Burns and Moley Commemoration Weekend

17 th Annual Commemoration Function

Vol. Brendan Moley & Vol. Brendan Burns

The launch of DVD South Armagh “A Century of Struggle” took place on Saturday 25 th February in The Resource Center, Silverbridge, which was, attended by 1000 people, music was by the fabulous Rebel Hearts. Elena Martin welcome everyone to the event especially members of the Charlie McGlade Cumman, Dublin with whom the Burns and Moley Cumman are twined with. Mr. Conor Murphy MLA launched the DVD, which everyone enjoyed.

Presentations on behalf of the Cumman were made to Elena Martin , Theresa McBride, Kevin Murphy and Ann Martin who help out on the production. Margaret Reel on behalf of Silverbridge Residents made a special presentation to Elena for all her work and support for the past four years. Elena congratulated Ogra Shinn Fein on their enactment. And concluded to say the DVD is dedicated to all the deceased volunteers, Sinn Fein members and anyone who helped in any way for the struggle of Irish independence. Elena thanked everyone for their support on to-nights event and said it was a proud moment for the Two Brendan's families that people still remembered their names with pride after 17 years.

The DVD will be on sale in the following locations - £7.00 stg or £10.00 euro

•  Donnelly's Shop, Silverbridge

•  McConville's, Crossmaglen

•  O'Grady's, Cullyhanna

•  Sinn Fein Office, Crossmaglen

•  Contact Elena Martin – Mobile 00353 866004757

17 th Annual Commemoration March

Vol. Brendan Moley & Vol. Brendan Burns

The 17 th annual commemoration of Vol. Brendan Burns & Vol. Brendan Moley was on Sunday 26 th February 2005; approximately two thousand people were lead by the pied piper Donal Duffy and South Armagh\North Louth\South Monaghan Women's Colour Party to the monument. Councillor Elena Martin chaird the proceedings as she said “ For me it is an honour to chair today's event because of the courage and the dedication and the will to give up their lives as did the two Brendan's for the struggle for a united Ireland. They had an aim, which was to see this country united, free from British Rule and we today can help Sinn Fein achieve what the two Brendan's set out to do”. Next was the rosary by Orla Murphy, Laying of the wreaths, and Roll of honour by Aidan Moley, Last post and Reveille. The main speaker was Gerry Adams he said:

"A chairde,
Let me begin by commending all of you, but in particular the Brendan Burns/Brendan Moley Cumann for all of your efforts in organizing today’s events.

I want to extend a special welcome and thanks to the Burns and Moley families who are here today.

Today is a celebration of the lives and dedication and commitment of two sons of South Armagh to the goal of Irish freedom and independence.

17 years ago I attended the funeral of Brendan Burns and had the honour and privilege to give the oration at Brendan Moley’s funeral.

It was a terrible time...view entire speech"

Anne McKeown on behalf of the Cumman presented Gerry Adams with a DVD South Armagh “A Century of Struggle”.

That concluded the event with Councillor Martin thanking the bands, colour party and everyone who help out and participated in the commemoration.