Huge numbers expected for Belfast Easter Commemoration

LIAM SHANNON, Chair of the Belfast National Graves Association, says the interest in this year's Easter Commemoration is building and he expects a huge turnout on Sunday 20 April.

Speaking as he announced the details of this years's parade, the senior republican, accompanied by Chair of Belfast Sinn Féin Sam Baker, said the remembering the sacrifice of our republican dead and supporting their families at Easter is of paramount importance. "Already people are wearing their Easter Lilies, which tells me republicans are gearing up for this year's commemoration.

"And with Martina Anderson MEP, a former POW who spent many years in jail in England, we have a speaker who was at the sharp end of struggle both inside and outside of prison and on the streets."

As this year sees the 100th anniversary of the founding of Cumann na mBan, three activists — Roseanne Doran, Agnes Doran and Anne Marie Weir — attended the launch dressed in Cumann na mBan uniform.

The National Graves Association have also organised a commemoration Mass in honour of our patriot dead in Clonard Monastery on Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm.

Belfast Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir will attend the service which will be con-celebrated by Frs Des Wilson and Raymond Murray.