DESCENDANTS of Fenian leader Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa were among hundreds of people who took part in an Easter parade in Carrickmore yesterday.
One of the largest commemorations outside Belfast, organisers said up to 2,500 people took part in the independent parade through the Co Tyrone town.
Among those attending were O'Donovan Rossa's great- grandsons Williams Rossa Cole and Rossa Williams Cole.
O Donovan Rossa died in 1915 in the US but his remains were later returned to Ireland for burial in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
During yesterday's event, Tyrone republican Tommy McKearney spoke about fundraising efforts by the National Graves Association to refurbish a republican monument in the famous graveyard in time for next year's Easter Rising centenary celebrations.
The appeal was launched at O'Donovan Rossa's graveside in 2012.
The monument was originally erected in Glasnevin's St Paul's sector in 1929 to remember republicans killed during the Rising.
It was refurbished in 1966, the 50th anniversary of the rebellion, but has since fallen into disrepair.
Speaking during yesterday's Tyrone National Graves Association event, Mr McKearney said the St Paul's sector contains the remains of republicans and civilians who are buried together.
"The monument in Dublin was first unveiled in 1929 by Frank Ryan and stands over the spot where many of the republican rank-and-file who died during Easter week are buried," he said.
"Due to the danger and confused conditions pertaining during the Easter week rising, it was impossible to carry out normal funeral arrangements."
To date the National Graves Association has identified at least 16 republicans in the plot.
"Among the dead are IRB volunteers, several members of the Irish Citizen Army, three volunteers who travelled from London and one from Glasgow," he said.
Fundraising for the monument was given a boost after renowned artist Robert Ballagh produced a limited edition print for sale.
Mr McKearney appealed for more donations and revealed plans to hold a parade and unveiling event on the calendar anniversary of the rising next year.
Brian Cawley, chairman of Tyrone National Graves Association, also paid tribute to dead republicans during the commemoration.
"Tyrone National Graves has a long and proud history of organising this commemoration, for many years," he said.
"We salute the courage and bravery of those who have died for Irish freedom across this county and elsewhere.
"We look forward to marking the 100th anniversary of the rising in Carrickmore next year and call on all republicans to support the vital work of refurbishing the St Paul's monument."
* GUESTS: Left, Williams Rossa Cole and Rossa Williams Cole, the great-grandsons of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, at yesterday's Easter commemoration in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone. Above, a band takes part in the parade
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Ann McManus