Martin Kenny TD addressing the commemoration on Sunday, with Mary Lou McDonald behind.

Violent uprising was right and just in 1916 insists Kenny

Addressing yesterday's centenary commemoration for 1916 Leader and Proclamation signatory Sean MacDiarmada in Kiltyclogher, a local Sinn Féín deputy insisted that a violent uprising in 1916 was 'right and just'. 

Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin Kenny said that despite the recent misgivings of some politicians and revisionist commentators that the Easter Rising was unneccessary, Sinn Féin was very clear that the Rising was right and just, that it had asserted Ireland's right to freedom, and had set an example for colonised people all over the world.

The recently elected Sinn Féin TD - for the constituency which takes in West Cavan -  said that Leitrim people were immensely proud of the role that Sean MacDiarmada from Corranmore had played in the Rising, and that they would always honour him with great respect.

Mr Kenny said that he and his party was out to complete the task for which Sean MacDiarmada had sacrificed his life - a 32-county republic based on the principles of justice and equality for all.

He thanked the people of Leitrim, Sligo, west cavan and South Doneagl for electing him to the Dáil and said that as the only Sinn Fein TD from Connacht he would work hard to repesent the interests of everyone in the west, citing the need for greater investment, infrastructure, servive provision and jobs in the region.

Sinn Féin was on the rise, he said, and he looked forward to being joined by Sinn Fein TDs from across Connacht in the future.

'The West's awake,' Mr Kenny concluded.

The commeoration was also addressed by Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD. Proceedings were chaired by former TD Michjael Colreavy.

The event was attended by the biggest crowd in many years, including visitors from all parts of Ireland abroadd including the County Leitrim Society, New York and the Leitrim Society, Boston.