Meath Deputy speak at Rath Cross
On Sunday the 29th Deputy Thomas Byrne gave a fine address to those gathered
at the Fingal Old IRA Monument outside Ashbourne. He spoke of the need to
know history, to learn from it and most importantly put it into context.
The President of the Society presided noting that the group was founded
seventy five years ago. He told a little of the history of the ups and down
of those years but told of his confidence that the Battle of Ashbourne would
remain an important moment in the history of the country.
The Mayor of Meath Wayne Harding also addressed the gathering and spoke of
how the Society had played an important part with Meath County Council in
ensuring that the Battle of Ashbourne was remembered and celebrated. He
spoke of some of the central characters of the Battle and the important role
they played.
Amongst the attendance from Fingal were Deputy O'Brien, Councillors Adrian
Henchy, GraĆnne Maguire, Darragh Butler and Cathal Boland along with Cllr
Tobin represented the Meath Members. It was good to see former Councillors
May McKeown and David O'Connor also in attendance. David gave a lovely
rendition of Sean O 'Casey's Lament for Thomas Ashe.
A small reception was held on site which was well received.
The Society will host an event in Oldtown to mark the seventieth anniversary
of Mollie Adrian death. Mollie was an extraordinary woman who acted as a
courier, scout and first aider during Easter Week and continued to provide
support in the following years.