Republican News · Thursday 20 June 2002

[An Phoblacht]

Neither rain nor soccer dampen spirits

The mood of the annual Bodenstown commemoration last Sunday wasn't dampened by pouring rain nor the fact that the Irish had just lost to Spain in the World Cup.

The parade began slightly later than usual, due to the football match going to penalties, but there was still a large turnout of around 1,000 people, despite the constant rain.

Sinn Féin cumainn from across the 32 Counties were represented by their banners and bands joined the parade all along the route.

Copies of the Tírghrá book were on sale at the entrance to the graveyard, while Ógra Shinn Féin were braving the rain also with their 1798 booklet.

The ceremonies were chaired by Belfast Councillor Marie Cush, who welcomed the crowd. Dickie Glenholmes laid the main wreath on Wolfe Tone's grave, before Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin delivered the main address.

Marie Cush thanked those gathered for turning out on such a miserable wet day. Following this the winner of the bands competition was announced. The Felons Club Pipe Band from Belfast were this year's victors, and the Fergal Caraher Memorial Trophy was presented by Volunteer Fergal Caraher's widow, Margaret, to great applause from the crowd. Fergal was shot dead and his brother Mícheál seriously wounded, when Royal Marines opened fire without warning on 30 December 1990.


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