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Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta
2007 Easter Commemoration Report
On a clear, cold and windy
Easter Sunday morning, members and supporters of Cumann
Na Saoirse Náisiúnta
(the
National Irish Freedom Committee [NIFC]) gathered at the
graveside of Joe Stynes in Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx.
Joe was a man whose life was guided by his dedication to the
All-Ireland Republic. A veteran of the Dublin Brigade of the
Irish Republican Army, Joe was active in both the Tan War and
the counter-revolution/civil war that followed the first
betrayal of the 32
county Republic. It should also be noted that Joe was a renowned
Gaelic footballer. Internment in the Curragh kept him out of the
1922 All Ireland final, however he was released in time to play
in the 1923 game and had the distinction of scoring the last two
points that would led to Dublin's win over Kerry by 1-5 to 1-3.
Many broken-hearted Republicans who were blacklisted fled Ireland
after the civil war, many finding their way to America. Among
these men and women was Joe Stynes. However, Joe never forgot
Ireland's plight. He quickly became active in Clan Na Gael, the
Republican organization in America. He worked for decades in
the Clan, ensuring that the Fenian faith was kept alive in his
adopted land. He also continued to assist the Republican
Movement back in Ireland.
Down through the years, Joe remained steadfast in his commitment
to Irish freedom. As others wavered or walked away from the
Republican path, Joe maintained his allegiance to the All
Ireland Republic. In 1986, after the Provisionals abandoned
Republicanism, he was one of the first to speak out against the
treachery of Adams and company. Joe, together with Michael
Flannery and George Harrison founded the Cumann Na Saoirse
Náisiúnta in 1987.
Joe Stynes was a true Gael, who gave a lifetime of service
to Irish freedom and embodied the spirit of 1916, with all this
in mind it is fitting that we honor the Republican ideals of
Easter 1916 at his grave.
Brian Mór Ó Baoighill served as master of ceremonies and spoke
briefly about his former comrade Joe Stynes. Brian said that Joe
had a keen sense of humor and a great sense of history. He then
introduced Séamus Ó Dubhda who read the Easter Proclamation in
Gaeilge. Séamus was followed by Liam Ó Murchu who read it in
English. Brian then introduced Pádraic Mac Liam who read the
statement from the leadership of the Republican Movement in
Ireland.
The Easter message from the National Irish Freedom Committee was
read by Bruce Mac Giolla Phádhraig
Tiokasin Ghosthorse, a member of the Lakota Nation and a
longtime friend of the National Irish Freedom Committee, spoke
in his native tongue before reciting Pearse's oration at the
graveside of O'Donovan Rossa.
During the ceremony the
participants were treated to a flight of wild geese that seemed
most appropriate for the occasion. A little later in the
ceremony, a low flying helicopter gave a perfect demonstration
of what a menace noisy hovering British occupation helicopters
can do at similar ceremonies in the British occupied six
counties
Liam Ó Murchú closed the ceremony by delivering a brief but
concise history of the modern part of the struggle for Irish
Independence
(Click here to view photos)
(Click
here for a printable copy)
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