Remembering Charlie McGlade

Aengus Ó Snodaigh addressing the commemoration

ON 15 September 2007, the 25th anniversary of the death of leading Irish republican Charlie McGlade, was marked by a commemoration march and ceremony in Drimnagh, Dublin. The event was organised by the local Charlie McGlade Sinn Féin Cumann.
Charlie McGlade had over 60 years’ involvement in the republican stuggle, acting in various positions within the IRA, including roles at GHQ and Northern Command level. He was interned at the Curragh Camp and served as Sinn Féin Treasurer up to his death in 1982.
A republican colour party led the parade up Mourne Road, followed by two Dublin republican flute bands and the Burns/Moley Band from South Armagh to Charlie McGlade’s house where flags were lowered.
The parade then proceeded to Errigal Field in Drimnagh where Ian McBride, Cathaoirleach of the Charlie McGlade Cumann, welcomed the large crowd. Solidarity greetings were sent to republican prisoners in Portlaoise, Castlerea and Magheraberry. Members of the McGlade family were thanked for their support of the event throughout the years.
The Dublin Brigade Roll of Honour and the Dublin Roll of Remembrance were read out. A poem, written for Charlie by a comrade on his life as a republican, was also read out, as was an appreciation by Gerry Adams at the time of Charlie’s death.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican Movement, the Burns/Moley Sinn Féin Cumann and the Charlie McGlade Cumann, Drimnagh.
A bugler played The Last Post as the colour party lowered the flags, followed by a minute’s silence.
The main speaker, recently re-elected TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh, paid tribute to Charlie McGlade’s efforts in the cause of Irish republicanism. He went on to emphasise the need for republicans to mobilise to tackle the many social issues affecting the Drimnagh area, including the threatened closure of the Crumlin Children’s Hospital and the ongoing problem of anti-social behaviour.
The commemoration concluded with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
An exhibition in honour of Charlie McGlade was held locally, with various pictures, writings and readings of his life.
That night, a function was held and the family of Charlie McGlade was presented with a bronze statue to honour Charlie’s lifetime of dedication and commitment to the cause of Irish freedom.