Stranorlar is set to host Donegal’s biggest Easter Commemoration this Sunday, 9th April.
This year is the 100-year anniversary of the execution of the Drumboe Martyrs – four young republican soldiers killed at Drumboe castle on 14 March 1923.
The main Easter Commemoration is due to commence on Easter Sunday, 9th April at 3pm from Johnson’s Corner in Stranorlar. This commemoration will be chaired by Padraig MacLochlainn TD and the main speaker will be Pearse Doherty TD.
Speaking in advance of the event, Pádraig MacLochlainn TD said: “Each year republicans gather across Donegal gather in local communities and at the main commemoration in Stranorlar, to remember those who have struggled for Irish freedom.
“We honour those who struck for freedom in Easter week 1916 and in every generation since.
“This year in particular we also remember the Drumboe Martyrs, Charlie Daly, Sean Larkin, Daniel Enright and Timothy O’Sullivan on the centenary year of their execution in Drumboe in 1923.
“100 years after their execution the ideals of these brave patriots live on in the hearts of republicans across the county and we stand closer than ever to achieving the republic they fought and died for.
Pearse Doherty TD, who will deliver the main oration at the Drumboe execution site on Easter Sunday, said: “This year is an important year for Irish people and republicans across the state and county of Donegal.
“We mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, an historic and international success story in peace-making.
“Michelle O’Neill stands ready as an Irish republican First Minister Designate to represent all citizens, whatever their background traditions or identity.
“The Good Friday Agreement, provided for the first time, a peaceful, democratic path to Irish Unity.
“Irish republicans in 2023 are as determined as those who have gone before us to realise the vision of the 1916 Proclamation – we refuse to accept an unequal and unfair distribution of wealth and power in Ireland.
“We stand with the people, ready to lead and deliver the real change that people are demanding.
“Join us on Easter Sunday at Drumboe to commemorate all those who lost their lives in the struggle for a true republic and to help us build a new Ireland for all.”
Local commemorations will be held throughout Donegal over the Easter weekend:
Easter Saturday in Lifford (11am), Falcarragh (6pm)
Easter Sunday in Donegal Town(10am), Glencolmcille (10.30am), Aughnashinan (11am), Buncrana
(11.30am), Drumoghill, Castlefinn, Drumkeen, Gweedore (all at 12 noon)
Easter Monday in Donegal Town (10.30), Carrigart (12.30pm), Fanad (3pm) and Pettigo (3.30pm).
