Seán Sabhat Commemoration reflects Limerick republicans' pride

UPWARDS of 300 people attended the annual Limerick City Sinn Féin commemoration of the death of Seán Sabhat in a gun battle with the RUC in 1957 made famous in the ballad Seán South of Garryowen.

On New Year's Eve 1957, a unit of 12 IRA Volunteers crossed the Border into County Fermanagh to launch an audacious attack on an RUC/B-Specials barracks in Brookeborough. During the ensuing gun battle, a number of Volunteers were injured, two fatally. Fergal O'Hanlon from Monaghan and Seán Sabhat from Limerick died of their wounds as the unit made its escape.

(Pictured: Monument at Moane's Cross, Fermanagh, to Volunteers Sabhat and O'Hanlon.)

The march assembled in Bedford Row and, led by a republican colour party and the Republican Flute Band from Carrick-On-Suir, proceeded to Sabhat’s grave in Mount St Laurence Cemetery.

The ceremonies at the graveyard were chaired by Limerick Sinn Féin general election candidate Cllr. Maurice Quinlivan.

A wreath was laid by Paul Gavin of Castleconnell. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of all those who died in the cause of Irish freedom.

The 1916 Proclamation was read by Councillor Lisa Marie Sheehy.

A poem about Seán Sabhat was recited by Councillor Séighin Ó Ceallaigh.

Councillor Quinlivan said:

“2016 will be a very important year for Sinn Féin and for Ireland. We will have a general election in a few weeks. We have now established the party as the lead party of opposition in Limerick and across Ireland.”

The main speaker was the general election candidate for Limerick County, Councillor Seamus Browne:

“Today we remember our patriot dead. We salute the memory of Séan Sabhat who gave his life for Irish freedom. Séan Sabhat was a proud Irish republican and we are also proud to be Irish republicans.

“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. We have a year of education, a year of analysing and learning the lessons of a century in struggle.

“Sinn Féin is now the largest single party on the island – a significant achievement. We have become this by demonstrating time and time again a preparedness to go on the political offensive, to take initiatives and go toe to toe with our political opponents in the battle of ideas.

“We will do it again in the days and weeks ahead.

“But remember that while elections are about numbers and seats, Sinn Féin's electoral interest is in building the political strength necessary to bring about change.”

Councillor Seamus Browne concluded:

“Sinn Féin believes that an equal society is possible. We believe that cronyism and greed can be replaced with fairness and hope.”

Councillor Maurice Quinlivan added:

“Limerick republicans are proud of the role played by Seán Sabhat and others in the struggle for Irish freedom. We aim to continue to play an active role in the struggle as it unfolds in the years ahead and we welcome everyone’s support in building political strength here in Limerick. The general election is now just weeks away. These elections are crucial for our country. We need your help in building support for Irish unity, to deliver a fair recovery and an Ireland that really does cherish all the children of the nation equally.”