Republican News · Thursday 10 April 2003

Drumboe Dinner dance

The Drumboe Martyrs 80th anniversary dinner dance took place on Friday night last in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, with over 650 republicans from Donegal, Derry, Tyrone and beyond in attendance. The night's proceedings, honouring the families of the four young men executed at Drumboe woods 80 years ago, were chaired by Veronica Molloy, chairperson of the Tír Chonaill Commemoration Committee. She welcomed all the families of the Volunteers and Sinn Féin members on the Donegal and West Tyrone Roll of Honour and the large presence from the leadership of Sinn Féin, including Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty, Mitchel McLaughlin, Michelle Gildernew, Martina Anderson and Dodie McGuinness.

Veronica also paid tribute to all the members of the Tír Chonaill Commemoration Committee, both past and present, including Liam McElhinney, Eamonn Monaghan and Frank Morris. Opening the proceedings, Patsy Sweeney from Ardara delivered one of the most inspiring and memorable orations ever given in tribute to the four young men.

The families of the Drumboe Martyrs were then each presented with a Bog Oak carving and a copy of the revised edition of The Story of the Drumboe Martyrs. Presentations were made by Hugh Doherty to Nell Ní Choistaithe and Muireann Ní Loinsigh, relatives of Charlie Daly. Una McIvor made the presentation to Dermot and Marie McKee, relatives of Sean Larkin. West Tyrone Assembly candidate Cllr Brian McMahon made a presentation to Patsy and Mary O'Connor, relatives of Dan Enright and Eileen Gillespie made the presentation to Mary and Donal O'Sullivan, the family of Tim O'Sullivan.

The Drumboe Martyrs song was passionately delivered by John Downey. This was followed by an address by Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member and former republican prisoner Martina Anderson on the role of women in the republican struggle. Patsy Sweeney read a poem.

The night's main speaker was Martin McGuinness, who delivered an inspiring and confident speech focusing on how far Irish republicanism has advanced in recent years. He paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of the four young men, comparing their efforts to the many individuals present in the hall in front of him, on the night, who for many years had risked life and limb in the cause of Irish freedom. To rapturous applause, McGuinness confidently asserted that Donegal would be returning two TDs to Leinster House in the near future through their two young candidates, Pearse Doherty in Donegal South West and Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn in Donegal North East.

A clearly impressed McGuinness made repeated reference to the resurgence of Sinn Féin and republicanism in Donegal. He said this pattern is being repeated all across the island of Ireland.