Bodenstown Pictures and Video

Monday June 16, 2003 10:44

by Ailin

Over 300 people marched yesterday in glorious sunshine to the grave of the father of Irish Republicanism, Wolfe Tone, at Bodenstown, Co Kildare. The march was led by a large colour party including 8 members of Na Fianna Eireann and set out from Sallins at approximately 3pm.

After walking the three miles to Bodenstown graveyard the crowd heard short speeches from Fergal Moore and a representative from the National Graves Association while the main oration was given by Sean O Bradaigh of Republican Sinn Fein. In the course of his speech O Bradaigh spoke about the continuity of the Irish struggle from 1791 to today and stressed the need for Irish Republicans to reach out to men of all faith just as Wolfe Tone did 200 years ago. He attacked the recent use of Shannon airport by the American war machine and also spoke about the need of educating children to reach their full potential not training them simply as future workers of multinational companies. After the speeches the crowd marched back to Sallins village where Amhran Na Bhfiann was played before dispersal.

A large number of uniformed and plainclothes 26 county police were present in the graveyard while a spotter plane flew overhead. On the way back to Dublin the bus passed the free state army escorting four men, who were charged yesterday with IRA membership, to Portlaoise Jail. A reminder if ever one was needed that Wolfe Tone's aim of breaking the connection with England has not been realised.