There was a good turnout in Roscommon town last Sunday (April 24th) to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
A special commemorative ceremony took place in the grounds of the civic offices where a proclamation plaque which was carved by Barry Feely of Feelystone in Boyle was unveiled by Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.
Members of the Defence Forces were also present as was as the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins.
The Irish flag was raised to the sound of a lone piper and the proclamation was read to those in attendance. It was a poignant day of remembrance with music from the Roscommon Youth Orchestra.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff said: “County Roscommon, like all counties, provides its own setting and contribution to the history of the period from the Great War 1914-1918 and the many soldiers from the county who served on the battlefield, to the Irish Home Rule & Government of Ireland Act (1914), the influence of Douglas Hyde and his resignation from the Gaelic League in 1915, to the Easter Rising in 1916 and the arrests in Roscommon in the aftermath of the rising and the election of Count Plunkett in North Roscommon to the first Dail.”
CEO of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins added: “On this date 100 years ago the Easter Rising began, in what was then a very complex and troubled Ireland, and at a time of conflict in Europe. The Rising of 1916 was the first stage in the War of Independence, that later resulted in the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922. The story is one of great bravery, vision and determination, but also one that is tinged with sadness, loss and separation.
“The human price paid should never be forgotten, and is why we are here today, on this historic occasion, to remember those who paid that price, those who bravely and selflessly, lost, and risked their lives, so that future generations could be citizens of a free and independent State.”
Also in attendance at the event were Kathleen Gannon of Tarmonbarry and Mae Moran from Crossna. Kathleen’s father, James Farrell, fought in Jacob’s factory during Easter week while Mae’s uncle Paddy also played a role in the struggle. Former county councilor, Anthony Geraghty, also recalled his links to Sean MacDiarmada, a signatory of the Proclamation.
