Sinn Fein vice-president Mary Lou McDonald.
Sinn Fein vice-president, Mary Lou McDonald, will be the keynote speaker at the Easter commemoration in Derry on Sunday.
The Dublin TD will give the address at the main commemoration at the republican plot in the City Cemetery following a parade that will leave Westland Street at 2.00pm.
As well as marking the 98th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Cumann na mBann.
The parade will be led by women to mark the anniversary.
It is one of five commemorations to take place in the city on Sunday – the others will take place at republican monuments in Shantallow Monument (Racecourse Road) and Waterside (Rose Court) at 1.00pm and in Creggan (Central Drive) and the Bogside (Lecky Road) at 1.30pm.
Encouraging republicans to take part in local commemorations, Derry Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney, said: “Easter is a very important date in the annual republican calendar, a time when we not only gather in Derry, across Ireland and throughout the world to remember those who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom and liberty and to stand in continued solidarity with their families, but also a time when we recommit ourselves to the pursuance of our Republican objectives.
“This year there will be an added dimension with it being the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Cumann na mBan .The Easter Lily was designed in 1925 by Cumann na mBan. Dozens of women will head up the main march this year to mark the centenary.
“I would encourage people not only to take part in their local events but also to come along with their families to be part of the main commemoration in Derry this Sunday at 2.00pm, assemble Westland Street.”
Meanwhile, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement will hold its Easter commemoration on Monday next.
Organised by the Liam Lynch-Patsy Duffy Cumann, the event will take place in the City Cemetery after a parade which will leave the graveyard’s Creggan entrance at 2.30pm.
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