poguemahone 0 Posted April 19, 2003 >>>>>> IRA Easter Message --------------------------------------------------------------------- The following statement appears in this week's issue of An Phoblacht --------------------------------------------------------------------- The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends fraternal greetings to republican activists, supporters and friends at home and abroad. On this, the 87th anniversary of the Easter Rising, we commemorate all of those who have given their lives for Irish freedom. We extend solidarity to the families of our fallen comrades. In particular, we extend our solidarity to the family of our comrade, Volunteer Keith Rogers, who died while defending his community in Cullaville on 12 March. We extend solidarity to our imprisoned comrades and their families. We commend the commitment and discipline of the Volunteers of Oglaigh na hEireann. We remain committed to our republican objectives, the establishment of an Irish Republic, as outlined in the Proclamation of 1916. The root cause of conflict in Ireland is partition and the denial of self-determination to the people of Ireland. All parties to the conflict have a role to play in bringing conflict to an end. For our part, we have demonstrated our commitment to creating a just and lasting peace through the maintenance of our cessation and through a number of significant initiatives. It is not possible, at this moment, to give a definitive comment on ongoing developments. On Sunday 13 April, an Army statement said that we had shared concepts and draft elements on a range of issues with the British and Dublin governments. We gave our attitude on: . the current disposition of Oglaigh na hEireann and the status of our cessation, . our future intentions, . our attitude to re-engagement with the IICD and engagement in a process of putting arms beyond use, . a third act of putting arms beyond use. We also made it clear that we had then closed on a statement after internal consultation. The following day a finalised statement was passed to the two governments. We stand ready to issue that statement in due course. We continue to monitor events very closely. There has been much anger and annoyance among republicans at the media spins and leaks over recent days that have attempted to misrepresent our position. We know that the majority of republicans have not seen the statement that was passed to the two governments. We ask people to remain patient. We know that republicans will understand the sensitivities of the current situation. We will speak for ourselves at the appropriate time. This is a period for republicans to remain resolute. The onus remains on the two governments and the political parties to fulfil their obligations and commitments. P O'Neill Irish Republican Publicity Bureau Dublin After reading this a few times, any thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
poguemahone 0 Posted April 19, 2003 The Foggy Dew Background: From the Easter Uprising of 1916 words and music by Father P. O'Neill 'Twas down the glen one Easter morn To a city fair rode I. When armed line of marching men In squadrons passed me by. No pipes did hum, no battle drum Did sound its loud tattoo But the Angelus bell o'er the Liffey's swell Rang out in the foggy dew. Right proudly high over Dublin town They hung out a flag of war. 'Twas better to die 'neath an Irish sky Than at Suvla or Sud el Bar. And from the plains of Royal Meath Strong men came hurrying through; While Brittania's huns with their great big guns Sailed in through the foggy dew. O' the night fell black and the rifles' crack Made "Perfidious Abion" reel 'Mid the leaden rail, seven tongues of flame Did shine o'er the lines of steel. By each shining blade a prayer was siad That to Ireland her sons be true, And when morning broke still the war flag shook Out its fold in the foggy dew 'Twas England bade our wild geese go That small nations might be free. But their lonely graves are by Suvla's waves On the fringe of the gray North Sea. But had they died by Pearse's side Or fought with Cathal Brugha, Their names we'd keep where the Fenians sleep 'Neath the shroud of the foggy dew. The bravest fell, and the solemn bell Rang mournfully and clear For those who died that Watertide In the springing of the year. And the world did gaze with deep amaze At those fearless men, but few Who bore the fight that freedom's light Might shine through the foggy dew. Ah, back through the glen I rode again and my heart with grief was sore For I parted then with valiant men whom I never shall see more. But to and fro in my dreams I go and I'd kneel and pray for you, For slavery fled, O glorious dead, when you fell in the foggy dew. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
