Right to mark 1916 Rising hailed

THE right of the Irish people to mark the Easter 1916 Rising was hailed at a commemoration in Mallow yesterday.

Tom Meaney, a former Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, said the Rising was one of the greatest events in Irish history and led to the freedom enjoyed today.

“There is not a nation in the world that does not celebrate its independence day, the anniversaries of great victories and great events in their history, and that is what we are doing here today,” he said.

Mr Meaney, speaking at a FF-organised commemoration beside the Republican Plot in Gouldshill Cemetery, said people should be proud of the men and women of 1916.

Cllr Dan Joe Fitzgerald presided at the ceremony during which Minister of State Michael Ahern and Michael Meade, chairman of Thomas Davis FF Cumann, placed a wreath on the plot.

Sinn Féin commemorated the Rising with wreath-laying ceremonies at Mallow Bridge and at the Republican Plot in Gouldshill Cemetery where Thomas Davis Pipe Band members also rendered honours.

Cllr Willie O’Regan, who presided, urged people to oppose ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. Wreaths were laid by Arianna Mullane and Stella O’Sullivan, and by Martin Mullane and David O’Mahony.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was urged at a FF commemoration at the Republican Plot in Kilcrumper Cemetery, Fermoy, to ensure the remains of the executed patriot Thomas Kent be removed from their burial place within the ground of Cork Prison and re-interred in consecrated ground in accordance with the wishes of his family.

Cllr Frank O’Flynn, FF national executive, who made the call, also said the Irish people are indebted to Mr Ahern for his efforts in securing peace.

“I make no apology to anyone for stating publicly that were it not for the dedication, commitment and perseverance of Bertie Ahern that peace would not have been achieved,” he said.