Seán MacDiarmada Annual Commemoration in Leitrim

A large and enthusiastic crowd attended the annual Seán MacDiarmada commemoration in Kiltyclogher, on Sunday, May 14.
The commemoration was the culmination of a busy weekend in Kiltyclogher with a Boxing exhibition organised by Sean MacDermott Boxing Club on Friday night, a traditional music night on Saturday, which was part of the Kilty presents series of concerns, and on Sunday the annual March and commemoration.

This was the first in-person commemoration since 2019 due to Covid restrictions. Those attending enjoyed mainly warm and dry weather.
The march from Straduffy Cross was led by a colour party and the Kiltubrid Pipe Band provided lively marching music from Straduffy Cross to the MacDiarmada monument in Kiltyclogher.

Brian Kerrigan chaired proceedings and introduced the platform party: Chris MacManus MEP, Matt Carthy TD, Martin Kenny TD, Cllr Pádraig Fallon, Cllr Anthony Feely, John Feely and Michelle Brennan.

Wreaths were laid by Rosa Mylonas, Pádraig McSharry and Maureen Cullen and the rosary recited as Gaeilge by James Dolan.
Michelle Brennan read the Proclamation and Matt Carthy delivered the main oration.

Deputy Carthy outlined the role of Seán MacDiarmada and his comrades in the struggle for freedom, unity and justice in Ireland.
He spoke of the horrors of war, and reminded people of the benefits of the Good Friday Agreement which provides a blueprint for a democratically agreed new and better Ireland.

He spoke of the need for greater investment in rural areas like Kiltyclogher.
He pointedly criticised the Irish Government's decision to grant exploration permits for gold mining in the area, pointing out that 47 townlands around Kiltyclogher now face the prospect of destruction of a beautiful, unspoilt scenic area; destruction of the environment, poisoning of water and damaging agriculture and tourism for a dirty industry which will benefit only the mining companies and their shareholders.

He said that Government must listen to the voices of local people and their representatives who are determined that gold mining will not be permitted in this area.
As the commemoration came to an end Brian Kerrigan thanked all who attended and participated in the commemoration and invited people who travelled a distance for light refreshments arranged by a voluntary team in the Community Centre.