Write a commentOver the weekend members of éirígí organised a political tour of the area coinciding with local republican Pat McNamee, Micheal Doran and the independent Councillor Davy Hyland laying wreaths in Derrybeg, Barcroft and Barley Lane respectively to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Rising. At the scene of the Egyptian Arch ambush Gemma Watson laid a wreath in memory of the IRA Volunteers who died there in 1920.
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The republican struggle from 1798 to the present day was remembered as the tour made its way around an area with a formidable history of resistance to British rule. In Camlough respects were paid by the grave of 1981 Hunger Striker Raymond McCreesh.
The tour concluded with a visit to the republican graves in St Mary's cemetery, including the final resting place of Patrick Rankin, the only Newry man who fought in the 1916 Rising. Patrick cycled from Newry to Dublin to join his comrades in the fight for a Republic.
Also visited was the grave of John Francis Quinn who was commandant general of the IRA and O.C of the 4th Northern Division prior to his death at the hand of Free State forces.
