PICTURES: Laois Sinn Féin joined by Tipperary to commemorate 1916 Rising

The Laois Sinn Féin party led by Senator Maria McCormack held their Easter 1916 commemoration in the village of Errill, at the graveside of a local man who died while serving in the IRA over 100 years ago.

Durrow Pipe Band, Mountmellick piper Niamh Morris and local musician Johnny Keegan provided music, with Tipperary Sinn Féin members also attending the event held at 2pm on Easter Sunday, April 5. More below photo gallery.

Senator McCormack spoke about the late Joseph Ryan at his graveside in St Kieran’s cemetery.

“We gather here today on sacred ground to honour our patriot dead, those who gave everything so that we might live in a free Ireland.

“Here in Errill, we remember one of our own. Joseph Ryan was born here in 1894. Joseph followed in his father’s footsteps working as a tailor. But like so many of his generation, he chose to do something extraordinary.

“In 1919, he joined the Laois Brigade of the IRA under the command of Micheál Lyons of Rahandrick. His involvement brought him to the attention of the RIC and the Black and Tans and he was forced to leave his home.

“He went first to Limerick but even there, he was not safe. So he moved again, finding work in O’Sullivan’s drapery in Arigna, and joined the Arigna Flying Column under Brigade OC Harold McBrien.

“This was a life of constant movement, danger and sacrifice, far from home, but never far from the cause. And it was there, in Arigna, that Joseph Ryan made his final stand.

“While on sentry duty, he spotted Free State forces approaching. In trying to warn his comrades, in trying to protect his column, he attempted to cross the Shannon at a blown bridge. He fell into the water and drowned.  He died in service. He died trying to protect others. He was just 28 years of age.

“Because Joseph Ryan was part of that generation inspired by the heroes of 1916. A generation who believed in a Republic of freedom, equality and justice. A Republic where the people come first. And more than a century on, that work is still not finished,” Sen McCormack said.

She went on to speak about the need to plan for a United Ireland, and the need to help people struggling with rising costs of living.

“That is not the Republic people fought for. The Republic they died for must be one that works for everyone.

“And here in Laois we have a role to play. We are not bystanders in this story.

From Errill to Portlaoise, from Rathdowney to Portarlington, we are a county built on strength, community, and standing up for what is right. 

“The Proclamation is our mission statement  The future of Ireland will not be decided in Dublin alone. It will be decided in places like this. By people like you. If we want unity, we must build it. If we want fairness, we must demand it.

“If we want a Republic that cherishes all its people we must organise for it. Because the generation of 1916 did their part, now it is our time to finish the job.

“At Easter, we remember those who came before us. Our future is still ours to build. We want a united Ireland that is fair and just for all,” Senator McCormack ended.