CUMANN NA MBAN VETERAN DELIVERS MAIN ORATION.
As with our swim report, we'll just give a quick mention of the weather on the day which, again, as with the Cabhair Swim (or any outdoor event) , is a vital element : it started raining heavily in Dublin on the morning of New Years Day at about 8am , it eased off at around 12 noon , stopped altogether at about 12.30pm and , despite a dark and threatening sky, somehow managed to stay dry for the following two hours, which was more than enough time to allow us, in some comfort (dry but very cold!) , to hold our commemoration for Dáithi Ó Conaill.
Approximately fifty people (and five 'Special Branch/Political Police' members) observed proceedings as the RSF Colour Party and Na Fianna Éireann members formed-up just inside the gates of Glasnevin Cemetery and , having taken up positions behind the uniformed republicans, the parade marched the short distance to the Republican Plot. The commemoration was Chaired by Andy Connolly , who welcomed all to the commemoration , and outlined how he and Dáithí had practically "grown up together in the republican family" , and highlighted various events and issues that Dáithí was involved in during his 36 years in the Movement.
As per a request from the Ó Conaill family , a Decade of the Rosary was recited by Padraig Ennis , following which the Chairperson asked Seán Ó Sé to play a Lament for the Dead on the tin whistle. A wreath from the Republican Movement was laid in the republican plot by Matt Conway and the oration was delivered by life-long republican and Cumann na mBan veteran , Peig King , Dublin, who gave a detailed account of Dáithí's early years in the Movement and outlined the many instances when their paths crossed , in Dublin and Donegal and all points in between. A full report on this commemoration will be published in the January 2014 issue of 'Saoirse' , which goes to print on Wednesday 8th of this month. We post with this brief report a few pics taken at the commemoration, more of which can be viewed in 'Saoirse'.
Andy Connolly , Chairperson.
Peig King , giving the oration.
Andy and Peig.
Séan Ó Sé, playing the Lament for the Dead.
Paddy Ennis , saying a Decade of the Rosary.
Matt Conway , laying the wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement.
RSF Colour Party and NFÉ.
The National Anthem and the lowering of the flags, bringing proceedings to a close.
Finally , a reminder that the annual Seán Sabhat Commemoration will be held this coming Sunday , 5th January, in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery in Limerick ; those attending are asked to assemble at the Horse and Hound Pub in Mulgrave Street at 1pm, and all genuine republicans are welcome!
Thanks for reading,
Sharon.
DÁITHÍ Ó CONAILL COMMEMORATION TO BE HELD ON NEW YEARS DAY 2014.
On January 1, 1957 he was second-in-command of the Pearse Column during the attack on Brookeborough RUC barracks which resulted in the deaths of two of his comrades, Fearghal Ó hAnluáin and Seán Sabhat. Four others were wounded including the column commander. At 18 years of age Dáithí took command and led a successful withdrawal back across the border – evading 400 RUC, B-Specials, two helicopters and the British army – where they were forced to retire. He was then imprisoned in Mountjoy and the Curragh Concentration camp from where he escaped with his friend and
comrade Ruairí Ó Brádaigh in September 1958.
He returned to active service and for a period was Director of Operations. He was critically wounded in an ambush by the RUC and B-Specials in Arboe, Co Tyrone on the shores of Lough Neagh in November 1959. He made his escape but was forced to seek help because of loss of blood and his weakened condition. He was captured by Crown Forces and was sentenced to eight years which he served in Belfast’s Crumlin Road Jail. Following his release in 1963 he reported back to active service.
In 1969/70 he again made his talents available to the Republican Movement. Ruairí Ó Brádaigh said of him he possessed the 'ablest mind in the Republican Movement for over 20 years'. The sheer breadth of his ability and intellect was evidenced by his service to the All-Ireland Republic both militarily and politically. He had a central role in framing ÉIRE NUA and remained a tireless advocate of it right up to his death in 1991.
Dáithí Ó Conaill never equivocated on what was the cause of the war in Ireland or what was required to deliver a just and lasting peace for all of the Irish people. Speaking in Belfast at Easter 1973 he said: 'Today, the central issue in the war is one of conflict between Ireland’s right to freedom and England’s determination to keep us in subjection. All other issues are subordinate to this basic point. There can be no compromise on the fundamental issue as to who should rule Ireland: the
British Parliament or the Irish people. We have had 800 years of British ineptitude in ruling Ireland; we have never known rule by the Irish, of the Irish, for the Irish. Until we do, we shall never enjoy peace and stability in our land.... (From here.)
We will post a brief report on the commemoration, with a few pics , on this blog , before the weekend. But if you can make it to the commemoration itself , please do - all genuine republicans welcome!
Thanks for reading, Sharon.
