Former Minister addresses local Easter Rising commemoration

The Annual North Tipperary Ógra Fianna Fáil Easter Rising Commemoration took place on Easter Sunday at the Town Hall in Templemore and was addressed by former Tipperary Fianna Fáil Minister, Máire Hoctor.

Rachel Regan once again acted as M.C. and she began by stating that the vision and sacrifices of the men and women of 1916 laid the foundations for the Ireland of today.

In the years that followed, Fianna Fáil emerged as the central force shaping that vision into reality, she said.

Conor Burke read the Proclamation of Independence and Councillor J.P. O’Meara laid a wreath in memory of all those who took part in the Rising. This was followed by the oration by former Minister Maire Hoctor.

In a wide ranging speech she spoke about the leaders of the Rising in detail, she referred to John Dunne of Barrack Street Templemore who was the only person from the district who took part in the Rising and was a member of the GPO Garrison. She spoke about the centenary of the foundation of Fianna Fáil, The Republican Party which took place in early 1926.

READ NEXT: Roscrea racecar driver excels in a very different type of race in Italy!

She referred to a speech made by Countess Markieviez in Thurles in 1927 speaking about the new Fianna Fáil policies including building houses, education and old age pensions, policies which Fianna Fáil delivered on when in power, the former Minister said.

Tom Stamp recited “Island Today” by the late local poet Marian Quinlan Curtin and Denis O’Connell brought proceedings to an end by leading the attendance in singing the National Anthem.