Easter commemorations in County Waterford as relevant as ever 

Sinn Féin organised and participated in Easter commemorations across Waterford over Easter weekend, with events in Dungarvan, Waterford City, Portlaw, Cappoquin, Heilbhic, Tallow and Lismore.

The main Easter Saturday commemoration in Dungarvan was chaired by Deputy Conor D. McGuinness TD, with an address by Cllr Kate O’Mahoney. 

Deputy McGuinness also delivered the keynote address in Waterford City on the Saturday and the main oration at the West Waterford Brigade commemoration in Heilbhic on Sunday afternoon. 

Deputy David Cullinane TD, addressed the Portlaw commemoration, while Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy was the main speaker in Cappoquin.

“Across Waterford this weekend, large numbers of people came together to honour the men and women of 1916 and all of those who gave their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom," said Deputy McGuinness.

"Despite difficult weather in places, there was a strong and dignified attendance at commemorations across the county," he added.

In Dungarvan, people paraded from Abbeyside through Grattan Square to the 1916 Monument in the Town Park. 

"In Waterford City, Portlaw, Cappoquin, Heilbhic, Tallow and Lismore, and also in Youghal, there was the same spirit of respect, remembrance and pride," said Deputy McGuinness

“These commemorations matter because they are about more than looking back. They are about remembering the courage, sacrifice and vision of those who went before us. They are also about asking ourselves what it means to carry that work forward in our own time," he added.

“The Proclamation of the Republic still speaks to us. It set out a vision of freedom, equality and justice, and of a republic in which the people come first. That remains unfinished business."

He went on to comment: “There is a responsibility on all of us to continue that work. The task of building a united Ireland remains before us. 

"The work of building a fairer Ireland remains before us. And the duty to stand up for ordinary workers, families and communities remains before us every day."

"There is growing recognition across Ireland that the future lies in unity. That conversation is now well underway, but conversation on its own is not enough," he said.

"There must be planning, preparation and political leadership. The people of Ireland, in the North and in the South, must have their say on the future of our country."

“At the same time, many people are under real pressure in their daily lives," he added.

Deputy McGuinness went on to comment that families are struggling with the cost of fuel, housing costs, high rents, rising grocery prices and overstretched public services. 

"The republic proclaimed in 1916 was not meant to be a place where ordinary people are left behind while those with power and wealth are protected," he said.

"It was meant to be a republic of equality and justice," he added.

“That is why the message of Easter is still so relevant. It is a message of national freedom, but also of social and economic justice. It is a reminder that the struggle for a better Ireland did not end in 1916, or in the generations that followed. That work still belongs to us."

“It is also a reminder of the values that should guide Ireland in the world, support for peace, support for justice, and solidarity with peoples who are denied their rights. Those values matter now as much as ever," said Deputy McGuinness.

“I want to thank everyone who helped organise the commemorations across Waterford, everyone who took part in the ceremonies, and everyone who attended over the weekend," he added.

"The large turnouts and the dignity of the events showed that the ideals of Easter are still alive and still deeply felt in communities across Waterford.” 

In Dungarvan, the commemoration parade was led by a piper and proceeded from The Causeway in Abbeyside, through Grattan Square to the 1916 Monument in Dungarvan Town Park.

Renowned uileann piper David Power performed a lament, Sophia Godsil Duane read the Proclamation of the Republic, the Waterford Roll of Honour was read, and acclaimed sean-nós singer Ann Mulqueen sang Amhrán na bhFiann.

The commemoration was led by a colour party honouring Cumann na mBan, the West Waterford Brigade and Na Fianna Éireann.