Easter Rising commemorated in Northern Ireland

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has reiterated a call for Irish unification as senior members of her party attended events to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising.

Ms McDonald addressed the annual commemoration in Carrickmore in Co Tyrone on Sunday.

She told those gathered that “building a new and united Ireland is the most important task for a generation” and that the party was “intent to finish the business of 1916”.

Ms McDonald said: “Here we stand for the day when we will commemorate our patriots in a United and free Ireland.

“So, let’s work day and night to fulfil the dream of Connolly and Pearse, of Hurson and Farrell, of McGuinness and O’Hare.”

She added: “Hold tightly to your hopes, to your beliefs, to your determination.

“Never, ever give up.

“We will see the rising of the moon.

“We will unite Ireland, we will build a society where workers and families come first, and together we will achieve the Republic of 1916.”

Elsewhere, Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty and former party leader Gerry Adams were among those participating in events in Belfast.

A large crowd gathered for a parade along the Falls Road.

Some observers placed wreaths while others carried portraits of some of those involved in the Rising.

A flute band played as part of the procession.

In Dublin, Sinn Féin vice president and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended the annual ceremony outside the GPO, having also attended a commemoration in Coalisland, Co Tyrone on Saturday.