Rosses Martyrs Remembered

The Rosses Martyrs Commemoration took place in in Dunloe Co.Dún na nGall to commemorate Vol.Eoghan Boyle, Capt.Con 'Beezer'Boyle Comdt.Neil 'Plunkett' O' Boyle and Mary McBride Cumann na mBan, who gave their lives for the cause of Irish Freedom during the Tan War and Comdt. O'Boyle during the Civil War.

Comdt. O'Boyle was the last IRA volunteer to be killed during the Civil War after calling for a cessation of fire between the IRA volunteers and the Free Staters during a gun battle, until two women were moved out of the line of fire, he was taken aside and murdered at point blank range.

A good crowd attended the commemoration which was lead by a Republican Flute Band from Belfast and a colour party which included Ogra members from Co. Tír Eoghain. A banner was carried by Ogra's Ogl.Reamoinn Mac Lochlainn Cumann.

After the March speeches were made by Sinn Fein Udras na Gaeltachta member Grainne Mc Geady and Sinn Fein's Cllr.Maire Threase Gallagher. The Tír Conaill Roll of Honour by a local activist and the Proclamation of Independence was read by Donegal Ogra member Maureen Butler and a statemant was read out on behalf of Ogra Shinn Fein Dún na nGall by Frankie Gallagher.

Frankie Gallagher Speaking on on behalf of the Ogl.Reamoinn Mac Lochlain Cumann said,
"Its great to see the crowd gathered here today to remember the Rosses Martyrs and it was a great tribute to the Volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

"All were young men and women, who were the age of many members of Ogra Shinn Fein. They gave their lives for the struggle that we continue here today. Althought the battlefield and the tactics have changed, does not mean we can take it easy. If anything we must step up our campaign. It is through our commitment and activism that we will unite our country. We know that leaflet drops and public meetings aren't fun but it is much more appealing than the fate met by the Rosses Martyrs and the thousands since. If we fail we have not only failed ourselves but our struggle and those who died for it.
"Its on our shoulders and we must continue. The Rosses Martyrs are great source of strenght and inspiration to myself and my comrades in Ogra Shinn Fein. We owe so much to these volunteers but we will repay our debt to them when we establish an Independant 32 County Socialist Republic. Tiocfaidh Ar La!"