On Saturday September 28, Revolutionary Republicans from all four provinces of Ireland gathered at Glasnevin Cemetery for the annual Socialist Republican Hunger Strike Commemoration, organised by Anti Imperialist Action Ireland, to honour the 22 Irish Republican Soldiers who have given their lives for Freedom on Hunger Strike, while held captive by the enemy.
Led by the Socialist Republican Colour Party, the crowd marched to the grave of Volunteer Thomas Ashe, the first Republican to give his life on Hunger Strike.
Chaired by a Republican Activist from Dublin, the event began with a minutes silence in the honour of Secretary General of Hezbollah and the martyrs of the Palestinian and Lebanese Resistance. This was followed by a reading of the 1916 Proclamation by a Limerick Republican, followed by the Hunger Strike Roll of Honour by a Meath Republican.
A floral tribute was then laid at the Hunger Strike Monument by a Wicklow Republican, before a minute silence and the lowering of the flags in honour of the 22 Republican Hunger Strike Martyrs and all those who have fought and died for Irish Freedom.
The main oration was then delivered by Republican ex-POW from Armagh, John A Heaney, who delivered a moving and insightful speech a video of which will shortly be published.
The event was then brought to a close with a rendition of Amhrán na bhFian.
Throughout the event, the Republicans in attendance were monitored and filmed by members of the Free State Special Branch and large numbers of uniform Garda. The presence of the Free State Police at a legitimate commemorative event for Ireland’s Patriot Dead shows the fear of the state of a growing Revolutionary Republicans.
Those that attempt to harass and intimidate Irish Republicans would do well to remember the words of our Hunger Strike Martyr, Vol. Bobby Sands, ‘I may die, but the Republic of 1916 will never die. Onward to the Republic and the Liberation of our People’.
An Phoblact Abú!