On Sunday Ogra Fianna Fail Gaoth Dobhair held a commemoration in honour of the Gaoth Dobhair born Patriot Pat O’Donnell who was hanged in New Gate Prison, England on the 17 December 1883 for the killing of James Carey.
Carey turned queen’s evidence on his fellow members of the Invincibles after the Killing of the British representatives Cavandish and Burke.
Eamonn O’Cuiv T.D the Fianna Fail Deputy leader was the guest speaker at the event which was held at the Celtic Cross erected by a Fianna Fail committee in 1954 to commemorate the Irish Republican, also in attendance were Senator Brian O’Domhnaill, MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher and Cllrs Seamus O Domhnaill, Paul Canning, David Alcorn and Patrick McGowan.
More than 150 people were in attendance to listen O’Cuiv’s oration which strongly focused on Fianna Fail’s republican tradition including the point that many of the 1916 leader’s relations had been Fianna Fail T.D’s in the years after the uprising.
He stated that it it gave him immense joy that Ogra Ghaoth Dobhair had commemorated the Party’s republican past and that it was now their opportunity to build the party just as Eamon DeValera had done when founding the party. O’Cuiv finished his speech by quoting the words of Pat O’ Donnell on hearing he was sentenced to death ‘Eire Abú, Eire Abú Eire Abú’.
Local Senator Brian O’Domhnaill, also praised the initiative taken by Ogra Ghaoth Dobhair under the stewardship of Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhrighde and Keith Mac Aoidh and welcomed the 1954 committee members. Sen. O’Domhnaill said he was looking forward to the task of rebuilding the party from the ground up.
He then launched Fianna Fail’s Irish Policy document which gives a commitment to the language, he then castigated the current government for proposing to abolish the Udaras elections and the downgrading of the Irish language.
MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher spoke of the history of the Derrybeg hall adjacent to the Cross and recalled many loyal Fianna Fail supporters of old. The MEP then congratulated the Ogra members for their contribution.
A minute’s silence was observed and Ogra Ghaoth Dobhair member Amanda Ni Fhearraigh read the Proclamation. Wreaths were laid by Biddy Woods (original committee), Conor O Ceallaigh (Ogra Ghaoth Dobhair) and Eamon O’Cuiv on behalf of Fianna Fail. Aodh Mac Giolla Bhride, chairman of the event then invited local singer Paula Ni Dhuibir to sing the national anthem.
The crowd then followed Dobhar band to Connie Coyle’s pub where refreshments were served. Ogra Ghaoth Dobhair thanked everyone who attended and helped especially sound engineer Conor O Gallachoir.
Orga Ghaoth Dobhair Chairman Aodan O Gallachoir stated: “Ogra has been established in the parish to make a positive difference and to give the youth of the area a voice, if anyone is interested in joining feel free to get in touch via facebook.”
