Wynne urges private reflection on 1916 as Covid crisis continues

CLARE’S Sinn Féin TD has called on all Republicans in the county to privately reflect on the sacrifices of Irish people during and after the 1916 Rising, particularly in light of those being made today in the fight against Covid-19.

It comes as the party was forced to cancel all public events to mark the anniversary of the Rising, due to the ongoing Coronavirus lock-down. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne said that Sinn Féin in Clare will privately remember the 1916 Easter Rising and she called on others to do likewise.

“Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinn Féin moved immediately to cancel all of its public events scheduled for Clare,” the Kilrush resident noted. “These events have included a delay in the opening of my Ennis Constituency office, Sinn Féin public meetings and functions, internal party meetings and also all events planned this weekend to Commemorate the 1916 Rising. The Annual Easter Sunday Commemoration at Drumcliffe Cemetery is also cancelled.”

Deputy Wynne added that the ongoing lock-down means people of all parties must continue to play a role in flattening the curve of the Coronavirus.

“With Sinn Féin responding to the need to practice political public isolation to protect our communities, I’m asking Clare Republicans, to privately reflect this Easter Sunday on the sacrifices made by Irishmen and Irishwomen during and after the 1916 Easter Rising. Particularly when so many in Clare are now making their own huge sacrifices facing the Coronavirus.”

She noted that online tools and social media would play a role in bringing people together to remember the Rising. “Clare was an active county in the struggle to achieve Irish freedom and while all public commemorative events are now cancelled, in order to remember this struggle Sinn Féin will be hosting videos and photographic exhibitions online and is asking people to wear an Easter Lily and to put a Tricolour in windows or gardens,” she said. “I’m also encouraging children and families to put Easter 1916 Rising imagery and artwork online.”

Deputy Wynne added that the 1916 anniversary was an appropriate time to remember the sacrifices of those on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

“While the aim of the 1916 Rising was to bring an end to British imperialism in Ireland,” she said. “It was also about ending the socio-economic consequences of foreign rule. The spirit and idealism of Easter 1916 is hugely exemplified today in the dedication, commitment and un-selfishness of our front-line workers.”