Sinn Féin Thurles to hold their annual 1916 commemoration this weekend

Sinn Féin Thurles will hold their annual 1916 commemoration on Sunday March 31.

In a statement this week, they said this year's event is particularly important.

"It is important to commemorate the 1916 Rising because it pertains specifically to our current socio-economic condition. The foundation upon which our current political system was founded is rooted in partition, and that is why it is so dysfunctional and does no justice to any citizen on our island.

"In remembering and celebrating our 1916 heroes, we remember their vision and the reasons why our island has yet to reach its full potential.

"This year, is a pivotal year in the history of our island, is a year in which Thurles 1916 commemorations are more important than ever.

"The Thurles Sinn Féin Brett/McLoughlin/Emmet Cumann in conjunction with the Tipperary Republican Commemoration Committee will hold its annual 1916 Commemoration on Easter Sunday, March 31 at 12 midday.

"People are invited to assemble at `the Thurles Town Park carpark at 11:30am where a piper will lead us to the Stoneman Statue, fondly known as the Pikeman Monument, located in Liberty Square at 12pm.

Ahead of the event, this year’s main speaker Dan Harty said:

"Easter is always an important time, where we reflect on our island's journey to achieving unity and all its aspirations. Central to this is Cumann na mBan's symbol of the Easter Lily. This Easter, as every
Easter we will be launching our Easter Lilly campaign and look forward to meeting everyone and discussing the history of the Lily. Only by understanding our past can we hope to achieve a better
future.

"I would encourage everyone to join us for our annual 1916 Commemoration on Easter Sunday. We will also hold our Annual Volunteer James McLoughlin Wreath Laying a few days after Easter at his monument in Cormackstown, Holycross, on Wednesday, April 3 at 7:15pm.

"The history of Volunteer James McLoughlin is particularly important to me as my own grandfather, Captain Jack Harty, was on the same operation the day that led to James falling to Black and Tan gunfire in 1921.

"We stand on the cusp of the unity of our Island and the true Republic that was envisaged in the Proclamation, where everyone can fulfil their hopes and aspirations in life. In all parts of the island, we work to build a better future for all citizens, this was at the core of the vision and the actions of the brave men and women of 1916, said Mr Harty.