Large turnout for Thomas Kent Commemoration

Last Sunday the sun shone on one of the largest turnouts at the annual Thomas Kent commemoration in recent years. Proceeding through Castlelyons in County Cork to the Kent family plot, the commemoration was accompanied by two bands.

There, the proceedings were chaired by Fermoy Councillor Séamus Coleman.

The oration was given by Malachí McCreesh, whose brother Raymond was one of those who died on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh in 1981. In a moving speech Malachí remembered the enthusiasm and the determination with which the Kent family fought for a republican Ireland. He also recalled the sacrifices they made in pursuit of that goal, with the deaths of Thomas and Richard Kent in 1916.

The arrest of the Kent family on that May morning brought back memories of the arrest of his own brother, Raymond, and the circumstances in which he died.

But, he said, while remembering those who gave their lives and liberty in the past, we must also remember that we each have a role to play today

The attacks on republicans today are no less fierce than in the past, he said. "Republicans threaten the cosy consensus which depends for its existence on the partition of this island and it will be no easy task to complete the journey the Kents set out on. We owe it to past and future generations to play our part in bringing about a free, democratic and united Ireland based on the principles laid out in 1916 Proclamation."