Strong and determined
Large turnouts at Easter commemorations
We have come through a quarter of a century of the most
prolonged and intense period of struggle ever in Ireland's
history. And we have come through it strengthened and more
determined than ever
Martin Ferris
| |
trim
Belfast
Spirits and numbers were high as the threat of snow gave way to
unexpected sunshine as Belfast's Easter parade made its way from
Beechmount to Milltown Cemetery. Apart from a diminished
gathering of RUC jeeps outside Andersonstown Barracks, British
crown forces' personnel stayed away while the people of West
Belfast honoured Ireland's dead free from interference. It was
very much a family affair, with children dressed in their Easter
best, sporting the traditional bonnets and carrying egg-filled
baskets. Bunting, flags, pipes, flutes and drums, it was as much
a celebration as a commemoration.
``On Good Friday 1916 a Belfast Volunteer, Charlie Monaghan, came
to my county of Kerry to further our quest for freedom.
Tragically he died there on active service,'' Sinn Féin negotiator
Martin Ferris told the crowd at the County Antrim Memorial.
``Today I come here to Milltown to pay respects to him and all the
other Oglaigh who have given their lives for this great cause.''
With a tremendous turnout, speakers at the Republican Plot had to
wait for almost 20 minutes as the parade continued to file into
the cemetery. Despite the onset of snow, the crowd listened
attentively as Martin Ferris gave the oration.
``There has been much talk of endgames and final settlements,''
said Ferris, ``[but] be assured that for us the only final
settlement between Britain and Ireland, and among the people who
share this island, can be on the basis of national
self-determination for the Irish people. We have come through a
quarter of a century of the most prolonged and intense period of
struggle ever in Ireland's history. And we have come through it
strengthened and more determined than ever. We have placed the
failure of partition and British jurisdiction at the centre stage
of Irish politics and high on the international agenda.
``The old system of unionist control imposed and sustained through
discrimination, bigotry and intimidation has been exposed to the
world and is damned forever,'' said Ferris. ``Playing the Orange
Card and the exercise of the unionist veto cannot any longer be
used to influence or intimidate political outcomes. An agreement
that will bring lasting peace and justice must move us beyond
partition.''
impassioned plea by Belfast veteran republican Martin Meehan
was made for the release of Tom Williams's remains from ``the
dungeons of Crumlin Road Jail. It was the earnest wish of Tom
Williams to be buried as an Irish republican. The National Graves
have been at the forefront in negotiating the release of Tom
Williams' remains. The continued incarceration of Tom Williams'
body engenders anguish and heartache within the broader
Republican Movement. Let's bring him home sooner rather than
later.''
Lagan Valley
Several hundred people gathered beside the Bobby Sands Memorial
in Twinbrook to commemorate local fallen Volunteers before
joining the main Belfast parade. ``There are difficult days
ahead,'' Sinn Féin Councillor Michael Ferguson told the crowd,
``our prisoners are still in jail, the Brits are still here, the
RUC and Orange Order still want to march down Garvaghy Road and
inequality remains the order of the day. We have a struggle to
fight and this phase is no different from any other.'' The
proceedings were chaired by former Councillor Annie Armstrong and
accompanied by Lagan Valley Flute Band.
Short Strand
Rain, sleet and hail didn't put people off coming out to the
historic first ever Easter commemoration parade in the Short
Strand. A few-hundred people turned up to march around the
district accompanied by the Short Strand Republican Flute Band.
Tension was low despite the presence of the RUC .
After the march the crowd, which had grown, gathered at the local
Sinn Féin Centre were the local representative Dominic Corr
chaired the proceedings.
The national anthem was played then local girl, Laura Keenan,
read the Proclamation. Another local girl, Caoimhe Arnold, read
out the Roll of Honour from the area. Many people were seen to be
wiping a tear as memories came flooding back. A piper played
Memory of the Dead.
Sinn Féin Councillor Pat McNamee from South Armagh gave the main
oration, saying: ``You here in the Short Strand are almost in the
same position as us in South Armagh. Although the Short Strand is
known for its isolation in the predominantly loyalist East
Belfast, you are also known for the way you've defended
yourselves. You are congratulated by everyone in Ireland.''
Armagh
Armagh City
One of the largest crowds ever attended the Easter Commemoration
in Armagh City on Easter Monday.
Led by a 26 strong colour party, the parade made its way through
the town centre to the Shambles and then on to the Republican
plot at the cemetery. There were bands from Scotland, Newry,
Lurgan and South Armagh in attendance.
The Commemoration was chaired by Sean McGinn and local Sinn Fein
Councillors Noel Sheridan and Sean McGirr participated. The
assembly was also addressed by a Volunteer from the North Armagh
Brigade of Oglaigh na hEireann who read out the Easter statement.
He reaffirmed the IRA's confidence in the leadership and
dismissed the ``actions of detractors as mischief making''. He
added that the IRA were determined to see this process through to
its conclusion. The oration was given by Councillor Tom Hartley,
leader of the Sinn Fein group in Belfast City Council.
Portadown
Several-hundred people marched along the Garvaghy Road to the
grave of Volunteer Julie Dougan for the annual Easter
commemoration in Portadown. The ceremony was chaired by Craigavon
Sinn Féin Councillor Francie Murray. The Easter Message was read
by Bernadette O'Hagan and the oration by Belfast Sinn Féin
Councillor Michael Brown.
Derrymacash
Led by the Lurgan Martyrs Republican Flute Band, several hundred
people marched to the grave of Volunteer Michael Crossey. The
Proclamation was read by Sinn Féin councillor John O'Dowd.
Bernadette O'Hagan read the Easter Message and the oration was
delivered by republican veteran Joe Cahill.
Lurgan
Portraits of the Proclamation signatories were carried by a
colour party of Sinn Féin Youth as several thousand people
marched in Lurgan's annual Easter Parade. Led by Lurgan Martyrs
Republican flute band the parade marched from Francis Street to
the Republican Plot in St Colman's Cemetery. The graveside
proceedings were chaired by Sinn Féin Councillor John O'Dowd. The
Roll Of Honour was read by the brother of Volunteer Michael
Crossey. Thunderous applause greeted a Volunteer who stepped out
of the crowd to deliver the Easter message. The oration was given
by Joe Cahill.
Cavan
Three hundred people took part in the County Cavan commemoration
on Easter Monday. It took place at the impressive republican
memorial outside Cavan Courthhouse which commemorates, amongst
others, former IRA Quartermaster General Jack McCabe and
hunger-striker and Cavan/Monaghan TD Kieran Doherty.
County Cavan Sinn Féin organiser Tina Tully chaired the
proceedings and Sinn Féin Vice-President Pat Doherty gave the
oration. He said that people in Cavan/Monaghan had set an example
which others throughout the 26 Counties were now following. The
party was growing and the republican message was spreading but
much greater efforts would be needed for republicans to fill
their full potential and that was to make as much of a political
impact in the 26 Counties as they had done in the Six Counties.
16 local wreath- laying ceremonies were held throughout County
Cavan on Easter Sunday.
Cork
One of the largest crowds in recent years attended the annual
Clonakilty Easter 1916 commemoration held at the 1798 Tadhg an
Astna Monument on Easter Sunday.
The ceremony was chaired by Sinn Féin Councillor Cionnaith O
Súilleabháin, who welcomed the large attendance and expressed
special encouragement at the large contingent of young people
present. The Easter commemoration, he said, was in memory of all
those who died in the struggle for independence from Wolfe Tone
to Volunteer Diarmuid O Neill who was killed in England in 1996.
A wreath was laid by Leo Flynn and following a minute's silence
Séamus De Búrca read the Proclamation.
Six-County chairperson Gearóid O hEara was the guest speaker at
the commemoration. He drew analogies between the aspirations and
convictions expressed in the 1916 Proclamation and those held
today by republicans. Quoting from the words of the signatories
he said: ``We demand equality, justice and freedom, and we will
settle for nothing less.''
Derry
Derry City
A 20 ton dolmen of Donegal granite now stands sentinel over the
Bogside and Brandywell, its powerful form a tribute the
Volunteers of the Derry Brigade's 1st Batt which it commemorates.
Hundreds of families, friends and local republicans overflowed
the commemorative garden for the dedication. Every generation was
represented, including parents of fallen Volunteers. It was
sobering to see many Volunteers who ran about in the early `70s
standing beside grown sons and daughters.
Moya Duffy, widow of Volunteer Patsy Duffy, whose 20th
anniversary occurs this year, unveiled the Roll of Honour. Martin
McGuinness, dedicating the huge dolmen, paid tribute to the
steadfast courage of the Volunteers' families over the years. He
also praised the dedication, hard work and imagination of a small
band of local republicans responsible for creating a memorial
unique in all Ireland. He singled out the contribution of Patrick
Coyle, whose idea the dolmen and garden was.
``Dedicating this memorial to Volunteers whose initiative,
courage, and determination began and saw through this key phase
of struggle is particularly meaningful on this particular Easter
Sunday,'' McGuinness said.
Easter Sunday's march in Derry was led to the Republican Plot in
the City Cemetery from the Bogside by a republican colour party,
relatives carrying large photo-posters of fallen Volunteers
followed, then Sinn Féin cumainn with colourful banners and The
Spirit of Freedom Flute Band.
At the Cuchulainn Monument, Chairperson Paul Fleming coordinated
wreath-laying, then introduced Carmel Halpenney to read the Roll
of Honour. Raymond Griffin read the Proclamation. As clear
haunting notes of a lament played by Eric McGinley recalled
fallen comrades, flags were lowered in silent tribute. Rosemary
O'Kane read the Easter Message.
Recalling those who died seeking democracy in Ireland, Martin
McGuinness stressed: ``Our commemorations are not a look back at
the past but a spur to the future free and united Ireland which
we are going to create.''
Referring to current events, he said: ``The republican struggle
will go on until we achieve full democratic and national rights
for all the people on this island.
``Our objective is to see an end to British rule in any part of
this country. As was anticipated, this has not come out of this
phase of the negotiations. But what is abundantly clear is that
whatever arrangements emerge must be founded on justice and
equality as part of a transitional process towards a sovereign
and independent Ireland. That remains the focus of all our
efforts.
``We have created the conditions for real change. It can be
achieved now but only if we keep our nerve and maintain a strong
cohesive nationalist consensus... Because we have kept the
spotlight of the world on Britain's human rights abuses here and
unionist intransigence, it is impossible for the British
government to countenance an internal Six-County settlement.
``Anti-republican elements have had to face up to the reality that
peace requires change. Any new arrangements which result from
this phase of negotiations must be part of our collective journey
from the failures of the past and towards a future of equals.
``Every effort must be made to get the agreement of northern
Protestants and unionists in the constitutional, financial and
political arrangements needed to replace partition; and the civil
and religious liberties of northern Protestants must be
guaranteed and protected.''
Acknowledging the ``huge gap of distrust between nationalists and
unionists'' McGuinness stressed it ``must be bridged on the basis
of equality. Unionists work on the basis that if you give
nationalists equality, the Union is finished. I believe they are
right. No process that excludes any section of society can hope
to be successful. That is why the equality agenda has been one of
our priority objectives in this process.''
Thanking those present (``the backbone of the republican struggle
for almost 30 years'') for their ``courage, intelligence,
determination, and support'', McGuinness concluded: ``There is much
to be done. Let's go and do it.''
• The traditional march from Galliagh Co-op to the Shantallow
Memorial took place on Easter Monday, and wreath-laying took
place at the republican monuments in the Waterside and Creggan on
Easter Sunday.
County Derry and Antrim
``The largest ever'' was how local people described the attendance
at the Counties Derry and Antrim commemoration at the Loup. Over
1,500 people assembled at Ballyronan Road to make their way to
the graveside of Brigadier Seán Larkin. The parade was led by the
recently formed Dan Darragh Flute Band from Ballycastle.
Spectators admired the new banner belonging to the Thomas McElwee
Sinn Féin Cumann, Greenlough.
In her oration Sinn Féin Director of International Affairs,
Bairbre De Brun said: ``As was done in 1916, we re-assert the
right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland and to
the unfettered control of her destiny.''
Earlier, North Derry republicans held their Easter commemoration
in Dungiven. Local wreath-laying ceremonies took place at
Coolcalm, Rasharkin, Dunloy, Kilrea, Glen, Lavey, Loughguile,
Bellaghy and Cargan.
Swatragh
The annual Easter Monday parade in Swatragh was addressed by
Belfast republican Martin Meehan and participants included South
Derry Martyrs Flute Band and Dan Darragh Flute Band from
Ballycastle.
Down
Castlewellan
Addressing the largest crowd at a local Easter parade in living
memory, guest speaker, Sinn Féin talks delegate for East Tyrone,
Barry McElduff paid tribute to those who had died in their
pursuit of republicanism in South Down. The rally was also
addressed by local Sinn Féin Councillors Frank McDowell, Paddy
McGreevy and South Down's talks delegate Mick Murphy.
Earlier Barry McElduff had attended a wreath-laying ceremony in
Downpatrick at the cross marking the site where Volunteer Colum
Marks was fatally shot by undercover British forces. The short,
dignified ceremony was attended by the parents and sisters of
Colum Marks. Barry McElduff extended his sympathy to the Marks
family and briefly spoke of his own grief at the loss of his
wife's brother Volunteer Paddy Kelly, who died during the IRA
attack on Loughgall barracks.
The parade at Castlewellan attracted almost 1,000 participants.
Bands travelled from as far as Scotland and Belfast to attend but
special tribute was given to Longstone band who attended despite
the recent bereavement of one of their members. McElduff said in
his oration: ``I remain confident that Britain's days of
interference in Irish affairs are numbered. Until that glorious
day arrives, the republican struggle goes on. Sinn Féin remains
resolutely committed to full national and democratic rights for
all the people of this island.
``All republican activists should examine this week's document in
great detail and within the context of our strategy. The
republican struggle has a tremendous history in South Down,
spanning the centuries from the 1798 uprising, the civil rights
campaigns, the mass and popular uprisings of the early `70
through intense periods of armed struggle and the prison
struggles including the Hunger Strikes into electoralism and the
Sinn Féin peace strategy. The struggle goes on,'' concluded
McElduff.
Newry
In atrocious weather 2,000 republicans attended the Newry Easter
Commemoration.
Among the banners was one depicting the 1798 martyrs Lowans and
Cochrane
The oration was delivered by Derry Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal
Crumley and the proceedings were chaired by Newry Councillor Davy
Hyland.
Dublin
Easter Sunday saw a turnout of over 1,000 people at the main
Dublin commemoration. A pageant, music and speeches were held in
O'Connell Street at the start of the events. Frank O Laocha of
Sinn Féin Youth read the culminating address, pledging the
commitment of young republicans to continue the struggle for
national self-determination.
The Volunteers Smith/Harford/Doherty Republican Flute Band led
the assembled crowd to Glasnevin cemetery where the Easter
message of Oglaigh na hÉireann was read followed by the Dublin
Brigade Roll of Honour.
Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD gave the main address. He asserted that
the proposed agreement would be considered by republicans subject
to its ability to provide a ``definite transition'' to Irish unity.
He said, ``be assured that for us the only settlement between
Britain and Ireland, and among the people that share this island,
can be on the basis of national self-determination for the Irish
people.''
On Good Friday nine teams competed for the Joe Clarke trophy at a
five-a-side football tournament organised by Dublin South Central
Sinn Féin .
The victors of the day were the Oliver Bond team from the South
Inner City who received the trophy and 1798 commemorative pins
from Sinn Féin South Central representative Martina Kenna.
Kenna thanked all those who contributed. However, she slammed the
surveillance of the matches by four Garda Special Branch
officers. It is particularly aggravating considering that Gardaí
have claimed they do not have the resources to hold drug patrols
in the area, she said.
On Saturday the annual Easter commemoration held by Sinn Féin
Dublin South Central was led by the Pollok Thornliebank
Republican Flute Band from Glasgow and Dublin's Volunteers
Smith/Harford/Doherty Band. Almost 300 people attended the march
to Eamonn Ceannt Park.
The main address was made by Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhairle member,
Councillor Joe Reilly who said: ``The present peace agreement must
not block or delay the achievement of the national objective.''
Leitrim
Several hundred people lined up behind the Kiltubrid Pipe Band on
the route to the cemetery at Cloonmorris, where the County
Leitrim commemoration was held on Easter Sunday. Wreaths were
laid at the graveside of Volunteer Jimmy Joe Reynolds on behalf
of Sinn Féin, the Republican Movement and the family of the
deceased.
The main address was delivered by Sinn Féin negotiator, Sligo
Alderman Seán MacManus. He cautioned those present not to be
swayed by the prevalent hype at the talks and stated that ``one of
the major questions which must be addressed as we consider recent
developments is whether these developments can transcend
partition''.
Louth
Drogheda
For the first time in 25 years a member of the corporation,
Alderman Tommy Murphy, attended the Easter commemoration at the
Halpin/Moran Memorial on the Marsh Road.
Main speaker and Sinn Féin negotiator Gerry Kelly urged people to
take the talks document as a whole and make a reasoned judgement.
Dundalk
Republican commemorations were held on Easter Saturday and
Sunday.
On Easter Saturday wreaths were laid on behalf of Sinn Féin and
the Dundalk commemoration committee at the Watters Brothers
Memorial in Quay Street.
A colour party led republicans to the Republican Plot in St
Patrick's Cemetery on the Newry road. The proceedings were
chaired by Louth Sinn Féin spokesperson Malachy Foots. Sinn Féin
negotiator Gerry Kelly paid tribute to republicans in Louth for
their support in the cause of attaining a just and lasting peace.
Meath
On Easter Sunday a commemorative ceremony was held at Ardbraccen
in Navan, attended by nearly 100 people. The chair was Lydia
Cumiskey and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican
Movement, Meath Chomhairle Ceantair, Sinn Féin and the
Doherty/Delaney Sinn Féin Cumann. Séamus O Maithiúna read the
Proclamation and Councillor Joe Reilly read the statement on
behalf of the leadership of the Republican Movement. The main
speaker was Brendan Curran from Lurgan, County Armagh.
On Easter Monday a wreath laying ceremony took place in
Ashbourne. A wreath was laid by Mr Jimmy Lynch on behalf of Sinn
Féin.
Monaghan
The annual County Monaghan Easter Sunday commemoration began with
a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to IRA Volunteer Fearghal
O'Hanlon in Monaghan town. The wreath was laid by Ballybay Sinn
Féin Councillor Eugene Duffy. A 16-person colour party led two
bands and a crowd of over 500 to Latlurcan Cemetery where the
proceedings were chaired by Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraigín Uí
Mhurchadha. Sinn Féin General Secretary Lucilita Bhreatnach gave
the oration during the course of which she said:
``I commend the tremendous work of republicans in Cavan/Monaghan
in securing the election of Caoimhghín O Caoláin TD. The people
of this constituency have given invaluable support to the Sinn
Féin peace strategy. The team of Sinn Féin elected
representatives here have led advances of truly historic
importance for peace and justice in Ireland.''
In Latlurcan wreath were laid on the graves Volunteers Bernard
Macartan Ward, Michael Kelly, Fearghal O'Hanlon and Jim Lynagh.
Earlier 11 local commemorations were held at venues throughout
County Monaghan. Orations were delivered at Clara by Pádraigín Uí
Mhurchadha, Carrickroe by Councillor Owen Smyth, Tyholland by
Councillor Brian McKenna, and at Clontibret by Councillor Jackie
Crowe. Newry and Mourne Sinn Féin Councillor Pat McNamee spoke at
the Clones commemoration.
Sligo
A well-drilled colour party led republicans to the graves of
Sligo's Noble Six. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican
Movement and Sinn Féin by Philomena Smyllie, a niece of Joe
Banks, and Dermot McNally who is currently fighting an
extradition charge.
The main oration was delivered by Ard Chomhairle member Francie
Molloy, who implored those present ``to do everything in our power
to bring about a lasting peace. This is why Sinn Féin will read
this document carefully and I ask you to do the same before you
reach your decision.''
Tyrone
Carrickmore
``Ireland is Ireland. The Irish people are the nation and the
national territory is all 32 counties, our islands and
territorial seas.'' That was the message Sinn Féin President Gerry
Adams brought to Carrickmore's Easter Commemoration: ``No section
of the Irish nation can have a veto on the political destiny of
the whole nation. The Irish nation has never voluntarily
recognised the claim of the British government to sovereignty
over any part of Ireland. Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh
or the people of County Tyrone are Irish. Nothing can change
that. And nothing ever will.''
Icy winds could not deter over 4,000 people who gathered at
Carrickmore's Republican Memorial to honour those who have died
in the struggle for Irish freedom. The annual proceedings
attracted unusual media attention with the world's press hopeful
of gleaning Sinn Féin's response to the talks document from
Adams' Easter address. It was even carried live by CNN.
Praising the County Tyrone IRA, Adams said: ``Some may think that
this is a provocative statement.. [but] when I pay tribute to the
IRA soldiers, I pay tribute not just to their role when they make
war but also to their role when they provide the opportunity of
making peace.''
``The struggle for freedom and independence for Ireland has gone
through many phases. We have experienced high points and low
points... In 1998 we are at a high point where republicans are
now a pivotal and growing force in Irish politics,'' Adams told an
attentive crowd. ``The conclusion of the multi-party talks last
Friday brought another phase of our struggle to an end. The next
is one which will present many challenges for Irish Republicans,
but I believe the impetus which we have generated will see us
make further significant advances towards our goal of a free and
independent Ireland.''
Appealing to everyone to study the talks document, Adams said the
responsibility for assessing the document is on every republican.
``It needs to be considered, not through a unionist filter or an
exaggerated hype by others, but in the context of our future
strategy, policy and objectives. In other words, has the struggle
been advanced. How can it be advanced further?''
The Sinn Féin president called on supporters to prepare for the
June elections. It was a `disgrace', Adams said, that the
nationalist constituency of West Tyrone was represented by a
unionist. ``There will be many difficult times ahead,'' concluded
Adams, ``but Irish republicans have demonstrated time and time
again our capacity to overcome adversity and advance our
struggle. Our task is to turn the vision of 1798 and 1916 into a
reality. I believe this generation of Irish republicans will do
just that.''
Loughmacrory
Three-hundred people attended the Loughmacrory Easter
commemoration which was held at the gravesides of IRA Volunteers
Gerard and Martin Harte on Sunday afternoon.
Proceedings were chaired by local Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey
McAnespie and the main oration was delivered by chairperson of
Sinn Féin Mid-Tyrone Chomhairle Ceantair Frank Ward.
Ward assured the assembled crowd that although the tactics of the
Republican Movement had altered, the ideals and objectives for
which so many Irish men and women lost their lives were still the
dynamics at the core of Sinn Féin policies.
Waterford
A large crowd gathered at the graveside of IRA Volunteer John
Cummins at Stradbally, County Waterford on Easter Sunday. Cummins
was killed in an engagement with the British Army just a few
weeks before the 1921 Truce and the West Waterford IRA Memorial
Association has kept alive his memory and that of the other local
Volunteers who died in the fight for freedom.
Pipe bands from Youghal and Portlaw took part in the parade and
the flag of the Decies Brigade of the IRA was carried. Speaking
at the graveside Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Mícheál Mac
Donncha said:
``Everyone should should very carefully assess the talks document
and the new political scenario. Judge on the basis of the ideals
for which those like John Cummins gave their lives, on the needs
of the present and on the interests of the future. This is not a
final settlement; we must judge if it can be a vehicle to bring
us to complete freedom, justice and peace.''
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