19 January 2006 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Sabhat and O'Hanlon Commemorated in Fermanagh

The 49th anniversary of the deaths in action of IRA Volunteers Seán Sabhat and Feargal O'Hanlon was commemorated at Altawalk, near Roslea in County Fermanagh on Sunday last.

In attendance were a lone piper and a colour party who, with a 250-strong crowd gathered at the impressive memorial erected where the two Volunteers died on New Year's Day 1957.

The proceedings were overseen by Fermanagh Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McCaffrey. Also in attendance was Pádraigín Uí Mhurchadha, Monaghan Town Council, a sister of Feargal O'Hanlon.

The main address was delivered by Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD.

In the course of his oration Ó Caoláin commended Fermanagh republicans for their work in advancing the cause of peace, justice, equality and Irish unity.

On Sabhat and O'Hanlon he said: "These two brave young men in their lives and in their tragic deaths epitomised the spirit of resistance to British imperial rule in our country. They had that spirit of freedom in abundance. Feargal came from the neighbouring County of Monaghan and volunteered to go on active service with the IRA when the Border Campaign — Operation Harvest — began 50 years ago this year in 1956. He joined comrades from all around the country, including Seán Sabhat from Limerick City. They united in a sincere and determined effort to assert in arms the right of the Irish people to national unity and freedom."

He said that republicans had travelled a long road in the five decades since Feargal and Seán died. "But our chosen destination is the same as theirs. The many milestones on the road behind us mark the graves of comrades such as these. We have worked to ensure that the milestones of the future will not be gravestones but building blocks as we fashion a new Ireland based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile chun an Phoblacht," he said.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland