Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Newry / Armagh Sinn Féin Commemorate an Chéad Dáil

Published: 23 January, 2009

Almost 200 Newry/Armagh Sinn Féin members travelled to Dublin on Wednesday to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the first Dáil in the Mansion House. The event had been widely talked about across Ireland as the historic venue had been booked on the exact day of the 90th anniversary by Sinn Féin, meaning that the Dublin government had to mark the event the day before.

Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Boylan commented on the success of the event,

"We had always expected that such a large crowd of republicans from Newry/Armagh would travel to Dublin to commemorate the historic event. The meeting of an Chéad Dáil was one of the most significant days in the history of Ireland and an event that Sinn Féin remembers with great pride.

"The popularity of the event was evident as over 650 republicans filled the hall while over 400 gathered outside."

Note to editor.

The event featured:

A re-enactment of the First Dáil,

A presentation to Jack O'Connor (SIPTU President) to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ITGWU

A presentation to SF female elected reps to mark the 90th anniversary of the appointment of Constance Markievicz as Minister for Labour at the First Dáil (first woman in Europe to become a Minister