IRISH REPUBLICANISM AND FOLKLORE : EASTER MONDAY , MARCH 24 , 2008 , AT THE GPO IN DUBLIN .
Before the Republican Sinn Fein Easter Monday Commemoration at the GPO in Dublin got underway today , RSF members present , and about 150 other people, were treated to a very fine and dignified tribute "...to the women who played a vital role in the Uprising , the War of Independence and the Civil War.." , which had been organised by the 'North Inner City Folklore Project' , Dublin . This post contains a few photographs from that event . But first...
The main Dublin Easter Commemoration was held today at the GPO in Dublin . A crowd of approximately 300 people stood their ground outside the GPO despite constant harassment from uniformed gardai and their colleagues in the Special Branch . The parade proper left the Garden of Remembrance at 2pm and marched down O'Connell Street , where the Colour Party , consisting of members of Na Fianna Eireann , Cumann na mBan and Dublin RSF , formed-up on the street , facing the middle two pillars of the GPO . Hundreds of people stood either side and behind the Colour Party , with dozens more standing on the footpath , behind the small stage and speakers lectern . The event was Chaired by Andy Connolly , Dublin, and Liam Cotter , Kerry , delivered a stirring oration which met with roars of approval from the crowd . When the Commemoration finished - it was on for just over an hour - the RSF Chairperson thanked those who attended and asked that they not be intimidated by the rough tactics employed by the forces of the State , and reminded the crowd that it was in their best interest to attend the trade-union organised 'Health Protest March' next Saturday (March 29th) , which commences from the Garden of Remembrance at 3pm . A proper report will be published in the April 2008 issue of 'Saoirse' , which will be available from the 9th of that month .
Now for the 'Picture Gallery'! First , scenes from the RSF Commemoration.....
Liam Cotter , Kerry , at the GPO in Dublin , Easter Monday 2008. 
One of the attempts by State Garda to interfere with the Easter Monday RSF Commemoration in Dublin . It failed.
The view from the traffic isle on O'Connell Street .
Roisin Hayden , Dublin , prepares to do the business at the GPO today!
Wrapping-up after the Commemoration....and a few photographs from the tribute held today , also at the GPO in Dublin , which was organised by the Dublin 'North Inner City Folklore Project' group -
Finally - we would like to thank Malachy ,Terry and Cathleen (NICFP) and Peter , Liam , Matt and Mags , Dan , Bernard and Séan (with apologises to anyone I have not mentioned!) for helping to make such a busy day the success it was ! And 'Thank You' , too , to the hundreds of proud people that stood with us today outside the GPO . Go raibh maith agat !
Sharon.
