Premier tribute to Tipperary signatory to the Proclamation

TIPPERARY Sinn Féin’s annual Easter commemoration paid tribute to what Fachtna Roe said is the ongoing struggle to establish a Republic and the county’s signatory to the Proclamation, Thomas MacDonagh, in Golden.

Led by the Carrick-on-Suir Republican Flute Band, the event was addressed by local Councillors Martin Browne, David Doran and David Dunne. The main speaker was Seanad candidate Councillor Máire Devine.

David Dunne said:

“Liberty, equality, and fraternity, for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter alike is part of our dream for all.

“We had the honour of having Kathleen Funchion TD with us in Carrick, who reminded us that no one can look at our island or at the Irish state today and claim all has been achieved. It hasn’t.”

The main speaker and Seanad candidate, Dublin County Councillor Máire Devine, said:

“The ideals of the Proclamation, guaranteeing religious and civil liberty, championing equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of creed, colour or gender, and cherishing all the children of the nation equally, enshrine Sinn Féin’s core values.

“In this centenary year, I wish I could say that all these ideals have been achieved – that Ireland is now a better place. I wish I could tell you that we now have the Republic dreamed of by MacDonagh, Pearse, Markievicz. I cannot, nor can anyone, state that.”

“But republicans can rightfully state that they haven’t, nor will they ever, stop working for that Republic to be made real.”