Éirígí Marks ‘Gaelic Sunday’ Anniversary In Athlone
On Sunday, 7th August, Éirígí activists from across the country gathered in Athlone for a special football game to commemorate 'Gaelic Sunday', which took place on 4th August 1918. Speaking after the event, Éirígí General Secretary Mickey Moran said,
"Gaelic Sunday marked a huge act of defiance on the part of the GAA and its members, when they stood against the British Empire – and won.
At the time, the British establishment was trying to impose conscription in Ireland, which was met with massive resistance. They blamed the GAA in part for this, and in July 1918 their government introduced an order that prohibited all “meetings, assemblies, or processions in public places” unless written authorisation had been received from the police.
The Éirígí midlands Ciorcal (local branch) organised today’s football match to coincide with the closest Sunday to the anniversary. It's really important to remember our revolutionary history. Without an understanding of the past, we can't possibly understand the present - nor work to shape a better future.
Éirígí believes that the cultural aspect is a vital component of the struggle for a better society. For decades, the GAA has been Ireland's largest and most important all-Ireland organisation, while the annual Fleadh Cheoil event attracts hundreds of thousands of people who gather to celebrate traditional Irish music, song and dance.
Despite British attempts to eradicate Ireland's language, music, dance and sports, our culture survived. Éirígí is committed to the creation of a New Republic that will promote Irish culture and allow it not only to survive, but to thrive. If you're ready to play your part in the building of this New Republic, then join us today".