24 February 2005 Edition

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Tyrone Pikemen to kick off West Tyrone Céad Bliain events

Sinn Féin cumainn are organising a wide-ranging programme of events in towns and villages the length and breadth of Tyrone's Omagh District to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Ireland's oldest political party.

"The United Irishmen, the founding fathers of Irish Republicanism, are symbolised by the Pikemen of 1798 and to symbolise of the continuity of the republican tradition, it is fitting that a hastily convened contingent of Tyrone Pikemen will lead the launch of the Céad Bliain events at the Greencastle crossroads at 3pm this Sunday," said MLA Barry McElduff.

At that event, Pat Doherty MP will also unveil a commemorative mural to celebrate the foundation of Sinn Féin.

The Pikemen will also lead a torchlight procession through Dromore next Tuesday night to mark the date when Bobby Sands started the 1981 Hunger Strike.

Other upcoming events include: the inside story of the historic raid on Omagh Barracks told by Tom Mitchell on Friday 11 March; the planting of a liberty tree in the Tyrone Garden of Remembrance, Carrickmore, on Saturday 26 March; Gaelic football challenge matches; the display of the Céad Bliain National Exhibition at different local venues from the beginning of April; a public showing of the Panorama documentary about Carrickmore; a major Tyrone County celebration to mark An Chéad Bliain after Easter; an essay competition, debates, unveiling of commemorative plaques and much more yet to be finalised. The programme of events will finish with Féile an Phobail West Tyrone in August, which will comprise of a weeklong action-packed programme of events.

"On Sunday, I attended the biggest-ever republican commemoration that Strabane has ever seen," said McElduff. "The thousands who took part and who lined the route of the Commemoration Parade were not deterred from attending by the unprecedented demonisation campaign being waged against Sinn Féin by the 'great and the good' in the political establishment and in the media.

"Likewise, I am confident that we will see massive participation in the upcoming Céad Blian events throughout Omagh District as ordinary people recognise Sinn Féin's genuine contribution in advancing the Peace Process and our unflinching commitment to bringing about a united, free and independent Ireland."


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