Republican Dead to be remembered in Strabane on Saturday

Sean Gillespie
Ógra Shinn Féin
Strabane

The Annual West Tyrone Volunteers Commemoration will be held in Strabane on Saturday 27th September and organisers have called for local people to turn out in large numbers to pay fitting tribute to all local republicans who have laid down their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom.

The people of this area have continually demonstrated their support and respect for our fallen republican dead and I would once again call on people to take the time out and come along and remember with pride the republican dead from this area.

The West Tyrone command of the Irish Republican Army lost many brave volunteers during the course of the war. Their bravery and courage is an inspiration to the present generation of young enthusiastic Republican activists who are following in their footsteps and taking up the cause of Irish freedom in ever increasing numbers.

Ógra Shinn Féin has two active cumann in the west Tyrone area in the towns of Strabane and Castlederg who proudly carry on from where our fallen comrades left off. Along with this we also have ÓSF structures in Omagh, Carrickmore, Loughmacrory and east Tyrone which I think bears testament to the proud Republican tradition in the O’Neill county.

This year’s annual commemoration parade sets off from Ballycolman shops at 5pm on Saturday 27^th September. It will make its way over the bridge to Townsend Street where a wreath will be laid at the Hunger Strike Memorial before continuing on its way to the Republican Plot at Strabane Cemetery. Following the paying of tributes, the commemoration will be addressed by guest speaker Donegal Sinn Fein Cllr Pádraig Mc Lochlainn.

Following on from proceedings at the Republican Plot the parade will make its way to Fountain Street Community Centre where tea/coffee and sandwiches will be served and where there will be a special screening of ‘The Gibraltar/ Milltown Martyrs’, a 20^th Anniversary Commemorative Documentary.

Strabane Ógra cumann launch

Also on Wednesday 1^st October, the Fian Tobias Molloy Ógra Shinn Féin cumann will be launched in Lisnafin community centre Strabane at 7:30pm.

At the launch there will be a ‘Youth in struggle’ DVD showing and a talk will be given by Gerry O’Hara on his role in the ranks of Na Fianna Eireann during the armed struggle.

There will also be presentations from local Ógra activists, and will be a chance for new members to gain information on the organisation, and engage in a question and answer session.

Tea, sandwiches and other refreshments will be available on the night.