Republican group marches up Barrack Street

A march took place in Cork yesterday by the republican group Saoradh.

It took place after a similar march by the same organisation in Dublin led to widespread criticism coming days after the death of Lyra McKee in Derry.

A group of Saoradh members carried flags and banners marched up Barrack Street yesterday afternoon. They were accompanied by a flute band and other small republican groups.

The march by the Saoradh group in Dublin was condemned by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.

“I know that all right-thinking members of the public are sickened at the sight of a small number of people in paramilitary uniforms, particularly after the horrific killing of a young journalist, Lyra McKee, in Derry on Thursday night,” said Mr Flanagan.

“These demonstrators do not represent the views of the Irish people who have been united for many decades in rejecting paramilitarism and are rightly revulsed at this display.”

Minister of state at the Department of Defence Paul Kehoe said: “These individuals have no support, no legitimacy and no place in our tolerant society. They should disband and lay down their arms.”

Minister for Health Simon Harris referred to the Saoradh march in Dublin as “pathetic cowards”, adding that it has “no place in our democracy”.