Senator Labhrás ó Murchu speaking at the Liam Mellows Commemoration in Castletown last Sunday. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Well-known orator, Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú was chief speaker at last Sunday’s annual Liam Mellows Commemoration in Castletown where he was critical of the revisionists as the centenary of the Easter Rising of 1916 approaches.

“I know there is an effort at the moment, and we are going to see it in 2016, where the revisionists will make an effort to change what happened in the War of Independence. There is absolutely no need for any nation in the world to change their history in order to be, in some way, kowtowing to any other state. I do not believe that that is generous. I do not believe that is expected of us.”

“Today we gather at this hallowed spot to reflect on the life and the times of Liam Mellows and his comrades.

“It gives us an opportunity as a mature nation to show our respect and affection and admiration for those patriots, who not for any benefit for themselves, but for the welfare of all of the people of Ireland sacrificed themselves.

“In 2016, we will be commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising, and those of us who take time to study the words of the Proclamation of 1916 realise the type of men and women who took a stand on behalf of Ireland.”

Sen. Ó Murchú recalled that the organising committee, who remember Liam Mellows are “indicating once again that we never take for granted the independence that was so dearly evolved.”

“And, of course the manner of his death has left a blemish on the soul of Ireland for many years to come, but I do not believe, given the generosity of spirit, that Liam Mellows would want us to linger in bitterness on his death.

“I would think he would expect us to learn from his sacrifice, and whenever an opportunity comes our way, to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves, that we will not shy away from that opportunity.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.