GALLERY: Kildare branch of Sinn Féin hosts Easter 2026 Commemoration ceremony

All photographs provided by James Stokes

The County Kildare branch of Sinn Féin held an Easter Commemoration ceremony in memory of Irish rebels who gave their lives for Irish independence.

The event, which took place in Kildare town on Saturday, April 5 last, was chaired by Kildare South TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh and attended by local representatives, members, and the wider community.

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Prior to the commemoration, the party's leader, Mary Lou McDonald, addressed the media, calling for the Dáil to be reconvened immediately to address the ongoing cost of living crisis, with a particular focus on rising fuel costs.

Ms McDonald also delivered the keynote address, where she paid tribute to all those who died in pursuit of independence, including her great uncle, James O'Connor.

The late Mr O'Connor was 24 years of age when he was executed in the Curragh Camp.

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According to Newbridge-based Sinn Féin activist, James Stokes, members of Ógra Sinn Féin Kildare also played a central role in the commemoration, with each one reading letters from the martyrs.

"I was honoured to take part in this tribute, reading one of those letters and helping to bring their voices and stories to life once more, he added. "We came together not just to remember names, but to remember people, sons, brothers, friends, and patriots. Their lives were cut short, but their courage and their belief in the Republic continues to inspire us today."

He added: "This commemoration is a reminder of the human cost of our history, and of the responsibility we carry to honour that sacrifice in our work today and into the future."

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