1 July 2014
Derry Volunteers remembered
A CROWD estimated at well over 1,000 people marched in honour of Derry’s republican dead on Sunday 29 June.
The huge boost given to Derry republicans with the results of May’s local and European elections was evident in the turnout for Sunday’s annual commemoration event.
The colour party, dressed in period costume of Cumann na mBan and carrying the Cumann na mBan flag, led 100 women in white shirts and black trousers as they recalled the centenary of the founding of the republican women’s organisation.
As this year also sees the 40th anniversary of the death on active service of Volunteer Ethel Lynch, it was important to highlight the commitment and dedication that so many women have shown over the years.
The central role that women are playing in the republican struggle was underlined with a platform party that included three female elected representatives.
Martina Anderson and Lynn Boylan were both elected to the European Parliament with massive endorsements from the electorate, in the North where Anderson topped the poll and in Dublin where Boylan romped home.
Newly-elected councillor Sandra Duffy read the Derry Brigade Roll of Honour.
Lynn Boylan (below) was the main speaker and the large crowd was appreciative of her presence given that she honoured her commitment despite the news of the death of the mother of her partner, Eoin Ó Broin.
