Northern Ireland

Easter republican commemoration held in north Belfast

Hundreds turned out for Easter Monday's commemoration parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
Hundreds turned out for Easter Monday's commemoration parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell Hundreds turned out for Easter Monday's commemoration parade in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Picture by Hugh Russell
By Staff reporter

HUNDREDS have turned out for the annual Easter Rising commemoration parade in north Belfast's New Lodge area.

The event, organised by the Greater New Lodge Commemoration Committee, saw three bands join supporters in parading in the area, which began after speeches held at Carlisle Square.

Crowds braving the rain lined the route, with participants carrying wreaths and pictures of republicans from the area killed during the Troubles.

Monday's north Belfast parade was organised by the Greater New Lodge Commemoration Committee. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Monday's north Belfast parade was organised by the Greater New Lodge Commemoration Committee. Picture by Hugh Russell. Monday's north Belfast parade was organised by the Greater New Lodge Commemoration Committee. Picture by Hugh Russell.

Organisers said the march was for "people of the New Lodge, Carrick Hill, and Newington" to "remember our patriot dead", and saw north Belfast Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee address attendees before the parade began.

Mr Magee said afterwards he was "proud to stand with these New Lodge republicans today as we remember our patriot dead", adding the march was held "as we seek to reunite our country and build a new Ireland".

Several republican flute bands took part in Monday's north Belfast Easter commemoration parade. Picture by Hugh Russell
Several republican flute bands took part in Monday's north Belfast Easter commemoration parade. Picture by Hugh Russell Several republican flute bands took part in Monday's north Belfast Easter commemoration parade. Picture by Hugh Russell

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín also took part in Monday's New Lodge event, after attending Easter parades in the west of the city on Sunday.

Ms Ní Chuilín said the events were "to remember those who dedicated their lives to Irish freedom".

She added in a social media post: "We must look beyond the division of our island, and seize the opportunities ahead of us to build a new and united Ireland.

"Now is the time to build a new Ireland built on equality, inclusion and prosperity for all."