The National Graves Association launched its annual Easter Lily campaign at Belfast City Hall. The event commemorates those who died for Irish freedom. This marks the third occasion the launch has occurred in the civic building.

Gerry McCabe sang the national anthem Amhrán na bhFiann at the start. He later performed Foggy Dew. Anne Nic Mhanais, chair of Ógra Shinn Féin, read the 1916 Proclamation.

Joe Austin of the National Graves Association stated Easter holds significance for republicans due to the 1916 rising. He noted this year marks the 100th anniversary of the first Easter Lily campaign organised by Cumann na mBan in 1926. Austin said the campaign boosted republican morale during a period when 3,000 republicans died, land was seized daily, and 80,000 entered and exited internment. He added the women who started it had recently left prison and the lily serves as both a badge and a statement of support for the revolution.

Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly thanked the National Graves Association for the speaking opportunity and recognised their yearly efforts. She pointed out this year marks 100 years since Cumann na mBan sold the first lilies to fund dependents of Irish Republican Prisoners. Donnelly said thousands have since continued the fight for freedom and resistance.

She observed Belfast City Hall opened in 1906 and noted republicans now form the largest group on the council. Donnelly said Belfast City Council adopted the country's most progressive Irish language policy. She affirmed republicans' right to hold the event and remember the dead. Donnelly urged wearing the Easter Lily with pride, attending Easter commemorations, and encouraging others to do so.

The National Graves Association Easter Commemoration takes place on Easter Sunday, April 5. It meets at 1pm on Beechmount Avenue and departs at 1.30pm for Milltown Cemetery. Deirdre Hargey MLA will speak as guest.