A new monument marking the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising was unveiled in Derry tonight.
The creation features eight permanent plinths which are located next to the republican monument on Racecourse Road in Shantallow and features portraits of the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation. - Padraig Pearse, Thomas McDonagh, Thomas J Clarke, Joseph Plunkett, Eamonn Ceannt, James Connolly and Sean Mac Diarmada.
Also featured are portraits of eight IRA members from the Shantallow area who were killed during the most recent conflict – Junior McDaid, Gerard Craig, David Russell, Michael Meenan, Jim Gallagher, Dennis Heaney, Eamon (Bronco) Bradley, Neil McMonagle and Tony Gough.
Speaking at the unveiling, Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney said: “They are our patriot dead and tonight we honour them as one.”
Each of portraits features writings and reflections which Mr McCartney said “reflect vision, courage, wisdom and a love for Ireland and its Gaelic traditions.”
They were unveiled by Sinn Fein’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Foyle MLA Maeve McLaughlin and councillors for the Shantallow area, Tony Hassan and Sandra Duffy.
As part of the 1916 centenary celebrations in the city, two vigils will be held at the monument at 3.45am on May 3 and 12 next, marking the first and last of the 1916 executions.
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