Séamus Costello Remembered 35 Years On

national | anti-capitalism | press release

Wednesday October 17, 2012 10:17

by Elric

Friday October 5th marked the 35th anniversary of the murder of the great socialist republican leader, Séamus Costello. The Wicklow man was shot to death on Dublin’s North Strand by counter-revolutionary elements.

On Saturday October 6th a number of events were held in Dublin and Wicklow to remember Costello and pay tribute to his selfless sacrifice and service to Ireland and the working class.

At 11am up to 40 people gathered in Dublin’s north inner city at a new plaque erected in honour of Costello, near the spot where he was murdered on the North Strand Road. The plaque is one of a number recently erected by the Séamus Costello Memorial Committee.

Veteran socialist republican Sean Doyle, a close friend of Costello, spoke to the crowd about his comrade. Sean recounted details of Costello’s life and political work throughout the years in a rousing speech to those who had assembled.

Following Sean’s address, a wreath was laid by local éirígí members. Speaking after the event éirígí spokesperson, Ursula Ní Shionnain said, “Séamus Costello was a great example of a true socialist republican who understood the need to not only achieve a British withdrawal from Ireland, but also to drive capitalism out as well. His aim was a 32-county Irish Socialist Republic. Costello was a man who truly understood the politics of James Connolly and the need to combine the class and national aspects of the Irish freedom struggle.”

Several hours later the Séamus Costello Memorial Committee hosted a commemorative evening in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow. The event consisted of an exhibition of photographs, press cuttings and other memorabilia relating to Séamus Costello’s short life and a commemorative lecture. Speakers included Sean Doyle, éirígí Dublin City Councillor Louise Minihan, Padraig Madden from the Irish Republican Socialist Party and Wicklow historian Ruan O’Donnell. The lecture was ably chaired by Séamus’ comrades John Davis and Brian Rees. A social function followed in the Townhouse public house in the village.

Speaking after the 35th anniversary events, Sean Doyle said, “The Séamus Costello Memorial Committee are delighted with the support we have received in the run up to and during the 35th anniversary commemoration. The massive turnout at the talk clearly shows that the people of Wicklow still hold the ‘Boy General’ dear to their hearts.

“The memorial plaques erected across Wicklow and in Dublin and the successful events today could only come to fruition thanks to the work of the dedicated members and supporters of the Séamus Costello Memorial Committee.”

In conclusion Sean said, “Costello’s politics, like the politics of James Connolly, are as alive and as relevant today, as they were in Ireland's tragic past. We will continue to struggle onwards towards national liberation in Ireland and keep close the vision of Ireland that Costello held.”

Anyone requiring more information about, or who would like to help, the committee in any way should contact Sean Doyle on 089 4648761 or email seamuscostello.mc@gmail.com

Click on the link for the text of Councillor Louise Minihan’s address to the Costello memorial event in Newtown, County Wicklow.

http://eirigi.org/latest/latest161012.html

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Séamus Costello Remembered 35 Years On