Annual pilgrimage to grave of Wolfe Tone

On June 16 Republican Sinn Féin held the annual Theobald Wolfe Tone commemoration in Bodenstown.

The parade, led by a colour party, Cumann na mBan and Na Fianna assembled in Sallins and marched to the grave of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown. The Chief Marshall was Seosamh Ó Maoileoin, Iar Mhí.

The colourful parade, with many banners and the new Republican Sinn Féin flags, marched in glorious sunshine along with the Pride of Éireann flute band from Portadown, Co Armagh and Seán Doyle, the piper from North Antrim.

At the memorial to Wolfe Tone proceedings were chaired by An Chomhairleoir Tomás Ó Curraoin, Gaillimh who spoke in Irish and English. He called on Veteran Republican Cecilia Conway, Kildare to lay the wreath on behalf of the Republican Movement.

The Chief Marshall then called the parade to Attention for the Dipping of the Flags, accompanied by a lament from the piper.

Tomás Ó Curraoin asked the National Graves Association representative, Peig Galligan, to say a few words and she spoke movingly of Liam Lynch and his comrades, done to death by Free State forces 90 years ago.

Tomás then introduced the President of Republican Sinn Féin, Des Dalton, Kildare to give the main oration.

Following the oration Tomás Ó Curraoin had harsh words to say regarding the (as usual) over-the-top policing of the parade and said that Republicans would not be intimidated or diverted from the task before them – the achievement of a 32-County Ireland.

While the parade was in Bodenstown, members of the 26-County police seized the proceeds of the Republican Sinn Féin bookstall in Sallins. The money was later returned to members of the Officer Board.