Sinn Féin ask for public support for Easter Rising commemorative events

(Sinn Féin elected representatives at the launch of the 2010 programme of Easter Rising commemorative events at the O'Hanlon memorial this week. L-R Cllr. Gene Duffy (Ballybay), Cllr. Donal Sherry (Monaghan Town) Cllr. Brian McKenna (North Monaghan), Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Cllr. Sheila McKenna (North Monaghan), Cllr. Paul McGeown (Monaghan Town), Cllr. Seán Conlon (North Monaghan), Cllr. Padraigín Uí Mhurachadha (Monaghan Town), Cllr. Matt Carthy (Carrickmacross) and Cllr. Peter Grimes (Castleblayney).

Sinn Féin in County Monaghan this week announced full details of their programme of events to mark the 94th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Sinn Féin will hold no less than fifteen commemorative events across the county, in memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom. The programme is as follows:

County Commemoration

The main County Monaghan commemoration will take place in Monaghan town on Easter Sunday, 4th April. Assemble time is 3.30pm at the O’Hanlon memorial on the Clones road. There will be music and readings at this point before participants then parade to Latlurcan Cemetery. The main address will be delivered by popular Sinn Féin MLA, Francie Molloy, from Tyrone.

The organisers say that they hope to see the largest crowd in recent years at this years commemoration and that families are particularly welcome to join in the event.

Local Events

Inniskeen, in the south of the county, will host the first of the Easter week-end commemorations. This commemoration will take place on Easter Saturday at 6pm at St. Mary’s cemetery in the village.

On Easter Sunday morning wreath laying ceremonies will take place at the graves of those whose names appear on the County Monaghan Republican Roll of Honour at Annyalla, Carrickroe, Castleblayney, Clara, Clontibret, Corcaghan, Raferagh, Trinity (Rockcorry), Tyholland and Urbleshanny. Generally the ceremonies coincide with local mass times.

On Easter Monday commemorations will take place in Scotshouse and Clones. The Scotshouse parade will assemble at 12noon at the local community centre. The Clones commemoration assembles at 2pm at the Roslea Road carpark.

“Wear an Easter Lily”

Speaking earlier this week the Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, Seán Conlon, urged members of the public to wear an Easter Lily. He described the ‘lily’ as a symbol of remembrance for all those who died in the cause of Irish Freedom. Cllr. Conlon also stated that the lily was an expression of the aspiration of the vast majority of Irish people – a sovereign and independent Irish Republic of the whole island.

Cllr. Conlon said: “This weekend republicans across Ireland will gather throughout the country to commemorate the 1916 Rising.

“The Rising was for all the people of Ireland. The actions of the men and women of Easter Week 94 years ago were a beacon of hope for oppressed people across the world. Their proclamation was a visionary and revolutionary document, which is as relevant today as it was then, especially given that many of its aspirations remain unfulfilled.

“We don't have a United Ireland - yet. We don't have a society where all the children of the nation are cherished equally - yet. But we in Sinn Féin believe that we can achieve those aims and create a better society for everyone on this small island - Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, people of all religions and none, Irish citizens and new communities in our country alike, and we believe that we have a strategy to get there.

“The best memorial to the men and women of 1916 is an Ireland in which the principles of the Proclamation are put into effect - an Irish Republic worthy of its name” he said.

Anybody seeking further details on Easter Rising commemorative events or information on where Easter Lilies will be available should contact the Sinn Féin office in Monaghan at 047-82917.

Sheila McKenna raises Scotstown issues at Monaghan County Council

North Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor Sheila McKenna raised a number of issues relating to the Scotstown area at the October meeting of Monaghan County Council.

In her questions to the council executive Sheila McKenna sought the up-to-date position with regard to the proposed extension of Scotstown sewerage scheme. In response to the query the council executive confirmed out that a topographical land survey had been carried out of all the houses and associated works which could connect to the scheme, and sites earmarked for two pumping stations. “However, due to financial constraints within the budget of Water Services, it is unlikely to proceed for some time”.

Footpath Request

Cllr. McKenna asked if the council would investigate the possibility of continuing the footpath from Gola Crest into Scotstown village, in the interest of safety fro residents and school-going children.

A reply confirmed that the possibility of carrying out this work, and an investigation of the associated costs, would be matters that would be discussed at the next Road Area meeting.

Rumble Strips

The Sinn Féin representative also requested the council to replace and renew the rumble strips from the Knockatallon road into Scotstown as a means of traffic calming. As a result of Cllr. McKenna’s representations the council executive have agreed to examine the possibility, including determining, the costs of the works, with a view to renewing the rumble strips.

Speaking afterwards Cllr. Sheila McKenna said that she would continue to raise these and other matters of concern to the people of Scotstown and the other issues brought to her attention by people throughout North Monaghan. She is determined to see positive results to each of these queries, she stated.