17 September 2009 Edition

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Lenadoon martyrs' spirit recalled at annual commemoration

MAGNIFICENT TRIBUTE: Fra Maher’s Mural

MAGNIFICENT TRIBUTE: Fra Maher’s Mural

LENADOON was a “cauldron of resistance” during the conflict, Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey said at the annual Lenadoon Martyrs Commemoration in Belfast on Saturday.
Family members, friends and comrades gathered for the ceremony at the Lenadoon Republican Memorial in the grounds of the Roddy McCorley Club on the Glen Road
A mural depicting the history of Lenadoon women in struggle and featuring the images of well-known female republicans from the area was unveiled by family members. The magnificent tribute was painted by local artist Fra Maher.
Wreaths were laid at the event on behalf of the Republican Movement, Sinn Féin, Lenadoon Commemoration Committee and the Roddy McCorley Society.
The commemoration was chaired by Lenadoon Sinn Féin Councillor Gerard O’Neill and the Roll of Honour was read by Ann-Marie Weir.
Also remembered were those members of the Lenadoon community who died at the hands of the British Army, the RUC and loyalist murder gangs.

STRONG TOGETHER
Alex Maskey spoke of how Lenadoon became a “cauldron of resistance” in the early days of the conflict and said that this spirit of resistance has continued on right up until this present day.
He spoke of the enormous active support for republicanism in the Lenadoon area when he said:
“There have been many facets to republican activity over the years. This area has done it all and it has borne a heavy toll for its activism.
“Lenadoon should be proud of its contribution to the struggle and proud of its history.
“I represented this area for many years and it was an absolute privilege and an honour to do so. The people of this area are great people and I saw their commitment, their determination and their humanity on countless occasions.
“The people are what make us strong and what has allowed our struggle to develop. We have come a long way and we have the people to thank for that.
“The mural says it all – ‘Strong is what we make each other until we are strong together’.’

 

 


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