Seeley addresses 1916 event

Speaking at the graveside of local man Michael Crossey, Ms Seeley said that over the past 100 years republicanism has seen many twists and turns but that in 2016 Sinn Féin have the largest amount of political support since before partition.

“During Easter Week and in the 100 years since, Republicanism has seen many twists and turns; as well as some inspirational and formidable men and women. Vol. Michael Crossey is one of those.

“A young republican activist from a family of republican activists, in many ways Michael Crossey represents that factor that crosses generations and time - between 1916 and the most recent phase of struggle in Ireland. A young person who felt he had to stand up for his people, for his country and for the future,” she said.

Ms Seeley continued: “100 years on from the Easter Rising, it is clear that the ideals and ideas of the leaders of 1916 live on. The goals of ‘cherishing all the children of the nation equally’ and of national independence are still very much alive, unfinished business. We have been left our patriot dead but more importantly - we have been left their ideals and their ideas.

“But the future lies with us of 2016; the people of this generation. Sinn Féin now has more support than at any time since partition. There is now a peaceful way to achieve republican objectives and we must grasp that opportunity with the same commitment and vigour that drove people like Pádraig Pearse, James Connolly and Michael Crossey.”

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey also addressed the Easter Commemoration and paid tribute to the commitment and resilience of the people of Lurgan over many decades.

In his address, Mr Maskey referred to this year’s Assembly elections and the prospect of electing both Catherine Seeley and John O’Dowd. He said: “This constituency has a massive opportunity to put another string in the republican bow by electing Catherine Seeley and John O’Dowd. Strengthening the Sinn Féin team in the Assembly will strengthen your representation; but also, importantly, it will strengthen our progress towards a border poll referendum on Irish Unity.” See Pages 28-30 for coverage of the Commemoration.