Republican News · Thursday 30 November 2001

Event for Roll of Honour families

A national commemorative event to honour the families of the IRA volunteers, Sinn Féin members and activists on the Republican Roll of Honour will be held as close to Easter as possible next year.

Tírghrá, the ad-hoc group set up to organise the event, includes Gerry Adams, Joe Cahill, Martin Ferris, Dodie McGuinness, Deirdre Whelan, Jim McVeigh and Ray McCartney among its membership. The group has informed An Phoblacht that the event will be held early next year and that much of the initial planning is already in place.

Raymond McCartney, speaking to An Phoblacht on behalf of An Tírghrá, outlined the thinking behind the commemorative event.

"Over the years, many republicans have commended those who organised The Gathering of Clans, which brought together the families of those imprisoned in England. It was felt that a similar event should be held for the families of those named on the Roll of Honour.

"Throughout the year, but especially at Easter, republicans locally and regionally come together to honour our fallen comrades and their families. This will be a national commemoration and will bring all the families together for the first time in a single event. While the organising committee is very conscious that other republicans died through ill-health, exacerbated by beatings or imprisonment from injuries, this tribute, by its very nature, is limited to those on the Roll of Honour.

"An Tírghrá will make a presentation to each of the families, which will be a specially commissioned piece of sculpture. A number of designs are currently being considered.

"Much of the initial preparation is already in place and, given the size of the event, it will involve many republicans throughout Ireland. In recent weeks, An Tírghrá has outlined its intentions to the families, and we are heartened by their support.

"This will be a significant and poignant occasion and is one which will allow republicans tp pay tribute to our friends and comrades and to honour the fortitude of their families."