PICTURES: Laois republican TD Brian Stanley and supporters hold Easter 1916 commemoration

Laois Deputy Brian Stanley and Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley and their supporters, now known as Independent Republicans Laois held their Annual Commemoration of the 1916 Rising on Easter Sunday to mark its one hundred and tenth anniversary.

Their special guest was Patrick Stagg, who gave a speech on the 50th anniversary of the death of his Frank Stagg, who died while on hunger strike in a UK prison.

The group marched the short distance from the Heath National School to a Laois Monument for a wreath laying ceremony and speeches, at noon on Easter Sunday, April 5.

The Laois 'Independent Republican' group at their Easter 1916 commemoration in the The Heath.

Dep Stanley had invited the public to the event which he said was to “honour all those who struck for Irish freedom and independence on Easter week 1916, including those from County Laois who played a part.

“The Rising was the catalyst that led to the creation of our 26 county State. It also encouraged people in other British occupied colonies around the world to take up the fight for their freedom,” he said.

The Parade was led by a Piper, playing a Lament. The Proclamation and Laois Roll of Honour was read, and Tommy Hyland played accordion music at the monument. 

Mr Stagg spoke about Ireland's role in the face of international wars.

Patrick Stagg, nephew of Frank Stagg who died while on hunger strike 50 years ago, speaking at the Independent Republican Laois Easter Commemoration in The Heath. 

"We remember Frank Stagg, who died on hunger strike in 1976, 50 years ago this year, far from home, asserting his status
as a political prisoner. His death was part of a long and painful tradition of resistance within Irish republicanism.

"We also remember the ten men who died in the 1981 hunger strikes, including Bobby Sands, whose election to Westminster during his protest captured international attention. Their sacrifice brought global focus to the situation in the North and marked a turning point in the struggle.

"These events are part of our history, not to glorify suffering, but to acknowledge the depth of conviction that sustained generations in the pursuit of Irish freedom.

"Today, we live in a time of peace on this island, shaped by agreements and dialogue. The violence has ended, and
that is something to be valued and protected. But the core issue remains unresolved — Ireland is still divided.

"As we look to the future, we must also consider Ireland’s role in the wider world. Our tradition of neutrality reflects our own experience of conflict and our belief in peace. In the face of the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East, Ireland’s voice must remain one that calls for diplomacy, restraint, and the protection of human life. Neutrality is not silence — it is a
principled stand for peace," Patrick Stagg said at the Laois commemoration.

Eamon McMenamin Chairperson of Independent Republicans Laois remembered Heath man Jim Hyland.

“We gather here today to honour the men and women who rose in Easter Week 1916 — and all those who struggled for Irish freedom in subsequent generations, including those in County Laois, who participated in obstructing British troops from reaching Dublin and those who are commemorated here on this monument.

“The Monument here is located on the home of Jim Hyland who was a lifelong Republican. Those we honour were Individuals who stepped forward with courage, conviction, and a belief that Ireland was entitled to freedom and self‑determination. At a time when hope was scarce, they dared to imagine a different future for this island.

“Their actions were brave, their ideals unwavering, and their sacrifice immense. Because of them, the vision of an Irish Republic — grounded in equality, justice, and the dignity for all — was set before the world. Because of their sacrifices, we enjoy the level of liberty we have today.

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“We are also commemorating the 45th anniversary of the 10 men who died while on hunger strike in Long Kesh Prison in 1981, and importantly the 50th Anniversary of Republican Prisoner Frank Stagg.  

“We honour their conviction, sacrifice, and unshakeable commitment to their principles. Their endurance in the face of immense hardship left a lasting imprint on Irish society, shaping conversations about dignity, justice, and political identity for generations,” Mr McMenamin said.