Sinn Féin hold Easter commemoration in Kildare
The March led by a lone piper
SINN Féin's leader Mary Lou McDonald delivered the keynote address as Sinn Féin Chill Dara held a Easter Commemoration in Kildare to honour the Grey Abbey Martyrs, remembering those who gave their lives for Irish freedom.
Ms McDonald paid tribute to all those who died in pursuit of Irish freedom, including her great uncle, James O’Connor. She reflected on his execution at just 24 years of age in the Curragh Camp, and spoke powerfully about the enduring cause of Irish unity.
The event was chaired by Kildare South TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, and attended by local representatives, members, and the wider community.
Members of Ógra Sinn Féin Kildare also played a central role in the commemoration, each reading letters from the martyrs. Reading one of those letters and helping to bring their voices and stories to life once more.
Speaking after the event, local party member James Stokes said: “This weekend, we came together not just to remember names, but to remember people, sons, brothers, friends, and patriots. Their lives were cut short, but their courage and their belief in the Republic continues to inspire us today.
“This commemoration is a reminder of the human cost of our history, and of the responsibility we carry to honour that sacrifice in our work today and into the future.”
Prior to the commemoration, Ms McDonald also addressed the media, calling for the Dáil to be reconvened immediately to address the ongoing cost of living crisis, with a particular focus on rising fuel costs impacting workers, families and communities across the country.
