Tributes paid to Scotland’s Irish Republicans at commemorations

ON EASTER Sunday and Monday, commemorative ceremonies took place in Glasgow cemeteries to honour Glasgow-based Irish Republicans who rendered service as members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, Briogaid na h-Albain, Óglaigh na hÉireann, Cumann na mBan, Na Fianna Éireann and Sinn Féin.

The graves visited included those of: Dennis Canning, Liam Gribben, Patrick James McGuire, Frank Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Sarah O’Kane, Michael O’Hara, James Skinnider, Jane Skinnider, Michael Holmes, Felix Jordan, Thomas McGovern, Patrick White, Molly McGorrie, Liam Clarke, Alice Coogan, Seán O’Shea, Peadar Marron, Maire Marron, and Matt O’Brien.

Stephen Coyle, representative for Scotland of the National Graves Association (NGA) and secretary of the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee (Scotland), chaired the proceedings. He introduced NGA Coiste Náisiúnta member Des Dalton from County Kildare who in his opening remarks stated: “The 1916 Rising was the pivotal moment in Irish revolutionary history. It takes its place in the continuum of Irish resistance to British rule. Throughout Ireland and around the world Irish Republicans rightly commemorate the sacrifice and idealism of the men and women of Easter Week.

“Gathering at monuments and graves of our patriot dead, Irish Republicans commemorate their heroic deeds and honour the ideals for which they so willingly gave their lives.

“Standing here on this sacred ground we are mindful of the sacrifice that has been given over the generations in pursuit of the ideal of an independent Ireland.”

Short biographies of each of the patriots—recounting their record of service in the cause of Irish freedom—were read out and wreaths were placed on their graves. The Proclamation and Republican Roll of Honour for Scotland were read, as was a poem by Patrick Pearse.

Relatives of the men and women were strongly represented, including 90-year-old Nora McCarron, daughter of Óglach Patrick James McGuire, who fought in Dublin’s GPO during Easter Week.

On Easter Sunday, a successful 1916 Rising talk and céili was held in Grace’s Glasgow Irish Centre. Des Dalton gave a fascinating talk on the significant actions that took place in Galway, Wexford, Louth and Meath during the Rising, and music was provided by the renowned Four Provinces Céili Band.