Laois Sinn Féin held their 1916 Easter Commemoration in Mountmellick on Easter Sunday where Senator Maria McCormack was the main speaker on the day.
A parade from O’Connell Square, led by the St. Joseph’s Portlaoise Accordian Band and Sinn Féin colour party, marched the streets of Mountmellick to finish up at the United Irishmen monument on Wolfe Tone Street.
Large crowds gathered to hear the speeches while Laois Sinn Féin Chairman, Aaron Kelly, chaired the Commemoration.
There was a wreath laying ceremony on behalf of Republican families, the local Brownie Gorman Patrick Phelan Cumann, and Laois Sinn Féin.
The Proclamation of Ireland was read by Adam Haughton and the Laois Roll of Honour was read by Local Rep Lorna Garry. Dan Connolly gave a speech on the history of the monument.
The Commemoration was held to honour the memory of 11 United Irishmen executed in 1798 and to affirm the enduring strength of Sinn Féin in Laois.
This event brought together generations of republicans and community members in a powerful demonstration of unity and determination for a better, fairer, and United Ireland.
Senator McCormacks address recalled the bravery of 18-year-old Willie Brock, a local hero from Mountmellick who was among those executed during the 1798 uprising.
“Willie Brock and his fellow patriots, who faced torture and death, embody the spirit of Irish freedom,” said the Senator. She also paid tribute to other local figures of historical significance, including Patrick Phelan of Wolfe Tone Street—shot by Free State forces in 1922—and the indomitable Joe “Brownie” Gorman from Rosenalis, who continued his struggle despite severe injuries.
The Senator highlighted her deep personal connection to Mountmellick’s republican history by speaking proudly of her great-grandfather, Jim Lewis from Morette, who was the first Sinn Féin town councillor in Mountmellick.
“I often think how proud all those who came before us would be to see the growth of our Cumann and the strength of Sinn Féin in Laois today,” she remarked.
Emphasizing the forward-looking spirit of the event, Senator McCormack declared: “Whether you’re standing here today as a second or third generation republican, whether you’ve come back to Sinn Féin in Laois, whether you now call this country home, or whether you’re one of our up-and-coming Ógra members — this is our time. We are ready for this.”
She underscored that the sacrifices of 1798, 1916, and subsequent struggles remain the foundation for today’s political activism.
With Sinn Féin now representing 39 TDs, 6 Senators, and the support of communities across the nation, the Senator affirmed that the time for progress is now.
She called on all republicans to unite—old and young—to drive forward the vision of a united, fairer Ireland.
The address also reaffirmed Ireland’s long-standing tradition of neutrality and condemned recent attempts to dismantle the Triple Lock, which Senator McCormack described as a dangerous departure from Ireland’s proud history of peacekeeping.
Additionally, she voiced unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, urging international action to halt the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
Senator McCormack’s rousing speech comes at a pivotal moment. “Recent polls show Sinn Féin is back on top,” she noted, illustrating the remarkable political momentum that has been building.
With a strong electoral performance and widespread grassroots support, the Senator expressed confidence that Ireland is on the threshold of realising the dream of a 32-county republic.
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