DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

PHOTO: At the Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration in Timoleague last Sunday were from left: Shane and Eoghan O’ Neill (Diarmuid’s brother and father) along with Sinn Féin public representatives- Cllr. Henry Cremin, (Cork City), Cllr. Donnchadha Ó Seaghdha, (Skibbereen), Cllr. Noel Harrington, (Kinsale), Paul Hayes, (Clonakilty) who chaired proceedings, Cllr. Maurice Quinlivan, (Limerick City) who delivered the oration, Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy, M.P., M.L.A., (Crossmaglen), Cllr. Rachel McCarthy, (Bandon), Cllr. Willie O’ Regan, (Mayor of Mallow), Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, (Clonakilty), Cllr. Chris O’ Leary, (Cork City) and Mark O’ Neill a cousin of Diarmuid’s. Behind is Martin McCarthy, (Clonakilty), Flag bearer. (Photo: Donie Hurley)

The annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration organised by Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann took place at Timoleague Cemetery last Sunday which marked the 14^thanniversary since the 27 years old I.R.A. Volunteer was murdered by London Police. Chaired by Paul Hayes of the Árd Comhairle and the party’s General Election candidate, wreaths were laid on behalf of various branches of Sinn Féin, and a piper played a lament while the flag was lowered over the grave. Cllr. Maurice Quinlivan, from Limerick delivered the oration in which he remembered Diarmuid O’ Neill and the cause which led to his brutal killing. Cllr. Quinlivan pointed out that O’ Neill was under police surveillance for several months and could have easily been arrested at any time. However, the police instead shot him in cold blood as he surrendered at 4.30am on 23^rd September 1996. The orator went on to outline Sinn Féin plans for the upcoming election and calling on more people to get involved in the party. The ceremony concluded with the piper leading the crowd in Amhrán na bhFiann.