a UDA-supported Orange march past Ardoyne and Mountainview.

Looking ahead to the upcoming negotiations, Ó Caoláin reminded people that "our demands are for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the right to live free from sectarian harassment".

After the speeches, a family fun day was organised by the commemoration committee followed by a republican function.