Large crowd gathers for Easter Commemoration in Tullamore
The grandnephew of one of the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation was among the large crowd in attendance at the annual Easter Commemoration at Tullamore Courthouse on Sunday afternoon last.
Organised by local mother and son, Breda and Odran Condron, this year's event honoured the memory of John Finlay from Cappincur and Joseph Lee from Ballycowan, both of whom played a leading role in the War of Independence.
Among those who attended were James Connolly Heron, a grandnephew of James Connolly, and Ian Drew, a grandnephew of world-famous balladeer and founder of the legendary Dubliners, the late Ronnie Drew, who sang a moving rendition of 'Grace'.
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The Colour Party stands to attention during the Easter Commemoration ceremony at Tullamore Courthouse on Sunday afternoon last to honour the men and women from Offaly who took part in the 1916 Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War.Image 2 of 4
Ray Fallon reads the Proclamation, flanked by members of the Portarlington Shamrocks marching band.Image 3 of 4
Nell and Noel Lee, along with Charlie Finlay, pictured at the Veterans’ Memorial at Tullamore Courthouse on Sunday afternoon last during the annual Easter Commemoration ceremony organised by Breda and Odhran Condron from the Offaly Relatives Commemoration Committee.Image 4 of 4
Odran Condron pictured during his address to the large attendance at the annual Easter Commemoration ceremony at Tullamore Courthouse on Sunday afternoon last.The Easter Commemoration, which takes place each year at Tullamore Courthouse, was also attended by a large number of former Military members who, along with relatives of those honoured, formed the Colour party under the leadership of Patrick Doheny. The organisers were also delighted to be joined by the Portarlington Shamrocks marching band, whose members range in age from seven to 70.
Charlie Finlay and Noel Lee laid wreaths on behalf of their fathers, Joseph Lee and John Finlay, while a strong link to the past was also honoured with the presence of bugler Dave Prendergast, whose father, Peter, was the bugler at the Tullamore 1966 Commemoration.
Former military member Ray Fallon read the Proclamation while Catriona Lloyd played a pipers lament on the bagpipes. Local historian Philip McConway contributed on the day by reading the Offaly Republican roll of honour.
While weather conditions were not ideal, both Breda and Odran Condron were delighted with the large turnout, and are already putting plans in place for a bigger and better event next year.
Among those thanked by Odran Condron for their assistance with organising this year's Easter Commemoration were Amanda Pedlow from Offaly Heritage; Tullamore Credit Union for their continued sponsorship without which the event could not be held, and family and friends whose behind-the-scenes work was invaluable.
The event came to a close with the reading of a poignant verse from Padraic Pearse by Breda Condron.