The remains of Sean Larkin, I.R.A., arrived in Ballybofey on Wednesday, 29th October, on their way to the dead patriots native place. The coffin, wrapped in the Tricolour, was conveyed in a car, and accompanied by a guard of honour composed of soldiers of the 3rd Western Division. A long procession of cars followed the remains. A very large number of men were drawn up to meet the remains and the procession, as it proceeded slowly through the streets of Ballybofey, was singularly impressive.

A halt was made at the main gate of Drumboe grounds. Mr. Michael McGinley of Ballybofey, presided at the ceremony which followed. Mr. Sean McMenamin, the well-known Tirconaill writer and Gaelic Teacher, recited the rosary in Irish, Mr Joseph O'Grianna delivered a brief oration, the following of which are extracts:

"People of Tirconaill and brave men of the West, who have come here to share in our mourning. I have had the honour of speaking over the bodies of several of our dead heroes, and I never have done so without thinking of Patrick Pearse, who has said all the holy and splendid things and inspiring things which can be said on such an occasion, so much so that we lesser men can only repeat his words. "The fools, the fools, the fools" he said. "They have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace."

As we look at this rude coffin, it recalls to our minds that terrible March morning in 1923, when Sean Larkin and his three comrades were led forth to die. The crash of that awful deed echoed throughout Tirconaill, throughout Ireland. It struck horror into many a heart in the county. It reached us even in the prisons. We drew up and paraded as an honour to the dead, we stood silent and still to attention, but with unutterable things in our hearts.

The poet has taken up the theme and described it in fitting language. And for generations will be heard the sad, shameful words:

While the Finn and the Swilly continue to flow,
That stain will remain on the name of Drumboe.

Yes, that stain will remain for ever. But the people of Tirconaill can do much to wash it out, by proving that it was not by their consent that that stain was inflicted. They will have an opportunity of proving to the world at the next election by electing Thomas Daly, the brother of Charlie Daly, that the will of Tirconaill was not in favour of the brutal crimes committed at Drumboe Castle. And Tirconaill will do its duty.

The remains were escorted to Convoy by a number of local cars, on the way to Derry.

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