Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Wednesday 21°CThursday 22°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
ChristmasDerry CityNews

Coronavirus: Derry republican group to hold Easter event

written by cassoscoop March 24, 2021
ShareTweet

A dissident republican parade on Easter Monday 2018 organised by Saoradh passes Free Derry Corner

A republican group has encouraged people to attend an Easter commemoration in Derry which goes against COVID-19 health restrictions.

The Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee has said that it is encouraging people to wear face masks to the event.

But the event, which takes place on Monday, April 5, at the gates of Derry City cemetery, has been branded by a DUP MLA as a “clear challenge to police by dissident republicans”.

The group said: “Join with us to honour those who gave their lives in Ireland’s freedom struggle and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing struggle for a 32 County Socialist Republic.

“Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic we encourage all those attending to wear face coverings.”

In 2018, the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee’s illegal Easter Monday rally saw masked men march through the streets of Creggan as dozens of youths pelted the PSNI with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs.

This year’s event is being supported by Saoradh, although that dissident group has also arranged an online commemoration.

The Parades Commission last night said that no notification has been received for a parade for that specified location and date.

“The Commission regulates parades and related protests. It has no responsibility for static events,” said a spokesperson.

“Unnotified parades and related protests are a matter for the PSNI.”

In response the PSNI said it is reminding the public to adhere to the coronavirus regulations as Easter approaches.

Sinn Fein was asked to comment on the matter and a spokesperson said: “Everyone should follow the public health guidelines currently in place.”

Last night Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton said he will be raising his concerns about the event directly with the PSNI.

“The Covid regulations on public gatherings are very clear and they will be in place over the Easter weekend,” he said.

“This is a clear challenge to police by dissident republicans. They are announcing via press release their intention to breach the law. I will be speaking to PSNI in the city about how they intend to respond to this event.

“There have been repeated attempts by these groups to impose themselves across the city and even in recent days they have been behind rioting and disturbances.”

He called for a “clear and united response” from all political representatives in opposition to the group’s “attempts to drag Northern Ireland backwards”.

Alliance Derry and Strabane councillor Rachael Ferguson urged event organisers to cancel the commemoration in light of the pandemic.

“The law applies to everyone – any parades or similar must seek permission from the Parades Commission and abide by the ruling,” she said.

A PSNI land rover engulted in flames after it was attacked with a petrol in Creggan area on Easter Monday 2018

“Everyone has a right to commemorate their history and culture in a peaceful way but we are currently in the middle of a pandemic.”

Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said the public should be aware that restrictions on movements and gatherings remain in place.

“We will continue to engage, explain and encourage compliance with the Regulations, and where and when necessary move to enforcement,” he said.

“I would ask everyone to work with us during this pandemic to help to protect the NHS and keep everyone safe.”

Coronavirus: Derry republican group to hold Easter event was last modified: March 26th, 2021 by cassoscoop

Tags:
allianceChief Supt Darrin JonesCoronavirus: Derry republican group to hold Easter eventCouncillor Rache FergusonCRegganDerry 1916 Commemoration CommitteeDerry CityDUP Foyle MLA.GARY MIDDLETONSoaradh Derry
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Historic US flag stolen from Derry college

2 mins ago

Strabane success in promoting Vibrant Town in...

32 mins ago

New baby monitor units arrive at Altnagelvin...

17 hours ago

Build a future in construction on fully...

18 hours ago

Durkan: Executive must act now or more...

19 hours ago

Police appeal over theft of Mercedes van

23 hours ago

Man released over stabbing incident in Derry

23 hours ago

TV series to examine Katie Simpson’s death...

23 hours ago

Global talent descends on Derry for the...

24 hours ago

End to programme developed to tackle skills...

1 day ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy