Sir, – I wish to respond to and correct Alf Mac Lochlainn (May 10th) in relation to 1916 relatives and Easter Rising commemorations.
There is no self-appointed committee of relatives of the 1916 leaders involved in commemorations that I am aware of – although given the arbitrary and unannounced changes made to this year’s Arbour Hill Commemoration by Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter perhaps there ought to be.
There are, however, concerned relatives of the Signatories to the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, who as a matter of principle see it as their duty to defend the integrity and standing of the 1916 National Monument in Moore Street/Moore Lane. That monument, now derelict and decaying, purports to honour all the men and women of 1916. Six 1916 leaders including the brothers Pearse spent their last hours of freedom here before their execution by firing squad. The relatives who wish to see the State honour its commitment to protect and preserve it in full have no wish or desire to be seen to be “a hereditary elite” as Mr Mac Lochlainn suggests – we simply ask and expect the State to do its duty.
Further, it is not accurate to state that April 24th passes unnoticed. For some years now a group of citizens have been calling for that very day to be officially recognised as “Republic Day”. To their great credit each year they celebrate that date with a ceremony at Arbour Hill followed by a wreath-laying at the GPO. As the closest living relative of Padraig Pearse, Mr Mac Lochlainn’s attendance at this event would, of course, be very much appreciated. – Yours, etc,
JAMES CONNOLLY
HERON,
Oxford Road,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.