Easter 2016 Irish Commemorations

The Easter 2016 commemorations in Ireland, to remember the centenary of the Rising against British rule that set in motion various events that led later to Irish independence, exceeded all expectations, with very positive reaction and big crowds at all events. The weekend started on Saturday with a ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square to remember those that gave their lives for Irish freedom and all that died in the process. About 4,000 attended a special State reception that afternoon for relatives of those involved in 1916. Easter Sunday started with a wreath-layingceremony in Glasnevin cemetery in memory of those that lost their lives in 1916, as well as Edward Hollywood and Thomas F. Meagher who brought the Tricolour to Ireland, and Peadar Kearney who wrote the words for the Irish national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann

There was another wreath-laying ceremony in the Stonebreakers’ Yard in Kilmainham Gaol where 14 of the 1916 leaders were executed. The highlight of the day was the official commemoration and parade led by the Irish Defence Forces. The ceremony included a reading of the Proclamation under the General Post Office portico on O’Connell Street, where it was first read on Easter Monday 1916 by Pádraig Pearse. This was followed by the President of Ireland, Michael D.Higgins, laying a wreath on behalf of the people of the country, followed by a minute’s silence, the raising of the national flag, the playing of the National Anthem and an air corps fly-past.

There was an open-air concert at Collins barracks on Sunday afternoon. On Easter Monday, the biggest public history and cultural event ever staged in the country took place in Dublin, with more than 500 free events, incorporating talks, exhibitions, tours and debates, with several events for children. With the streets around the centre of Dublin free of traffic, an estimated 600,000 attended, many dressed in 1916 garb. At 1.15 that day, the time the 1916 Rising started a century before, there was a series of synchronised wreath-laying ceremonies at various venues associated with the Rising in Dublin, as well as in Ashbourne, County Meath, Athenry, County Galway, Cork City and Enniscorthy, County Wexford, places where some action also took place at Easter 1916. The ceremonies on Monday evening concluded with a superb Centenary Concert at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin. All the big events were carried live on RTÉ television and radio and attracted big audiences. They were also well covered in the print media.

The week concluded on Sunday April 3, 2016 with a Remembrance Wall in memory of 488 that died as a result of the Easter 1916 Rising was unveiled at Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin. Names are displayed alphabetically and chronologically by date of death, with no distinction between different categories. While everyone was not happy with the idea, it was in keeping with the spirit of reconciliation and inclusivity.

Everything during the week was dignified, respectful and inclusive, with some descendants of British soldiers attending, including a relative of General John Maxwell who ordered the executions of the leaders. The commemorations were pluralist, remembering the loss of life on all sides. It is hoped that the year will continue to foster tolerance, justice, peace and reconciliation. Everyone involved in the organisation and conduct of all the ceremonies deserve our praise, especially President Michael D. Higgins, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Government, the Irish Defence Forces, the various, artists, performers, lecturers, and anyone that helped in any way to commemorate Easter 1916. Various other events are planned all around the country and for several countries.

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