Tuam Martyrs Commemoration Oration

A Chairde,

I am honoured to be invited here today to the monument of the Tuam Martyrs. As Easter approaches Republicans across this island will be commemorating the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle for Irish Indedendence. Today comrades we pay our respects, at this magnificent monument, to six IRA Volunteers from the West of Ireland- Seán Newell, Michael Monaghan, Francis Cunnane, Martin Moylan, Seamus O Maille all from Galway and Seán Maguire from Co. Mayo. These brave IRA Volunteers were executed on 11th April 1923 by Irishmen who used guns given to them by the British. The six IRA Volunteers, who we remember today, opposed the Treaty of 1922 as it breached the Sovereignty of the Irish Nation. As then the leadership of Sinn Fein in 1998 did not recognise the instinctively flawed tactic of usurping our own Sovereignty in discourse with the enemy. Lessons from the past were not heeded and the constitutionalists of Provisional Sinn Fein colluded with the British and their security services to bring about a political settlement which totally undermined our Republican position. History has taught us that lessons not learned from the past are doomed to be repeated. We in 32CSM cherish our past and learn from its mistakes, we may not always be right but we do not lack the moral courage to admit if we get it wrong. We are an open movement ready to listen to new ideas but steadfast in our defence of Irish National Sovereignty. Over the last few years we have seen a rejuvenated 32CSM build right across this island of ours. We have new cummain in Limerick, Kerry, Sligo, Clare and here in Galway. It is very heartening to know comrades that Republicanism is alive and well, the West is Awake! Great credit must go to the local cumann here in Galway for restoring and looking after this fine monument to the Tuam Martyrs. The Freestate Government has descended into the melting pot of corruption, lies and political stagnation, its’ actions have shown it unfit for purpose. We in 32CSM must bring a new vision to our people. With Republicans working together we can realise this effectively. Now is not the time for self imposed isolation or factionalism, now is the opportunity to grasp the reality of the immense task we have. Comrades Irish Sovereignty is not for sale! Sovereignty does not stop at the border, the restoration of Irish Sovereignty is the only viable starting point in the rebuilding of the Irish Nation. It is time to realise the Republic that these brave IRA Volunteers died for, we need to bring their sacrifice into the heart of where this country now finds itself. These are the people we need to turn to for guidance and iinspiration. IRA Volunteers Seamus O Maille, Martin Moylan, Francis Cunnane, Michael Monaghan, Seán Newell and Seán Maguire we salute you!

Beir Bua!!

Oration Delivered by EX POW John Connolly .