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Easter Rising 1916 commemorations: PSNI criticised for failing to intervene as masked dissident republicans march through Lurgan

Masked colour party marches from Kilwilkie estate to St Colman's Cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Mal McCann
Masked colour party marches from Kilwilkie estate to St Colman's Cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Mal McCann Masked colour party marches from Kilwilkie estate to St Colman's Cemetery in Lurgan. Picture by Mal McCann

MASKED men have paraded through the streets of Lurgan during a Republican Sinn Féin 1916 commemoration at the weekend.

A PSNI helicopter hovered overhead Kilwilkie estate on Saturday as the procession made its way to nearby St Colman’s Cemetery where several wreaths were placed at the cemetery’s republican plot.

A volley of shots was fired by a masked man during a similar event last year.

During the commemoration a masked man read out a statement on behalf of the "leadership of the republican movement."

The statement contained a threat from the Continuity IRA.

"We continue our resolve to continue the struggle against British rule," it said.

"The volunteers of the Continuity Irish Republican Army will continue to strike at will at the British forces of occupation.

"That is the most fitting tribute we can make to the men and women of 1916."

The main oration was delivered by RSF representative Dermot Douglas.

He spoke about Lurgan man Edward Costello who fought in the General Post Office in Dublin during the rising and later died of wounds received during Easter week.

During his speech the representative rejected any suggestion of border poll on the question of a united Ireland.

"Whether a simple border poll or a broader all-Ireland vote, these go diametrically opposite to the proclamation," he said.

"In the proclamation Ireland was proclaimed as ‘sovereign and indefeasible’ and this could only be extinguished ‘by the destruction of the Irish people’.

"No vote can undo that declaration, no poll can undo that declaration. These ideas are counter productive and counter revolutionary.”

Police were criticised for failing to intervene during the show of strength.

UUP councillor and former British soldier Doug Beattie asked: "If it's legal why are they hiding their identity - if it's illegal why are they not arrested?"

DUP councillor Carla Lockhart said she was shocked that "masked men were parading through our streets as in Lurgan today".

"This has no place in the new Northern Ireland", adding she will be speaking to police about the display.

Police Superintendent Paul Reid insisted that an investigation "is underway and inquiries are ongoing".

"Police are aware of a small unnotified parade which took place in the Kilwilkie area of Lurgan on Saturday afternoon, 26 March," he said.

"Those wishing to organising a parade must give formal notification of their intentions."