PHOTOS: Kildare Sinn Féin branch commemorates the Grey Abbey Martyrs on Easter Monday 2025

Members of the County Kildare branch of Sinn Féin (SF) branch commemorated the late Grey Abbey Martyrs yesterday on Easter Monday, April 21 last.

The event paid tribute to the deaths of the seven Rathbride Irish Republican Army (IRA) rebels, which marked the single biggest execution in the Irish Civil War. The 100th anniversary of the executions took place back in 2022.

Yesterday, a large group walked from the town square to the graveside, led by a lone piper.

The event included the reading of the final letters of the executed men, the 1916 Proclamation, and a wreath-laying ceremony performed by James Stokes, the recently appointed SF Area Representative for the Newbridge LEA, on behalf of the Grey Abbey Martyrs Cumann.

Speaking at the event, Mr Stokes said: "Every Easter, we remember the generations of Irish men and women who dedicated their lives to freedom.

"We remain committed to fulfilling the vision declared in the 1916 Proclamation; an Irish Republic founded on equality, justice, and peace."

James Stokes, the party's Newbridge LEA representative, laying a wreath in memory of the Grey Abbey Martyrs. Photograph supplied by James Stokes

The keynote oration was delivered by Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD, who is also SF's spokesperson for Special Education.

She called on Irish republicans to continue the work of building a united, sovereign Ireland.

"The men who died here gave their lives not for partition or compromise, but for a free and united Ireland," Ms Ní Raghallaigh TD said. "The conversation around Irish unity is now a national one, and the time has come to prepare, for referendums, for reunification, for a new Ireland built on equality and justice."

She also called on the government to establish a citizens assembly on Irish unity and voiced strong solidarity with the people of Palestine.

On the latter point, she said: "Our solidarity with the Palestinian people must be grounded in action, through the BDS campaign and through our presence in every community."

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD speaking at the event. Photograph supplied by James Stokes

Réada Cronin TD addressed the crowd as well: "They died for the cause they loved; they took an oath to the Republic and they died honouring it."

Alex Connell, a SF activist from Derrinturn, read one of the final letters of the martyrs and shared: "A United Ireland is only achievable when we know and honour the stories and sacrifices of those who came before us.

"Commemorations like today are vital to keeping that memory alive."

In addition, Killian Brennan, the Chair of Kildare Comhairle Ceantair, also spoke at the event: "This Easter, we gathered in Kildare town to remember the brave men who fought for Ireland’s freedom.

"We laid wreaths and read the 1916 Proclamation, reflecting on their sacrifice — it is a reminder that the fight for Irish unity continues, and together, we can make that vision a reality."

Near the end of the event, Ms Ní Raghallaigh TD said: "Let us leave here today, not only remembering the dead, but recommitting ourselves to the cause of Irish freedom — Tiocfaidh ár lá."

Kym Kelly then delivered a rendition of "Grace" beside the graveside.

The commemoration concluded with all in attendance standing together to sing "Amhrán na bhFiann".

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