Republican Remembrance Garden opened in Dowra

A garden commemorating deceased republicans was opened in Dowra, County Cavan last Sunday. Some 250 people gathered for the event which also marked the area's contribution to the centenary of Sinn Féin.

The ceremony was chaired by Jim Joe Heavey, Cathaoirleach of the Kieran Doherty Sinn Féin Cumann, lower West Cavan. The garden was formally opened by Sligo Sinn Féin County Councillor Seán MacManus. Seán's son, Volunteer Joseph MacManus, died on IRA active service in 1992, and is among those commemorated.

Honoured with plaques in the garden are Seán Mac Diarmada, Patrick McGauran, Kieran Doherty, Séamus McElwaine, Joseph MacManus, Francis McGirl and Kevin Fallon, all republicans associated with the region during different phases of the struggle. Fiona Heavey led the attendance in a prayer in Irish. Wreaths were laid and a Colour Party participated, as did the Vol Louis Leonard/Jim Murphy Band, Fermanagh.

The plaques were unveiled by Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who delivered the oration. The Sinn Féin Dáil leader commended West Cavan republicans for the event and for their work in the past year. He said the best way to mark next year's 25th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike was "to build Sinn Féin in every city, town and townland throughout the 32 Counties".

During the course of his oration Ó Caoláin congratulated Leitrim County Councillor Martin Kenny, who was present and who was last week selected as the Sinn Féin candidate for Roscommon/South Leitrim.