Leinster republicans remember Kevin Barry

Wicklow councillor John Brady addresses the Kevin Barry commemoration in village of Rathvilly in County Carlow. Also pictured, standing next to monument, is Carlow/Kilkenny Sinn Féin representative Kathleen Funchion

REPUBLICANS from the across the south-east of Leinster gathered in the village of Rathvilly in County Carlow last Sunday to commemorate Kevin Barry, executed by British forces during the Tan War 87 years ago.
The commemoration – postponed last year due to the death of local republican Sheila Dempsey – was chaired by Carlow/Kilkenny Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion. After a short parade led by a republican colour party from Wicklow around the village to the Kevin Barry memorial, Kathleen began with a call for a moment of silence for Sheila Dempsey and for Martin Meehan from Belfast who died suddenly on Saturday morning. She described both as inspirational, life-long republicans.
Several wreaths were laid before Peadar de Bluit, from Ógra Shinn Féin, said that Kevin Barry was a young man dedicated to the ideals of 1916, committed to the achievement of a democratic socialist republic.  As young people in today’s struggle, this carries a special resonance for us.  We look to Kevin and others like Bobby Sands and Mairéad Farrell for inspiration as we continue their fight today.
The main speaker for the afternoon was Wicklow-based Councillor John Brady.
After giving a brief history of Barry’s life and untimely death, he drew parallels between the struggles engaged in 1916 and the Tan War with what has evolved in the Six Counties over the past 30 years.
“The fight for the Republic that Kevin Barry died for is alive and well and is happening in the Assembly in the Six Counties, in Leinster House and in councils the length and breadth of this country.”
John Brady said that even though the Sinn Féin general election in Carlow/Kilkenny was doubled, the overall result was disappointing.
“However, I think we have come out of the election stronger, learning from mistakes made and making people more determined than ever. We will continue the ground work, shaping society for the united Ireland that lays ahead.
“But we need people who share the same vision as Kevin Barry to join with us in this current struggle. We need to take this fight to every town and every parish. It is only then that we can take control of the levers of power in this country and make Kevin’s vision a reality.”
The ceremony finished with the playing of the Last Post by Seamie Davitt and the playing of the national anthem by the Volunteer Ed O’Brien Republican Flute Band.