University College Cork to host annual commemoration

University College Cork to host annual commemoration The UCC Sinn Féin Martin Hurson Cumann will host it's annual commemoration on Thursday, January 10th at 6.45pm. The event, which takes place on campus every year, was started a number of years ago to commemorate thirteen IRA Volunteers who were killed during the War of Independence and who are buried on the grounds of the University. This year the oration will de delivered by North-Kerry TD, Deputy Martin Ferris. Stephen Cunningham, who is the chairperson of the Sinn Féin UCC cumann, said: "The commemoration has gone from strength to strength each year and it has become a regular fixture of the calendar, not just for republicans, but also for those with a keen interest in local history. We are inviting everybody to come along and listen to what we expect will be a very interesting speech from Martin Ferris. Martin Ferris is looking forward to speaking at the commemoration in UCC and said: "I am very eager to come to Cork and meet some of the young people attending the college. I really enjoy engaging with students and hearing what they have to say around a broad range of issue. It is an extremely testing time for third-level students so I am sure they will have a lot to say. But I am also honoured to be given the opportunity to speak in memory of these brave volunteers who gave their lives in the cause of a deeply desired freedom." The commemoration will begin at the amphitheatre in front of the student centre in U.C.C. and will proceed past the Quad, and down to gaol cross, where a wreath will be laid at the old gaol wall in honour of another IRA volunteer shot dead in 1940 by Free State forces as he attempted to aid an escape. It will then proceed to the plot in front of the science building, where the main oration will be given.