Mr. Martin O'Donnell from Old Parish prepares the Wreaths
Rays of Sunshine mark the event
This gentleman came from the USA, to honor his 1922 ancestor
Marie Keating, niece of the famous rebels Pat & Thomas Keating, both of whom lost their lives during the fight for freedom. Speaking at the event, she said that she recalled stories of her relations exploits during the war. She said that 'these were ordinary young men that played hurling and football, had girlfriends, and enjoyed life but they were prepared to to give all this up and take to the Comeraghs to lead the fight for freedom.
Mr. David Cullinane Sinn Fein,& Waterford County Councilor lays a Wreath
Seanna Walsh of Sinn Fein. This was the man who read the IRA statement on July 28th, 2005 which ended the armed conflict of the past 35 years. Seanna spent 21 years of his life in British prisons. he was a very close friend of the hero Bobby sands who was the first hunger striker to die. Seanna was a cell mate of Bobby's back in 1981 when ten young Irishmen died in the fight for political status. Another interesting thing about Seanna, was that because of his impeccable republican credentials that he was asked to be the first person since 1972 to represent the organisation without wearing the black mask.he also paid a vital role in the peace talks. Seanna, currently heads up the Sinn Fein Irish language Department.
Speaking at the event ,Seanna, said that 'he was honored and privileged to have been asked to say a cupla focial here to day. the fight these men began here 88 years ago is the same fight I was involved in. Unfortunately, not all our country was freed from British occupation and Republicans in the six counties had no option but to rise and fight this occupation. Today we see the British Army hold a march in Belfast, this is a disgrace and should not have been allowed. We must continue to push for a United Ireland. We owe it to all those who died fighting for it.' Speaking about the film 'The Hunger' he said, ' I would encourage people to go and see it. The film depicts life in the H-Blocks during the hunger strike, this movie shows what we went through during that period.' He went on to say, 'All true Republicans must continue to fight for the Ireland as is laid out in the 1916 proclamation and must remember that historic document applies to all in the six Counties as well.
All the Wreaths are laid out
Senator Labhras O’ Murchu (Center) Was the other main speaker who address the crowd was the South Tipperary based Senator Labhras O’ Murchu. Addressing those present he said,’ the fight for unity must continue, we must retain our national heritage, our language, our games and our music. The men and women who rose in the 1920s were our heroes. I hope as many children as possible visit marvellous monument and learn what our forefathers achieved for us. We must not forget either our nationalist and republican comrades in the six counties or what they went through and still endure under British occupation. I wish to commend the local committee for the work they have done here. It shows that the traditional committee spirit is alive and well. I particularly wish to mention the way they have got all the strands of republicanism working together with no political point scoring taking place. If republicans of all colours joined together more often we could achieve a lot more’. The Cork Hill Pipe band. Martin O’Donnell of An Sean Phobail sang closed the event by singing the Cross of old Piltown
Time for some photo shoots, Seanna was kept quite busy with people shaking his hand and requesting photos. A quite unassuming man who was modestly quite willing to oblige all requests.
David Walsh, Sinn Fein, Eamonn O'Gríbhthín ,Sinn Fein, Seanna Walsh Sinn Fein, May Cantwell & Róisín Ní Ghríbhthín
Yours truly with Seannie
Helen Love who is granddaughter of of Ned Kirby, West Waterford brigade old IRA who took part in the Piltown Ambush, gives the hand of friendship to Seannie
Seannie, Duane Cantwell and David Walsh
County & local Sin Fein Councilor , Brendan Mansfield, left , Brendan grandfather was a staff member the famous IRA west Waterford Brigade, he was also part of the Flying Column, he is pictures with other Sin Fein members , Seanna Walsh,Duane Cantwell, & David Walsh
Off to the march, Helen Love, May Cantwell Róisín Ní Ghríbhthín
The commemoration memorial was erected was in respect of three men who were prominent in helping the Ring fishermen during the darkest period of Ireland's history. The fishermen and their families were knocking at deaths door during a period which (which on reflection) can only be described as a period of ethnic cleansing . The three men were ; Joshua William Strangman, (Society of friends) Rev. James Alcock & Dr. Richard Graves. Left to right, Roger Johnston, Martin Coffey, Thomas Graves,Eddie Cantwell, Joan Johnston, Nioclás Ó Gríofán, William Fraher, Julian Walton & Áine Uí Fhoghlú Nioclás Ó Gríofán, one of the main speakers making a presentation to Joan Johnston Watch the birdie! Joan speaks on Joshua Strangman, assisted by MC Martin Coffey Prior to the unveiling ... Visitors & locals , Left to Right, Cliona Wadding, (her aunt is proprietor at Murray's Pub in Helvick.) Nzera & May Cantwell (Visiting) Áine Uí Fhoghlú who delivered one of her poems,'Na Prátaí Dubha' at the commemoration. and her sister Clíona Mhic Ghiolla Chuda, both from Ring.
Nioclás Ó Griofán and a wonderful lady Eibhlin Uí Donnchadha Neé McGrath. (Eileen Donoghue) its them sister again Áine & Cliona... Roger, Joan, Julian & Eibhlin. left to right May, Anthony Fraher, Olga & Willie Fraher
Happy...Happy...Happy!
Below is a film clip which I took at the unveiling of Poet & Áine Uí Fhoghlú reciting her poem titled 'Na Prátaí Dubha' . (The Black Potatoes) It is not of the best quality and I am aware that I could have made a better job of it, however, I present it here...just click on the image...no complaints...Please. remember that if you click on the images you will get a larger and sharper image.
The Mighty Matchek from Poland has a problem with his MUG!! It's not the only problem he has!, here he displays movement in the latest dance that he has learned at Davitt's night Club...'I just wanna dance with you' He is congratulated by his good friend and work mate Feri, another keen enthusiast of Daniel O'Donnell
Three men went from Ring in 1860 to defend the Pope. story has it that they walked 15 miles to Youghal to get the boat to Liverpool and then onto Rome. they were all fluent Gaelic speakers and went to the same school as the famous Major Fitzgerald who welcomed them to Rome. Major Fitzgerald was born Gabriel Thomas Fitzgerald to Anthony and Mary gee in 1827 at Seaview House Ring, Dungarvan, Co, Waterford. Both his parents were local landlords. Mary gee being in Ardmore. he joined the Austrian Army in 1847 and became Captain of cuirassier regiment No2. and served through the Hungarian revolutionary war. He was nominated to train and command the Irish battalion of St. Patrick to fight for Pope Pius IX in 1860. The original choice of a commanding officer of the Irish fell on Major Fitzgerald. he actually arrived at Ancona and took command of four companies but owning to his rank in the Austrian army it was deemed inadvisable that Fitzgerald should accept command of a Battillion in the papal Army and the choice fell on major Myles Reilly's. Major Fitzgerald returned to Austrain service and served through to the war of 1886. he received wounds at Sadona and died of these in 1879 having being an invalid for some time.
Chairman, Liam Allen of Piltown
It estimated that 500 were present on the day
Mr. Martin O'Donnell from Old Parish prepares the Wreaths
Rays of Sunshine mark the event
This gentleman came from the USA, to honor his 1922 ancestor
Marie Keating, niece of the famous rebels Pat & Thomas Keating, both of whom lost their lives during the fight for freedom. Speaking at the event, she said that she recalled stories of her relations exploits during the war. She said that 'these were ordinary young men that played hurling and football, had girlfriends, and enjoyed life but they were prepared to to give all this up and take to the Comeraghs to lead the fight for freedom.
Mr. David Cullinane Sinn Fein,& Waterford County Councilor lays a Wreath
Seanna Walsh of Sinn Fein. This was the man who read the IRA statement on July 28th, 2005 which ended the armed conflict of the past 35 years. Seanna spent 21 years of his life in British prisons. he was a very close friend of the hero Bobby sands who was the first hunger striker to die. Seanna was a cell mate of Bobby's back in 1981 when ten young Irishmen died in the fight for political status. Another interesting thing about Seanna, was that because of his impeccable republican credentials that he was asked to be the first person since 1972 to represent the organisation without wearing the black mask.he also paid a vital role in the peace talks. Seanna, currently heads up the Sinn Fein Irish language Department.
Speaking at the event ,Seanna, said that 'he was honored and privileged to have been asked to say a cupla focial here to day. the fight these men began here 88 years ago is the same fight I was involved in. Unfortunately, not all our country was freed from British occupation and Republicans in the six counties had no option but to rise and fight this occupation. Today we see the British Army hold a march in Belfast, this is a disgrace and should not have been allowed. We must continue to push for a United Ireland. We owe it to all those who died fighting for it.' Speaking about the film 'The Hunger' he said, ' I would encourage people to go and see it. The film depicts life in the H-Blocks during the hunger strike, this movie shows what we went through during that period.' He went on to say, 'All true Republicans must continue to fight for the Ireland as is laid out in the 1916 proclamation and must remember that historic document applies to all in the six Counties as well.
All the Wreaths are laid out
Senator Labhras O’ Murchu (Center) Was the other main speaker who address the crowd was the South Tipperary based Senator Labhras O’ Murchu. Addressing those present he said,’ the fight for unity must continue, we must retain our national heritage, our language, our games and our music. The men and women who rose in the 1920s were our heroes. I hope as many children as possible visit marvellous monument and learn what our forefathers achieved for us. We must not forget either our nationalist and republican comrades in the six counties or what they went through and still endure under British occupation. I wish to commend the local committee for the work they have done here. It shows that the traditional committee spirit is alive and well. I particularly wish to mention the way they have got all the strands of republicanism working together with no political point scoring taking place. If republicans of all colours joined together more often we could achieve a lot more’. The Cork Hill Pipe band. Martin O’Donnell of An Sean Phobail sang closed the event by singing the Cross of old Piltown
Time for some photo shoots, Seanna was kept quite busy with people shaking his hand and requesting photos. A quite unassuming man who was modestly quite willing to oblige all requests.
Watch the birdie
