Easter Lily | Moore St. Raffle | Clíodhna

Wear An Easter LilyI did not think Easter is almost upon us. It was our oldest lad’s oldest lad who remarked to me that Easter was early this year. I was bemused that a nine - almost ten - year old would know this and describe it in these words. Of course he is probably thinking of Easter eggs. For many people Easter also marks an important date in their religious calendar. But for children especially – and for many adults – it is all about Easter Eggs. These come in all shapes and sizes and prices and despite the cost of living crisis confronting many families chocolate eggs will be devoured in most homes this Eastertide. For Irish republicans Easter holds a special significance. It is synonymous with the 1916 Easter Rising and the heroism over a century ago of those who rose up against the British Empire and declared for a RepublicMoore St. RaffleOn Easter Saturday the draw for the Moore St. 1916 Robert Ballagh print will take place. The print is one of a limited edition of 200 that was produced last September by the Moore St Preservation TrustClíodhna. It isn’t easy speaking in public and it can be very daunting when faced by a hostile audience who are not interested in what you have to say but simply want to shout you down. Belfast Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair faced this challenge last weekend and demonstrated enormous strength of character when confronted by a section of people at the pro-Palestinian march in Belfast who chose to ignore what she had to say and tried to drown her out with whistles and boos.