West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Na Fianna Eireann 100th anniversary to be marked at Belfast Easter commemoration

Published: 10 April, 2009

One of the main themes of this year's National Graves Association Easter Commemoration will be the marking of the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Eireann.

To commemorate the anniversary, a striking new mural has been painted at the corner of Beechmount Avenue, featuring Countess Markievicz, the founder of the Fianna, and the roll of honour of Fians who died during the conflict.

The commemoration of the 100th anniversary will be centre stage in the pageantry that will form part of this year's parade from Beechmount to Milltown Cemetery.

'Countess Markievicz' will walk in the parade along with a number of young people dressed as Fians who will carry the flag of the Fianna.

There will also be a number of young girls dressed in the uniforms of the Cumann na gCailini.

A number of Fians from West Belfast died on active service including Fian Gerard McAuley, who died in Bombay Street on 15th August 1969, and Fian John Dempsey who was the last Fian to die on 8th July 1981, during the Hunger Strike period.