Charlie McGlade Commemoration

Drimnagh: Colour party leading the Charlie McGlade Commemoration

ON Saturday, 12 September, there was a big sunburst in the sky for the Volunteer Charlie McGlade Commemoration in Drimnagh, Dublin. The theme was the 100th anniversary of Fianna Éireann and the event was attended by Charlie’s family as a good crowd gathered for Charlie’s 27th anniversary.
They assembled in Dolphin Road Green and were led by a colour party and the Burns/Moley Republican Flute Band from south Armagh. Flags were lowered outside Charlie’s house on Mourne Road and a minute’s silence was held.
The crowd  proceeded to Errigal Field, where Caithoirleach Ian McBride welcomed the crowd. The Dublin Brigade Roll of Honour was read by Vinny Birch and the Fianna Éireann Roll of Honour was read by Michael Farrell from Ógra Shinn Féin, dressed in an old Fianna uniform and carrying the Fianna’s Sunburst flag.
The Last Post was sounded and a minute’s silence was held before wreaths were laid from the Charlie McGlade Sinn Féin Cumann and the Republican Movement.
Sinn Féin Cllr Críona Ní Dhálaigh gave an account what it was like to be a member of Fianna Éireann in 1980s Dublin, emphasising to everyone the relevance of the Fianna of old and young people joining Ógra Shinn Féin today.
Cormac Ó Dálaigh played the tune Flag of the Fianna on the tin whistle.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh, TD for Dublin South Central, gave a political area update before the main speaker, Barry McElduff MLA from Tyrone.
Barry spoke about his Uncle Joe McElduff, who was interned with Charlie McGlade in the Curragh Camp, and the life and times of republicans during that era. He added that he always had a free slot in his diary for speaking at commemorations as all these men and women should be remembered with pride.
The band closed the ceremonies with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.