The Robert Emmet 1916 Society attended a number of commemorations and laid flowers on the graves of local Republicans over the Easter weekend as part of their commemorations, which began on Easter Saturday in Tyholland, Co. Monaghan at the Laurence McNally commemoration, followed by the Jim Lynagh commemoration in Monaghan Lathurcan.

A commemoration took place at the Tony Ahern Monument in Rosslea, followed by the Paddy Mulligan commemoration in Newtownbutler, followed by the Michael Maguire commemoration in Donagh, with proceedings finishing with the Mick McManus, Francis McGoldrick and Paul Smyth commemoration in Lisnaskea.

Reflecting on the Easter Commemorations, Paul McGoldrick, Chairman of the Robert Emmett 1916 Society, Lisnaskea said: “Independent Socialist Republicans held many commemorations and laid flowers on many Republicans graves throughout Fermanagh, Tyrone and Monaghan.

“It is clear that after 25 years of what was named a ‘Peace Process’ has achieved very little, except for a major reduction in armed political actions, which is good.

“But social justice and the rights of humanity have been abandoned, all in the name of a ‘peace’. That was the broad theme of many of the speakers at these Easter Commemoration events.

“Issues like non-existent healthcare, homelessness and poverty were all highlighted. The question was asked: Where are the much-touted ‘peace dividends’? And ultimately, peace dividends for who?”

Concluding, Mr. McGoldrick said: “Many of the events were well attended. It shows that throughout the North and South of Ireland, [people] know well that freedom and total sovereignty will not be achieved through the Good Friday Agreement.

“Only a people-powered democracy in a 32-county Socialist Ireland can ever achieve that.”