By Brian Caball

A GATHERING of up to 40 people attended the Roger Casement Commemoration in Lios Mhic Easmainn on Saturday last.

The patriot’s execution in Pentonville Prison, London, 103 years ago to the day, was recalled and his humanitarian work in The Congo and in The Putumayo as well as his efforts to achieve Irish freedom was discussed by guest speakers Donncha Ó hAodha, iar-uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge, and Mícheál Ó Ruairc, scoláire Gaeilge, file agus údar.

Casement’s great interest in our native language and its importance to us as a people was also part of the day’s discussion.

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Seán Seosamh Ó Conchubhair, a local historian who has worked tirelessly for many years in promoting the memory of his hero, also spoke.

Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa, cathaoirleach Chonradh na Gaeilge, introduced the speakers agus labhair sé faoi Mac Easmainn.

Also present was Celene Slattery whose father knew Casement. Irish airs and Amhrán na bhFiann were played by Donncha Ó Raghallaigh, píobaire, agus chabhraigh an slua leis. Agus d’fhan an bháisteach go dtí go raibh gach éinne imithe ón Lios!