Huge turnout for Edinburgh Connolly commemoration

The Monaghan contingent with their new banner

The recent annual James Connolly commemoration in Edinburgh, organised by the James Connolly Society in the city, attracted over 1,500 supporters. The theme of this year's event was 'Make Partition History' and the guest speaker was Derry Councillor Raymond McCartney.

A group of Sinn Féin members from throughout County Monaghan, including six elected representatives, also attended, as part of Monaghan Sinn Féin's Céad Bliain programme of events. Connolly was the son of County Monaghan parents. His father, John Connolly, and his mother, Mary McGinn, had emigrated from Monaghan to Scotland with other members of their respective families. They met in Edinburgh and were married on 20 October 1856.

The Monaghan group of 24 included Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Councillors Brian McKenna, Noel Keelan, Seán Conlon, Pádraigín Uí Mhurchadha and Malachy Toal. They were warmly received by their Edinburgh hosts and were placed at the front of the large march, immediately behind the Connolly Society membership. A specially commissioned banner to mark the visit was proudly borne along the parade route by Eddie Gallagher Jnr and Pat Barker. Flowers were laid beneath the plaque that marks the birthplace of Connolly by Bernadette O'Hagan (Monaghan and Lurgan) and by Raymond McCartney, accompanied by Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

Following the closing speeches a function took place at a venue outside the city where presentations to Cllr McCartney and to the Monaghan visitors were made on behalf of the Connolly Society by Jim Slavin. Both Raymond McCartney and Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin suitably replied.