Historic day for Castlebar as Rising commemorated

REENACTMENT Eithne Kilroy at the 1916 Commemoration, Castlebar. Pic: Alison Laredo

Ciara Galvin

THE Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District has said it was an honour to unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the 1916 Rising.
Fianna FΡil councillor Blackie Gavin spoke at the 1916 Rising event in Castlebar on Sunday and said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to be unveiling a commemorative plaque in The Mall in the town.
On Sunday Castlebar was the setting for a range of commemorative events. Castlebar Concert and Marching Band, ‘Irish Volunteers’, councillors and guests convened at the Military Barracks before a parade proceeded through Lower Charles Street, Lucan Street, Bridge Street, Main Street and Castle Street then concluding at The Mall.
Military Master of Ceremonies was Lieutenant Mark Murphy. Poetry was read by Johnny Mee, former member of Castlebar Urban District/Town Council and Mayo County Council.
The proclamation was read by local man Commandant Gary Smyth, Commanding Officer, D Company, 6th Infantry Battalion and the national flag was raised by Flag Officer, Captain Tom Maloney.
Bugler Karen Hynes played the Last Post and Reveille followed by Castlebar Concert Band which played the National Anthem.
A minute’s silence followed a wreath laying ceremony and Paddy Mahon, Director of Services, Mayo County Council concluded events by thanking those involved.
Speaking at the unveiling Cllr Gavin said: “The Leaders of the Rising made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of their country and their executions became the catalyst that would ensure the establishment of an Independent Nation within a few years.
“I hope that this is a fitting tribute to the men and women who took on the might of the British Empire, during that fateful week of Easter 1916.”
Cllr Gavin thanked all those involved in the event and speaking to The Mayo News yesterday, he said the day was ‘very historic’ and that it was ‘wonderful’ to see the people of Castlebar come out in such numbers to take part in the event.