éirígí in Dublin South East Mark Struggles Past and Present

31/03/12

At midday on April 7, éirígí Dublin South East will hold its third annual commemoration of the volunteers who died during the ‘Battle of Mount Street Bridge’ in Easter Week 1916. It was here, in what has been described as the bloodiest engagement of the Rising and also one of the most spectacular exploits in Irish military history, that thirteen Irish Volunteers delayed the advance of up to 2,000 British reinforcements from Dún Laoghaire.

The volunteers, led by Lieutenant Michael Malone, were able to hold out for three days against wave after wave of British assaults. When they finally abandoned their positions they had killed or wounded 240 British soldiers. Four volunteers – Malone, George Reynolds, Dick Murphy and Patrick Doyle – lost their lives.

The commemorative event will take place at the monument to the fallen volunteers which is located at Mount Street Bridge on the Grand Canal. éirígí Councillor Louise Minihan will speak and a wreath will be laid on behalf of éirígí. All are welcome to attend this fitting memorial to those who so heroically defended this important republican outpost.

Copies of a unique, éirígí-produced, illustrated commemoration leaflet, which tells the heroic story of Mount Street Bridge will be available at the event.

Ninety-six years later the struggle for Irish national, economic and social freedom goes on. And in Dublin South East éirígí has been actively campaigning and working with local groups on a number of issues. Most recently éirígí activists have been centrally involved in organising the Campaign Against the Household and Water Taxes in the Pearse Street and Ringsend areas.

éirígí Dublin South East is in the process of building a local branch of the party in the area to fight for the rights of the communities of Pease Street, Ringsend, Irishtown and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in joining, or helping, éirígí in Dublin South East contact Joe Keegan at 086 0566980 or indyjoe@mail.com. Beirigí bua.