Tipperary Sinn Féin commemorate in style – again

Tipperary Sinn Féin’s annual Easter commemorations have again been held to remember those who have gone before us in the on-going struggle to establish a Republic.

PRO Fachtna Roe said: “With traditional Republican parades and commemorations in all parts of the country being over-shadowed by the one-off interest of the Irish State, it’s a little humbling to see a new generation of Tipperary Republicans stepping up and continuing the traditions in the county.”

Tipperary is fortunate to have a resource as impressive as the young people in the Carrick-on-Suir Republican Flute Band, who led each commemoration march. They provide the music and create a rhythmically sparkling atmosphere for each event.”

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On Sunday the band marched through their home-town and didn’t miss a step or a beat even when the weather turned cold and stinging hailstones were flung from the sky. On Monday they basked in the Spring sun and filled the town of Golden with a stirring marching beat. On both occasions, parents and supporters alike were filled with pride, hope, and optimism.”

Cllr Martin Browne added, “We commemorated Tipperary’s signatory to the Proclamation, Tomás MacDonagh in Golden. We had the honour of having Sinn Féin Seanad candidate Cllr Máire Devine as the main speaker, who reminded us that the Irish State does not yet live up to the ideals of our Republican predecessors from 1916. Our numbers continue to grow, as more citizens realise that the job is not yet done. By reference to the past, these commemorations remind us of the challenges ahead.”

Cllr David Doran added, “We presented Máire with a camogie stick made here in Tipperary, a symbol of our common heritage that unites us across the island. It is part of our heritage also to strive for an equal and free island, a real Republic of the Irish that doesn’t just pay lip-service to the ideals of 1916.”

Cllr David Dunne added, “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter alike is part of our dream for all. We had the honour of having Kathleen Funchion TD with us in Carrick, who reminded us that no one can look at our island or at the Irish State today and claim all has been achieved. It hasn’t.”

We gathered today to honour those who went before us, and that we did in style. The young people in the band, the young people who gathered to watch, and the young people who performed interpretative dance on the bridge in Golden, are all part of our future. We best honour our past by working towards that better future together.”

Cllr Máire Devine said, “The ideals of the proclamation, guaranteeing religious and civil liberty, championing equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of creed, colour or gender, and cherishing all the children of the nation equally, enshrine Sinn Féin’s core values. In this centenary year, I wish I could say that all these ideals have been achieved – that Ireland is now a better place. I wish I could tell you, that we now have the Republic dreamed of by MacDonagh, Pearse, Markievicz. I cannot, nor can anyone, state that.”

But Republicans can rightfully state that they haven’t, nor will they ever, stop working for that Republic to be made real.”


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