Taoiseach thanked for honouring son of executed 1916 leader

Relatives of Fr Joseph Mallin (92), the last surviving child of a 1916 leader, have written to the Taoiseach to express sincere thanks and appreciation for the way the priest, who lives in Hong Kong, is being treated as an honoured guest at the 90th anniversary commemorations of the Rising.

In the letter to Bertie Ahern, the family expressed surprise at remarks made by Labour TD Tommy Broughan, earlier this week, suggesting that Fr Mallin had not received an invitation to the anniversary commemorations.

Airline tickets were sent to Fr Mallin by the Taoiseach's Department on March 15th. He has served in Hong Kong since 1948.

Fr Mallin is the son of Comdt Michael Mallin, who was chief of staff of the Irish Citizen Army.

Comdt Mallin was in charge of the St Stephen's Green garrison during the Rising and was executed on May 8th, 1916.

His execution left behind a wife and five young children, including two-year-old Joseph.

Invitations to the reviewing stand in O'Connell Street in Dublin city centre for the military parade on Easter Sunday, and to a reception in Dublin Castle that evening, are being issued to almost 250 relatives of those who took part in the Rising.

A range of dignitaries, including members of the Government, the Dáil, the Northern Assembly, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps and the social partners will be invited to the take their place on the reviewing stand.

On Sunday, the 2,500 members of the Defence Forces, who will participate in the parade, will take part in a dress rehearsal at the Curragh.