Year of progress celebrated in Dublin

Martin McGuinness made presentations to Robbie Donnelly (above) and Tony O'Flaherty (below)

The first annual Dublin Sinn Féin Gala Dinner was held last Friday in the Royal Dublin Hotel on O'Connell Street.

Party members and supporters from across the city gathered to review and celebrate the year's success, ably chaired by Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald. During dinner, the crowd was entertained by traditional music group Cuilín.

The night included a special tribute to two longtime activists from the city, Tony O'Flaherty from Cabra and Robbie Donnelly from Blanchardstown.

Tributes were paid by Mary Lou and a presentation of a 1916 Volunteer Statue was made to both activists by Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness, the main speaker on the night.

McGuinness spoke of the past year's success and the need to build on it. He made the point that without the contribution of activists like Tony and Robbie, in the lean years, we would not be in the position we are today.