Cuımneachán Na Cáısce
Nua Eabhrach 2008
Easter Commemoration Report
Sunday March 23, 2008, Cumann Na Saoirse Náısıúnta held their annual 1916 Easter Commemoration at the graveside of Irish republican and patriot, Joe Stynes. Those in attendance braved the early morning chill at Woodlawn Cemetery, in the Bronx, NY to pay tribute to the brave men and woman who served the Republic and to mark the 92nd Anniversary of the Easter Sunday Uprising. Brıan Mór Ó Baoıghıll was M.C. for the event. He began by welcoming all those in attendance and called upon Breandán O Broın who opened the ceremony with some patriotic tunes on the bagpipes.
Brian spoke of Joe Stynes as a veteran of the Tan War in Ireland and described how he fought on the side of Pearse’s Republic in the counter-revolution that followed. In 1923 the hostilities ceased with the order to dump arms. At this time in Ireland, the deliberate policy of the Free State made it extremely difficult for Republicans to gain meaningful employment. Like many other republicans, Mike Quill, Mike Flannery and others from that era Joe was forced to immigrate to America. Despite the many demands of raising and providing for a large family here in New York, Joe never shirked his oath of allegiance to the Irish Republic. Brian pointed out how Joe devoted so much time and effort to this end resulting in him becoming prominent leader within Clan Na Gael.
After this moving tribute, Brian Mór introduced the participants in the Clár for the remainder of the commemoration. Séamus Ó Dubhda and Maıréad Ní Thréınfhır read Forógra Na Cáisce in Gaeilge and English respectively. Seamus, a veteran Irish republican activist is a native of Co Chıarraí and is remembered for having traveled to Ireland to attend the famous 1986 Árd Fheis only to walk out with
Ó Brádaıgh and Ó Conaıll. Pádraic Mac Lıam read the Easter Statement from the Republican Movement in Ireland followed by Brıan De Bhardló who read the Cumann Na Saoirse Easter Message. In a seamless transition, Sean
Ó Coısdealbha delivered Pearse’s Oration at the Grave of Ó Donavon Rossa. Seán a well-known, talented and skilled actor gave a passionate and moving interpretation of the oration, a very special treat to all present.
Subsequently, Lıam Ó Murchú traced the significance of the unbroken links and the connection that has been made in America between the men and women of 1798,1848, the Fenian movement of the 1860’s, Clan Na Gael, of 1916 and eventually to the late Michael Flannery and Joe Stynes. He impressed upon those assembled that the succession continues to the present. Cathal Mc Eıdhır recited the poem Easter 1916 by W.B. Yeats and was followed by Maıréad Ní Dhubhda reading Fr. Pádhraıc de Brún’s famous poem, Easter 1916.
John McDonagh, host of Radıo Free Éıreann, concluded the ceremony by highlighting that the statements at this commemoration were written and read by Irish and Irish Americans. He contrasted them with those statements issued by Provisional Sinn Féin and the PIRA. It is no surprise, it has come to light their statements were crafted and edited by Tony Blair and the British Government.
Following the Commemoration, the Friends of Irish Freedom held an Easter Communion Breakfast at Kelly Ryan’s Restaurant. Mass was celebrated by former political prisoner Fr. Pat Moloney followed by a full Irish Breakfast. Ken Tierney introduced the Dais and the featured speaker, journalist and author Ed Moloney. Mr. Moloney spoke of the current issues facing the six North East occupied counties of Ireland and the Republican movement. He gave a thought provoking talk before taking questions. Look for Ed Maloney’s new book, entitled Ian Paisley, Demagogue or Democrat? it promises to be a good read.
Back to index page |
