DISSIDENT republican group Saoradh has cancelled its national Easter commemoration in Derry because of the coronavirus.
A spokesman for the organisation said the commemoration on Easter Monday might instead be marked with a small wreath laying ceremony at the republican plot at Derry City Cemetery.
The organisation had faced criticism over this year’s commemoration which was to have taken place just days before the first anniversary of the killing of Lyra McKee. The writer and activist was shot and fatally wounded by the New IRA who opened fire on police in the Creggan on April 18 last year.
A Saoradh spokesman said the decision to cancel this year’s commemoration was taken after a collective grassroots discussion among party membership.
“The process of discussion took place following the recent outbreak of Covid-19 and the possible health risks it may pose to those turning out in large numbers. In light of this decision, local areas will continue to remember our patriot dead in a befitting republican manner,” the spokesman said.
