Concern over rival republican events

There are fears that tensions between rival republican movements will surface in Coalisland on Easter Sunday after it was announced that two different parades will be held in the east Tyrone town.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Mar 2016, 08:55 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2016, 08:59 BST

The National Republican Commemoration Committee, which claims it is the ‘true inheritor’ of Easter 1916, has organised a march in the town to mark the centenary and the mobilisation of volunteers from across Northern Ireland.

The committee said that many billboards have been erected nationally to highlight the parade and in excess of 100,000 leaflets have been distributed.

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“It is shameful that parties claiming the legacy of Connolly, Pearse, Mellows, Carney and Sands have consented to a unionist veto over the reunification of our country,” said the organisation.

The organisation went on to warn: “The Easter Rising of 1916 is an unfinished revolution, armed and otherwise. While we have listened to the opinions of those who state that the time is not right for a continuation of revolution by any and all means, it is our opinion that while the denial of national self-determination and British occupation continue, so too will armed revolution.”

Meanwhile, speaking ahead of Sinn Fein’s robust programme of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, chairperson of the Tyrone Sinn Fein Commemoration Committee John O’Brien said the committee has organised over 40 mobilisations throughout the county to mark the anniversary.

He said they will also commemorate all republicans who have played their part in every generation.

Related topics:Coalisland