Ruairí Ó Brádaigh , Wynns Hotel , Dublin , Tuesday 20th January 2009.Approximately sixty people gathered in a room in Wynn's Hotel , Dublin , on Tuesday 20th January 2009 , to hear various Irish Republican speakers outline what that political event of 90 years ago means to them - all the speeches , and the many contributions from the crowd , shared one common theme : that the present institution in Kildare Street in Dublin , and those that sit in same, share absolutely no linear connection to the people , or the actual institution , which met in Dublin's Mansion House on January 21st , 1919 .
The Wynn's Hotel lecture began at 7.45pm and ended at 10.15pm : proceedings were Chaired by Des Dalton , and amongst the other Irish Republicans that spoke during the evening (in Irish , French and English) was Tomás Ó Clérigh , Richard Walsh , Róisin Hayden , Seán Ó Brádaigh , Séamus Ó Súilleabháin , Ruairí Ó Brádaigh and Séan Ó Sé . Following the main speakers , a 'Question and Answer' session was held , with many from the audience taking part . Our National Anthem was then sung by all present , the audience was thanked for braving the wet and windy elements (and for not being intimidated by the State 'elements' , who were inside and outside the hotel) , the 'Top Table' people were beseeched by autograph hunters (!) and , eventually , all present retired to the private function room where refreshments were being served. Overall , the function was a fitting and proper tribute to An Céad Dáil Éireann , an institution with which Republican Sinn Féin is proud to be associated.
We publish with this post five more photographs from that evening , with another five photographs published on our 'Sister' blog , which we have linked to at the end of this post. A full report and other photographs will be published in the February 2009 issue of 'Saoirse' , which will be published on the 4th of that month.
Comparing notes!
Crowd section.
The view from near the back of the venue.
Reading and writing at the 'Top Table' !
Séan Ó Brádaigh, Richard Behal and Ruairí Ó Brádaigh.
As stated above , five more photographs from that event can be viewed here. Also , please note that our usual 'three-in-one' post will be published this Friday or Saturday.
Thanks!
Sharon.
