CLARE Fianna Fáil commemorated the 1916-1923 period and the 90th anniversary of the founding of the political party at a packed event in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis, last Sunday. The guest of honour was Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, grandson of Eamon de Valera, the founder of the Fianna Fáil party.
An exhibition of War of Independence memorabilia, together with family heirlooms and documents, were on display. The exhibition is the largest one seen in the county to date.
The event was opened by the organising committee chairperson, Mary Crawford, who paid tribute to all members of the Volunteers and Cumann na mBan for their role in helping to set up the new State.
She also paid tribute to the nine Volunteers whose families were in attendance and who lost their lives in the period.
A reading of the Proclamation by Eoin Neylon, president, Ógra Fianna Fáil, was followed by poetry, song and music.
In his address, Mr Ó Cuív recounted the origins of Fianna Fáil and the party’s enormous contribution to today’s politics. He spoke about setting up government and parliamentary reform.
He referred to the issues of today, including homelessness and social deprivation, and compared them to 90 years ago.
The party leader’s grandson, affectionately known as Dev Óg, paid tribute to all those involved in the independence struggle and commended the family members of those involved.
Mr Ó Cuív presented commemorative medallions to the family members present.
Patrick Moloney, on behalf of Clare Comhairle Dail Ceantair, acknowledged the work of the organising committee for putting the event together.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.