Report of NIFC 2007 Easter Commemoration

international | history and heritage | press release Wednesday April 11, 2007 21:38 by NIFC - National Irish Freedom Committee nifcmem at optonline dot net

Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta Remembers the men and women of Easter Week 1916

Report of the National Irish Freedom Committee's 2007 Easter Commemoration, as well as a report of the Easter Mass/Commemoration organized by FoiF and Sean Óglaigh na h- Éireann.

Video and pictures from both events will be available online shortly at:
www.irishfreedom.net

Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta
National Irish Freedom Committee
http://irishfreedom.net

2007 Easter Commemoration Report

On a clear, cold and windy Easter Sunday morning, members and supporters of Cumann Na Saoirse Náisiúnta (the National Irish Freedom Committee [NIFC]) gathered at the graveside of Joe Stynes in Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx.

Joe was a man whose life was guided by his dedication to the All-Ireland Republic. A veteran of the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Republican Army, Joe was active in both the Tan War and the counter-revolution/civil war that followed the first betrayal of the 32
county Republic. It should also be noted that Joe was a renowned Gaelic footballer. Internment in the Curragh kept him out of the 1922 All Ireland final, however he was released in time to play in the 1923 game and had the distinction of scoring the last two points that would led to Dublin's win over Kerry by 1-5 to 1-3.

Many Republicans broken-hearted and blacklisted fled Ireland after the civil war, many finding their way to America. Among these men and women was Joe Stynes. However, Joe never forgot Ireland's plight. He quickly became active in Clan Na Gael, the Republican organization in America. He worked for decades in the Clan, ensuring that the Fenian faith was kept alive in his adopted land. He also continued to assist the Republican Movement back in Ireland.

Down through the years, Joe remained steadfast in his commitment to Irish freedom. As others wavered or walked away from the Republican path, Joe maintained his allegiance to the All Ireland Republic. In 1986, after the Provisionals abandoned Republicanism, he was one of the first to speak out against the treachery of Adams and company. Joe, together with Michael Flannery and George Harrison founded the Cumann Na Saoirse Náisiúnta in 1987.

Joe Stynes was a true Gael, who gave a lifetime of service to Irish freedom and embodied the spirit of 1916, with all this in mind it is fitting that we honor the Republican ideals of Easter 1916 at his grave.

Brian Mór Ó Baoighill served as master of ceremonies and spoke briefly about his former comrade Joe Stynes. Brian said that Joe had a keen sense of humor and a great sense of history. He then introduced Séamus Ó Dubhda who read the Easter Proclamation in Gaeilge. Séamus was followed by Liam Ó Murchu who read it in English. Brian then introduced Pádraic Mac Liam who read the statement from the leadership of the Republican Movement in Ireland.

The Easter message from the National Irish Freedom Committee was read by Bruce Mac Giolla Phádhraig

Tiokasin Ghosthorse, a member of the Lakota Nation and a longtime friend of the National Irish Freedom Committee, spoke in his native tongue before reciting Pearse's oration at the graveside of O'Donovan Rossa.

During the ceremony the participants were treated to a flight of wild geese that seemed most appropriate for the occasion. A little later in the ceremony, a low flying helicopter gave a perfect demonstration of what a menace noisy hovering British occupation helicopters can do at similar ceremonies in the British occupied six counties

Liam Ó Murchú closed the ceremony by delivering a brief but concise history of the modern part of the struggle for Irish Independence.

Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta
National Irish Freedom Committee
http://irishfreedom.net
_________________

2007 Easter Commemoration and Mass

After the ceremony, those present proceeded to the Easter Mass and Commemoration organized by Sean Óglaigh na h- Éireann and the Friends of Irish Freedom, the Irish American Cultural Club of Long Island, the Tipperary N & B association and Saoirse NJ at Kelly Ryan's Resturant. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Pat Maloney who gave another stirring sermon, perhaps his best, regarding the reality of life in the 26 county Irish Free State and in the occupied six counties. Never known to pull his punches. He said that during his most recent trip to Ireland he found evidence that the Celtic tiger has devoured many of its poor while rewarding the rich. He went on to say that recent developments in the British occupied six counties would have Michael Flannery turn over in his grave, because these developments are based on injustice, will the end of British rule, therefore, will not bring unity and independence to Ireland.

After Mass, Master of Ceremonies Martin Lyons, a lifelong activist both in Ireland and in America for the cause of Irish independence, introduced the dais. Martin welcomed Ken Tierney another icon of Irish republicanism who is back from a long illness. He also asked for a moment’s silence for those who died in the past year including Frank Durkan, Bart Dougherty and Eileen Flynn from Philadelphia.

The dais included Tom Beirne of the Leitrim Society, former Congressman and founder of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish affairs, Mario Biaggi, Tony Creany of the Antrim Society, Bob Loughman of the National Irish Freedom Committee, Michael Sean and Jimmy McDermott; grand nephews of Seán Mac Diarmada who was one of the organizers of the Easter Rising, Charlie McLoughlin of the Friends of Irish Freedom, Mary Holt Moore of the Bronx Gaelic League, who was honored in 2006 by Cumann Na Saoirse, John Murphy of the Tipperary N & B Association and Mary Nolan of the John Barry Club.

After a traditional Irish breakfast, Bridie McBearty from Derry City, the guest speaker from Ireland, was introduced. Bridie spoke eloquently regarding the current and ongoing situation in the six occupied counties. Bridie’s son George was murdered by the SAS in 1981. Her other son Danny is a founding member of the "EX-POWS against the RUC/PSNI", of which Bridie is a patron. The breakfast was a very well attended again this year. It was a great success and congratulations are in order to the organizing committee, in particular chairperson Cathleen O'Brien.