Urgent Legal Action Planned to Fulfill Roger Casement’s Burial Wish

UPDATE: Legal action is now underway to finally return the remains of Sir Roger Casement to his “chosen ground” in County Antrim. The Roger Casement Commemoration & Reinterment Association (RCCRA) announced this urgent move, aimed at fulfilling the Easter Rising organizer’s long-standing wish to be buried in his beloved homeland.

The campaign for Casement’s remains has gained momentum over the past 25 years, particularly following the signing of the Belfast Agreement. This significant effort is seen as a critical step towards reconciliation and mutual trust in the region. As commemorations for the centenary of the Easter Rising commence, the timing could not be more poignant.

On July 18, 1916, Casement’s appeal against his conviction was denied, and he began writing farewell letters from Pentonville Prison. In one particularly moving letter to his cousin, he expressed a deep yearning to be laid to rest in the scenic Murlough Bay, writing, “Don’t let my body lie here – get me back to the green hill by Murlough.” This heartfelt desire, expressed nine days before his execution, remains unfulfilled.

Historically, efforts to repatriate Casement’s remains have faced significant political hurdles. In 1965, the British government, under Harold Wilson, rejected appeals for reburial in Antrim due to fears of sectarian unrest. Instead, upon repatriation, Casement was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery during a state funeral attended by over 30,000 mourners, including then-President Eamon de Valera.

The RCCRA is now consulting on legal avenues to address these historic grievances. Speaking at a recent wreath-laying ceremony in Belfast, RCCRA chairperson Alan Daly stated, “The association is calling for Casement to be brought home.” This renewed push highlights the enduring legacy of Casement and the emotional connection many feel toward his final resting place.

Over the years, memorials have been erected in his honor at Murlough Bay, including a stone Celtic cross established by the McCarry family. However, these tributes have suffered vandalism and neglect, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.

As the centenary commemorations continue, the RCCRA’s commitment to honoring Casement’s legacy and fulfilling his last wish has never been more urgent. The outcome of this legal action could be a pivotal moment in Irish history, reconnecting a national figure with his homeland.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the legal proceedings advance. The call to bring Roger Casement home resonates deeply, reminding us of the complex history and the enduring quest for reconciliation in Ireland.