Republican Network for Unity Edentubber 2019 commemoration

Republican Network for Unity assembled at the Edentubber Monument this lunchtime to remember 5 men that made the ultimate sacrifice preparing a land mine that exploded prematurely 62 years ago during the operation harvest border campaign.
The event was chaired by RNU national chairperson Eadbhárd Ó Cuinn.
Eadbhárd opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to todays commemoration.
Comrades, Today, we gather to pay tribute to the memory of five galant republicans, these brave men made the ultimate sacrifice here at this very spot on this lonely mountainside in the early hours of Monday, 11th November, 1957, they died as a result of a premature explosion, the blast from this explosion is believed to have been heard in areas as much as 5 miles away.

The four IRA Volunteers, Óglach Oliver Craven Newry, Óglach Paul Smith Bessbrook, Óglach George Keegan Enniscorthy, Óglach Paddy Parle Wexford assisted by Republican activist Michael Watters, were preparing for an expedition that would take them across the border. This was to be another chapter in what we republicans remember as the Border Campaign of 1956 – 62, to the members of Oglaigh na hEireann, it’s codename was of course, Operation Harvest.
A number of wreaths where laid on behalf of RNU, Cogus and the Republican Movement, a wreath was also laid on behalf of West Meath Independent Spirit of Freedom Society.
This was followed by the main oration by West Meath Republican Peter A Rodgers
‘Full Text of Peters Oration to follow’
Before proceedings were brought to a conclusion Eadbhárd told those assembled -
“The RNU family in recent months have continued debate, both internally and with our Critical friends. It has been almost 2 years since our movement endorsed a ceasefire and did so unilaterally, this was done so to try and move forward the unification of our Island in a non militant way.
However, both states particularly the Northern state are failing to grasp opportunities presented to them, therefore they should not take peace for granted - AS WE CERTAINLY DONT.
Everyone has a responsibility to step up and we for our part will continue to do so.”
go raibh maith agat