by Alan Jacques
AROUND 100 people attended the annual commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising last weekend in the city, organised by Sinn Féin.
The ceremonies at Mount St Lawrence Cemetery were chaired by local party member Mike Kileen from Lynwood Park and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Republican Movement by Jackie Kennedy from Dooradoyle.
The 1916 Proclamation was read by Oisin Cronin-O’Sullivan from Caherdavin and a minute’s silence was then observed in memory of all those who died in the cause of Irish freedom.
Sinn Féin leader of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Maurice Quinlivan was the main speaker at last weekend’s commemoration. The City North representative said that for his party the proclamation is not a piece of history, but “a living document”. He went on to describe it as “a guide to the type of republic” Sinn Féin wants.
“The Irish Government is worried and embarrassed by the Easter centenary. Worried that the people will demand the Ireland envisaged in Easter week and embarrassed by their failure over 90 years to deliver the republic. The cause of Ireland has been set back by Labour, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael,” Cllr Quinlivan claimed.
“The year ahead is a time for renewal and planning, a year for promoting republicanism. For building progressive alliances across the nation at home and abroad to deliver the republic. North and South Sinn Féin has led the way in opposing water charges. In the South we have opposed the property tax. We have brought forward alternative budgets which would have delivered prosperity and equality, grown employment and secured public services across all regions,” he said.
