Today is National Day of Commemortion in Ireland and Clan O’Byrne of Leinster would like to pay tribute to all of those who have fought and given up their lives for Ireland and the Irish people.

Please spare a thought today for those who have paid the ultimate price throughout the ages, especially the many Byrnes who died so bravely so that we may have a life of dignity, equality and freedom.

Today, I remember my great, great, great, great uncle James Byrne who was executed with Robert Emmet in 1803 at the age of 18.

Now that we are in peace, may we never forget their bravery and their sacrafice.

Derek Byrne.