MacManus Seeks Commemoration
of Founding of Na Fianna Eireann.
Sinn Fein Councillor Sean MacManus has called on Sligo
County Council to mark the centenary anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna
Eireann by Constance Markievicz.
Speaking at a meeting of Sligo Co. Co. where he brought
forward a proposal that the council honour the one hundredth anniversary
Councillor MacManus said;
“This year marks the centenary of the foundation of Na
Fianna Eireann in
Dublin. In August 1909 Na Fianna was launched
as an Irish nationalist alternative to the pro British Baden-Powell Scouts
movement. The launch took place in
34 Lower Candem St.
Dublin and was organised by two of the
leading republican’s of the time—Constance Markievicz and Bulmer
Hobson.
From the initial one hundred boys who met that night to
form the first unit of Na Fianna the organisation grew steadily to a point where
at its height it mobilised up to 30,000 boys who played an active part in
Irelands freedom struggle. They
played a central role in 1913 Lockout, in the Howth and Kilcool armaments
operations, in the 1916 Rising, the Tan War and Civil War.
The fact is that this organisation--- which played such
a central role in historical events which lead to the foundation of this
state---was jointly founded by Constance Markievicz, a woman who has brought
international honour and fame to
County
Sligo.
Because of this association with Co. Sligo I believe
that it would be fitting and correct that this council would mark the centenary
in some small manner. I am asking that we consider either erecting a small
plaque in some prominent position or that we host a public lecture on the
subject of the founding of Na Fianna. Neither of these options would cost very
much and can easily be done.
The name of Constance Markievicz will forever be
associated with Co. Sligo, we public represantives from Co. Sligo should be
proud to mark the centenary of the founding of Na Fianna Eireann by this
remarkable woman—I ask for your support for this modest proposal”.
