Irish Volunteers Centenary marked in Ballymacnab

Almost 200 people attended a centenary lecture in Ballymacnab hall this week to mark the foundation of the Ballymacnab Company of the Irish Volunteers who were formed in November 1917. The lecture was delivered by local historian, Liam O’Manachain who focused on the impact which the 1916 Rising had on the local area, leading to the foundation of a local IRA Company under the leadership of the 4th Northern Division. Following the lecture, a specially commissioned video was played which documented the local Republican journey from 1923 up to the present day. The event was organised by the local Caraher/McCreesh Sinn Féin Cumann and was attended by Cathal Boylan MLA, Cllr Pearse McGeough, Cllr Darren McNally and Cllr Garath Keating.

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Local Sinn Féin member Bróna Haughey who chaired the event said “There has been much interest locally in the role of the Volunteers and the activities they were involved in during a very defining period of Irish history. The presentation focused mainly on the period between 1917 – 1923 when the local IRA Company was formed, their training activities, arms procurement and actions against the British forces during the tan war.

Commenting on the importance of reflecting on these important events in our history, Bróna said “As Republicans who aspire to the same vision as the brave men and women who went before us, it’s important that we reflect on the very real contribution made locally by people from Ballymacnab and the surrounding area in the ongoing struggle for Irish freedom. We’re pleased to announced that local historian Liam O’Manachain has now decided to publish a book on this important period of Irish history.”