1916 societies travel to Bellaghy for main event
A NUMBER of other Easter Commemorations took place across County Fermanagh including those organised by the Robert Emmet 1916 Society, and Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Society.
They laid wreaths and Easter lilies on the graves of local Republicans, and at monuments.
Monument
A spokesperson for the
1916 societies said: “A Commemoration was held at Derrykerrib, Newtownbutler at a monument dedicated to the memory of Commandant Matt Fitzpatrick, who was fatally wounded in 1922 whilst engaging British forces at Clones Railway Station.
“Lilies were then laid at the Hunger Strikers’ Monument in Newtownbutler before visiting the graves of local Republicans in Newtownbutler, Donagh, and Lisnaskea.
“Lilies were laid at the Bobby Sands Monument in Donagh.”
The spokesperson continued:
“As Socialist Republicans, we in the Robert Emmet and Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Societies are also clear on what type of Ireland we want.
“An Ireland of Connolly, Pearse and Tone. That’s why we honoured the graves and monuments of our patriot dead this Easter, and every Easter.
“We are not ashamed of our dead volunteers. We do not want the 30 pieces of silver.”
On Easter Sunday, the Robert Emmet Society and Matt Fitzpatrick Societies travelled to Bellaghy for the main 1916 Society Easter Commemoration, which was held at the grave of Hunger Strikers Francis Hughes and Tom Mcelwee.
Palestine
Like others, the spokesperson emphasised solidarity with the people of Palestine, and added: “With the ongoing genocide in Gaza at this year’s Easter commemorations, there was a strong emphasis of solidarity for the people of Palestine.”