Longford commemoration in Ardagh cemetery to mark 110th anniversary of 1916 Easter Rising

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising and Pat Dolan, on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin, Longford, says ‘it is appropriate that we also honour the men and women who fought 110 years ago and were engaged in a further gallant attempt to end British rule in Ireland and make effective the Proclamation of the All-Ireland Republic of 1916 and Declaration of Independence and Democratic Programme of the first (32 county) Dáil Éireann in 1919’.

The County Longford Easter Commemoration Committee was formed in 1926. 

The founding members included Maitiú O Bradaigh agus Maire Bean Uí Bradaigh, Hughbert Wilson and Pat Healy. The annual commemoration has been held every year since.

This year’s annual commemoration will be held in Ardagh cemetery at the graveside of Alfred McHugh, Templemichael, Longford. Volunteer Alfred McHugh was wounded in the 1916 Rising. He died in 1919.

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A wreath will be laid on behalf of the Republican movement.

A decade of the rosary will be said. Roll of Honour and Proclamation will be read. Last post and oration.

A wreath will also be laid on the graveside of Vol. James Rogers, Aughintemple, Ardagh who tragically lost his life at Ferafad bog while on active service on December 2, 1921. James Rogers was attached to “B” Company 4th Battalion Longford. His name has been added to the County Longford Roll of Honour.

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Another forgotten volunteer of that era Vol. James Smith, Aughabrack, Granard has also been added to the County Longford Roll of Honour.

James Smith tragically lost his life on March 21, 1921 while on active service in the accidental discharge of a gun. James was attached to “D” Company 1st Battalion Longford Brigade.

“The fools, the fools, they have left us our Fenian dead and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace”. (P Pearse).

“Wear an Easter lily and honour Ireland’s dead,” concluded Mr Dolan.

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