ON Sunday, January 14 the 50th anniversary of the death of Volunteer Fearghal O’Hanlon, killed at Brookeborough RUC barracks along with his friend and comrade Seán Sabhat from Limerick, was marked in his native Monaghan town by Republican Sinn Féin.
The parade, led by a piper and a large National Colour Party of Cumann na mBan and Republican Sinn Féin members as well as a contingent from Na Fianna Éireann, formed up at the Cathedral on the outskirts of the town and marched to Latlurcan Cemetery. Several hundred people took part in the commemoration.
At the graveside proceedings were chaired by Veteran Republican and well-known author Pádraig Ó Baoighill, originally from Donegal but a long-time resident of Monaghan.
Wreaths were laid by Seán Scott, a member of the Pearse Column who took part in the Brookeborough raid along with Fearghal Ó hAnluain and Seán Sabhat and by Fergal Moore, who laid a wreath on behalf of the local Dáithí Ó Conaill Cumann of Sinn Féin Poblachtach in place of the Cumann Chairperson Larry McMahon. Two wreaths were laid on behalf of Republican Sinn Féin Cumainn in Wexford town and Enniscorthy.
A lament was played as the flags were dipped in memory of all those who died for the All-Ireland Republic.
Pádraig then introduced Maol Íosa Ó hAnluain, brother of Fearghal, who began by reciting a very moving poem as Gaeilge, An Cropaí Bocht, which he said he had recited at many commemorative ceremonies for his brother around the time he was killed.
Maol Íosa described the destruction of arms and acceptance of British police in Ireland as a “betrayal” of the goal of a free Ireland for which Fearghal Ó hAnluain died.
He noted the fact that General John de Chastelain had been honoured in the British ‘New Year’s Honour List’ for his role in the destruction of arms. “It saddens me to think that the Queen of England is in a position to honour someone for the destruction of arms obtained in order to secure the freedom of Ireland. This is something that did not happen in 800 years of Irish history.”
He said that Ireland’s right to freedom was not something to be bargained over or negotiated. “Irish freedom is a right, not something that a section of the Irish people can bargain or concede in the name of future generations.”
Maol Íosa Ó hAnluain asked what British honours would in the future be conferred on those who were responsible for the betrayal of the Irish nation. “What honours will the Queen of England confer in on those gathered in a certain hotel in Dublin, responsible for the greatest betrayal of the historic Irish nation?”
The main oration was delivered by Republican Sinn Féin President, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh who said that Fearghal Ó hAnluain and his comrade Seán Sabhat were exceptional persons. “Both were fluent Irish speakers. Fearghal was a Gaelic footballer who played for Co Monaghan at minor, junior and senior levels. He was also a handballer and a tracksman of note. Seán spent all his spare money on books and by 1956 had amassed a library of more than 3,000 volumes.
“Fate brought them together in the Brookeborough attack by the Pearse column and their names are forever linked by the manner of their deaths for Irish freedom.
“It is impossible today to imagine Seán who was so assiduous in his care for weapons, actually destroying them at the behest of the enemy. Such he would have regarded as treachery with all the penalties that go with it.
“Similarly, one simply cannot visualise Fearghal crossing over and joining the ranks of the enemy – donning a peeler’s coat – and siding with them in the inevitable confrontation with his former comrades.
“As thoughtful, well read, deeply convinced and dedicated Irish Republicans, one clearly cannot see either of them following a path of deceit, duplicity and treachery over 20 years. This road led away from the All-Ireland Republic of 1916 and the First Dáil and into Leinster House, Stormont and heavily-financed offices in Westminster.
“It meant accepting the Unionist Veto on Irish national independence, the treacherous destruction of arms given for the freedom of Ireland and ultimately enrolling in the forces of the British Crown to impose English rule in Ireland.
“On the other hand, the task of Republican Sinn Féin and of all true Republicans remains to oppose English rule at every opportunity and to mobilise the people of Ireland for the ultimate showdown with the British government here. With the support of the people all things are possible; without it success will continue to elude us.
“For this mission, tried, trusted and steady leadership is required. The people must know where they stand with such a direction in order to follow it. They will not accept the uncertainties of will-o’-the-wisps who would lead them astray and result in further disillusionment.
“An immediate task is the support of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, Co Antrim and in Portlaoise and their families. The Maghaberry prisoners have been on protest since June 19 last. They seek political status which was signed away under the Stormont Agreement of 1998.
“The people responded to the noble sacrifice of Sabhat and Ó hAnluain. Two months later Fearghal’s brother Éineachán was elected TD to an All-Ireland parliament. Song and ballads were composed about them. Football teams were named in their honour.
“Veteran of 1916 and TD of the First (32-County) Dáil, Brian O’Higgins in the 1957 edition of his Wolfe Tone Annual wrote “The Living Embers Blaze Again, Sabhat and Ó hAnluain’s memory will confound the native slaves and yet bring about the defeat and expulsion of the invader.”