The Sean MacDiarmada Society Fermanagh held its Annual Easter Commemoration at the graveside of Jim Murphy in Derrylin on the 49th anniversary of his murder on April 20, 1974.

Shane Burke, from the Mountain Road Pipe band, led a colour party into the graveyard, where Councillor Bernice Swift, Independent, chaired the event.

Welcoming everyone, she said: “This year we gather on the 49th anniversary of the murder of Jim Murphy with his family and friends to remember him and all those who gave their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom and independence.

“Jim Murphy was a leader in this community; he was a lifelong Irish Republican, a civil rights activist, and stood out in very dangerous times, risking his own life in the pursuit of a free and independent Ireland.”

Wreaths were laid by Sean Murphy, from the Murphy family; Robin Martin, from friends and former comrades; Joe Cox, from the Sean MacDiarmada Society; and Patrick Keenan, from the Robert Emmet 1916 Society.

Pearse McGovern read the 1916 Proclamation, followed by Noel Boyle, who read the Fermanagh IRA Roll of Honour.

The main speaker was Councillor Eamon Keenan, Independent, from Lisnaskea.

Addressing the crowd, he said: “Every Easter as Socialists and Republicans, we stand at graves and monuments as we have done for decades to honour and commemorate the men and women from this county and throughout Ireland who gave their lives for the liberation of Ireland.

“Their opposition to British Colonialism and its home-grown collaborators was steadfast.

“This Border area of Fermanagh has been neglected by both failed states since Partition.

“There has been no public investment from North or South; there has been no jobs created by the Dublin government or the Belfast cabal here in Derrylin.

“It has been the strength of this community that has enabled this area to survive and to thrive in recent years.”

Also as part of the Commemoration, Councillor Swift sang a specially-penned song written in tribute to Mr. Murphy.

She was later presented with a bouquet of flowers for her 18 years of public service on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, following her recent announcement that she was leaving politics.

Shane Burke then played Amhran na bhFiann to close the proceedings.