Fianna Fáil activists recall events of Easter week
Members of Fermoy Fianna Fáil (Cumann Mhicheal MacGearailt) and their supporters held a dignified ceremony at the Republican Plot in Kilcrumper Old Graveyard last Sunday marking the events of Easter week 1916.
Conditions were far from ideal, however, activists braved the inclement weather to honour the men and women who stormed the GPO in Dublin before declaring an Irish Republic.
Keynote speaker was Rathcormac based councillor, William O’Leary. In his address, Cllr O’Leary said it was important that the actions of the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizens’ Army be recalled. Those, who rose in opposition to British rule in Ireland, were, he said, ‘motivated by the highest principles’. He went on to criticise Sinn Fein, who ‘had no exclusive hold on the graves of Irish republicans’.
With regard to modern day events, he compared the actions of Russia, to those of the British empire, it was entirely right, he said, that Irish people stand shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed people of Ukraine.
Other contributors to the commemoration included Sean O’Murchu from Moin an Driseain, who read the proclamation; Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, who recited a decade of the Rosary, as Gaeilge and Ciaran O’Keeffe, who, along with Cllr. O’Leary, laid a wreath. The National Anthem was played by piper, Samantha Costigan.
Following formalities, Ned O’Keeffe, introduced Nelius Cotter from Castletownroche to the crowd. Mr. Cotter, who is already making a name for himself in political circles, was recently appointed to the national executive of Fianna Fail. The former Minister of State seemed suitably impressed with the young Fianna Fail man and wished him well with his endeavours.
UPKEEP OF KILCRUMPER
Despite the bad weather, it was still noticeable how well maintained Kilcrumper Old Cemetery is. This is due to the efforts of a group of very dedicated volunteers.