Sinn Féin re-launched in County Kildare - BY FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN

Cristín McCauley, Annie Cahill and Liam Wright

Following a relatively barren period for Sinn Féin in County Kildare in recent years, the past weekend saw the revival of the party in the county, with the official launch of the Joe Cahill/Marie Wright Cumann at a well-attended meeting in the Town House Hotel, Naas on Saturday.

A major exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Sinn Féin was hosted by the newly -formed Joe Cahill/Marie Wright Cumann. Annie Cahill, widow of the late veteran republican, Joe Cahill, and Bríd and Liam Wright, brother and sister of Volunteer Marie Wright, who died in December and after whom the new cumann is named, were also present for the day's events.

The exhibition celebrating Sinn Féin's centenary year saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. It includes historical artifacts, photographs and images depicting the history and development of the party over the past 100 years.

The display aims to allow the wider public to have a better understanding of Sinn Féin's history and development. A lot of material was unearthed for the exhibition, which gives a very comprehensive history of the party and is accessible, colourful and educational. Momentous events such as the Hunger Strikes are also covered.

Launching the new cumann, Chairperson Cristín McCauley gave glowing tributes to both Joe Cahill and Marie Wright, stating that the new cumann "would work to serve as a fitting tribute to the goal to which Joe and Marie devoted their entire lives". At a function later that night Cristín presented a framed mirror depicting Joe and Marie to Annie, Bríd and Liam.

Commenting on the revival of Sinn Féin in the county, Cristín stated that "In last years European election our candidate for the East constituency, John Dwyer secured over 4,000 votes in County Kildare, according to tally figures which were given to us. Next month, thousands of republicans will again pay tribute to Wolfe Tone, who is buried here in Kildare at Bodenstown churchyard near Sallins.

• Those wishing to join the new cumann can contact Cristín McCauley on 087-6694206