Thousands of Republicans remember Edentubber Martyrs

Thousands of republicans gathered at Edentubber on Sunday 11th November in one of the largest gatherings of republicans in recent years. The parade marked the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Michael Watters, Paul Smith, Oliver Craven, Patrick Parle and George Keegan, more commonly known as the ‘Edentubber martyrs.’ The men were killed as they moved into action near the border on 11th November 1957. The intended targets of the bomb they were transporting are understood to have been and bridge and telephone exchange.

Ógra Shinn Féin made up a large contingent in the parade and was led by and Ógra Shinn Féin colour party made up of females activists. Dotted along the parade route were scenes reminiscent of the border campaign. A mock border crossing complete with vintage cars (packed with ‘explosives’ in the boot) and an endless supply of flying column volunteers were just some of the sites visible throughout the parade.

At the monument at the spot of the Edentubber explosion various wreaths were laid. Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams gave the main address of the commemoration.

Many Ógra groups carried banners of their local Ógra groups and a number of Ógra activists also tied in with their senior Cumann structures at the march.

Speaking following the commemoration, Uladh organiser of Ógra, Councillor Johnny McGibbon Said

“I would like to thank all the Ógra activists for turning up here today in such large numbers to remember the Edentubber martyrs. This is the largest Edentubber commemoration I have attended; indeed organisers have said it is probably one of the biggest since the commencement of this annual parade 49 years ago. Edentubber and the wider events of what became known as the ‘border campaign’ are fresh in many older people minds in particular. The sane struggle that those men fought is ongoing today. The struggle for freedom and independence in Ireland will continue until we achieve freedom in Ireland. This is the only fitting and lasting tribute to the men and women who have carried forward the flame of freedom in every phase of our struggle.