Ex-prisoners swell numbers at Ardoyne Easter Rising commemoration

THE large turn-out of ex-POWs swelled the ranks of those taking part in the annual Easter Tuesday commemoration in Ardoyne this year.

Dressed in their green ex-prisoners’ jackets, their presence lifted the district and added to what was again one of the largest crowds in recent years. Clearly, a lot of hard work had been done by the organising committee. And the huge numbers of family groups watching by the roadside as the parade made its way through the district, across into the Bone area and back to the Memorial Garden added to the atmosphere.

Former POW and Derry MLA Raymond McCartney was the main speaker and in his address he commended the many families of republican martyrs.

He praised their courage, strength and dignity they have shown over the years in carrying the heavy sacrifice of dealing with tragedy.

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