The colourful parade which set out from Ballycolman shops, was led by a Colour Party followed by a contingent of Ógra Shinn Fein members dressed in uniform to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of Na Fianna Éireann.
Children followed carrying the names of the 24 local republicans listed on the West Tyrone Roll of Honour and Remembrance.
Three bands: the Strabane Memorial Flute Band, the Donegal Martyrs Flute Band and the Rising Sons of Rasharkin Flute Band accompanied the parade as it made its way over Strabane Bridge with large numbers of people lining the route in support.
En route, a wreath was laid at the Hunger Strike Memorial at Townsend Street before the parade proceeded to the Republican plot at Strabane Cemetery where Cllr Kieran Mc Guire (District Council Chair) chaired the main wreath laying ceremonies and commemorative tributes.
Delivering the main address, Barry Mc Elduff outlined the importance of local commemorations in showing continued solidarity with the families of the republican dead. He went on to speak of how Irish Unity not only made sense politically but also said that republicans need to increasingly articulate the massive economic and social benefits that would accrue from a United Ireland, particularly in the context of the current economic climate.
He concluded by encouraging everyone present to become involved in the weekend of events which are being planned from the 19-21 February next year to mark the 25th Anniversary of the summary execution, by British State forces, of IRA Volunteers Charlie Breslin, David Devine and Michael Devine.
The parade then re-formed and made its way to Fountain Street, where participants were served with welcome refreshments in the community centre. Speaking following the commemoration Jay Mc Cauley, Chairperson of Strabane National Graves Association, said,
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in or helped to organise this year’s very successful Commemoration events. Your efforts ensure that the memory of our local republican dead is never forgotten.”
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