Gerry Kelly to address Easter Rising centenary in Carrickmore

Gerry Kelly MLA has been confirmed as the main speaker at the Tyrone County 1916 Centenary Parade in Carrickmore on Easter Sunday at 3.30pm.
Launch of Carrickmore 1916 Centenary Easter ParadeLaunch of Carrickmore 1916 Centenary Easter Parade
Launch of Carrickmore 1916 Centenary Easter Parade

Speaking ahead of a robust programme of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, Chairperson of the organising committee, John O’Brien said the Tyrone Sinn Féin Commemoration Committee has organised over forty mobilisations throughout the county to mark this anniversary.

He said they will also commemorate all Republicans who have played their part in every generation.

“This includes the 56 IRA volunteers of the Tyrone Brigade and the 3 Sinn Féin activists who laid down their lives in the most recent phase of struggle,” he said.

“The main county commemoration in Carrickmore will take place on Easter Sunday at 3.30pm.

“The fact that Gerry Kelly MLA is the key note speaker will give an added dimension to the commemoration, which is traditionally one of the best attended and meticulously organised mobilisations in the country with marching bands and Sinn Féin Cumainn adding colour to the occasion.

“This year’s parade at Carrickmore and Coalisland will include music, song, poetry and includes historical Colour Parties of the various organisations which participated in the 1916 Easter Rising including Ná Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan, Irish Citizen Army and Irish Volunteers.

“The county mobilisation in Coalisland on Easter Saturday takes place at 3pm. The main speaker this year is Leading Belfast Republican, Bobby Storey.

“We are encouraging people to come along on the day in period dress from 1916.

Mr O’Brien continued: “Throughout Tyrone, local commemorations and wreath laying ceremonies will take place at the gravesides of our patriot dead.

“As the Cathaoirleach of the Tyrone Sinn Féin Commemoration Committee, I am asking that you pay tribute to Irelands patriot dead by making a special effort to attend the county commemorations and as many local commemorations as possible.

“I am also asking that you proudly wear the Easter lily as a mark of respect to those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish freedom in 1916 and in every decade since.”

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