Annual Easter 1916 Commemoration - Cork report.

international | miscellaneous | press release Monday April 09, 2007 21:58 by Seán Ó Murchú - Sinn Féin (Poblachtach) - Cork

The Annual 1916 Easter Commemoration in Cork took place on Easter Sunday April 8th. Year on year the numbers attending grow and this year was no exception. Assembly took place at the Wilton Roundabout at 2.30pm. The parade then proceeded to the Republican Plot, Saint Finbarr's Cemetery lead by a Colour party from Sinn Féin (Poblachtach) – Cork, followed a number of pipers of the ex-Cork Volunteer Pipe Band, Cumann na mBan and a large contingent of the public embracing all age groups.

Donal Varian of the MacCurtáin / MacSuibhne Cumann, Sinn Féin (Poblachtach) - Cork chaired the proceedings. The Cathaoirleach welcomed everyone to “this the most sacred place for Republicans in Cork.”

A wreath laying ceremony then took place with wreaths being placed by Liam Cotter - Kerry on behalf of the Republican Movement, Kitty O'Callaghan - O'Brien on behalf of Cumann na mBan and Mrs Glavin on behalf of Sinn Féin (Poblachtach).

Diarmuid Murphy, the bugler then sounded the last Post and Reveille. Antoine O’hAnnrachain gave a decade of the Rosary.

The Proclamation was read by life long republican Liam Heaphy. Alfie McAvoy read the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement. The Easter Statement from the O/C Republican prisoners Maghaberry gaol was then read.

The Cathaoirleach then introduced Liam Cotter from Kerry, who gave the oration. Liam said, “Is honóir mór ormsa chun óráid a thabhairt I gCorcaigh ar an lá stairiúil seo.” Liam spoke from the heart; no script was needed or required. Those in attendance, standing or seated on the grass, surrounding the Republican plot were visibly moved and inspired by each word.

The Cathaoirleach Donal Varian then thanked all who had attended and concluded with the following words, "It is of the utmost importance, following the attempted sell out and challenge by former comrades to Republicanism that our dead generations and our Volunteers be remembered and honoured with dignity and pride as their goal of a United Ireland has yet to be achieved, Free of British Rule."

He also strongly condemned his fellow Cork men for extending an invitation in the name of Sinn Fein to Conor Murphy, Armagh now a British paid agent and minister of an occupied puppet state.

The National Anthem was then played. Over 200 eight-page booklets giving a brief history of the 1916 Rising were distributed from the MacCurtain/MacSuibhne Cumann, Sinn Féin (Poblachtach)- Corcaigh to all who had attended.