South Armagh Annual Volunteers Day

“OUR CHALLENGE as republican activists is to continue the work of the Volunteers of Óglaigh na hÉireann to create a free and united Ireland, a republic where everyone – regardless of ethnicity, colour, religion, sexuality or the economic circumstances into which they are born – has the same opportunities to live life to the fullest, without fear of discrimination.”

These were the words of Sinn Féin Cuige Uladh Chairperson Bobby Storey speaking on Sunday 22 June at the annual South Armagh Volunteers Day commemoration, held in Mullaghban.

The event was attended by over 500 people and it commemorated the lives of all those who have striven for a united Ireland and in particular the 24 Volunteers named on the South Armagh Roll of Honour.

Those gathered paraded through the village of Mullaghban, following the banners of local Sinn Féin cumainn, to the Memorial Garden where, under the shadow of Slieve Gullion, Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Larkin officiated.

Wreaths on behalf of the Republican Movement and Sinn Féin were laid by Pat Murphy and Jimmy McCreesh respectively.

The South Armagh Roll of Honour was read by Connie McGeeney while the piper, Paddy Martin, played a lament. As each name was read out, 24 people, each bearing a picture of a Volunteer, made their way to the memorial.

Singing on the day was provided by the Daly sisters who performed Only Our Rivers Run Free and the concluding Amhrán na bhFiann.

Belfast republican Bobby Storey delivered the main address. He spoke in honour of those who were being remembered and, articulating the continuous momentum towards a united Ireland, said:

“Sinn Féin has always stood up for the oppressed in our society. This is what the Volunteers of South Armagh, whom we honour today, did in the past, and it is what we have been tasked with continuing.  

“The people of Ireland have spoken. The recent election results show that huge numbers of people support Sinn Féin. We mustn’t let them down.

“We are hungry for change, we are hungry for a real republic and we are determined to create an Ireland of Equals.”

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