Decade of Centenaries: Second Phase Guidance 2018-2023
This booklet by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations was launched on Tuesday 8th January 2019 by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan. It outlines the Government’s plan to mark the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries 2019-2023.
Supplement from the Irish Times-Published 21st January 2019
The First Dáil
On Tuesday 11th December 2018, the Royal Irish Academy held a conference in Academy House, Dawson Street, Dublin to mark the Centenary of the establishment of Dáil Éireann. The conference in partnership with the Houses of the Oireachtas was held during the week of the Centenary of the 1918 General Election and commenced the Irish Government’s “Programme of Events” to commemorate the Centenary of Dáil Éireann which first sat on 21st January 1919.
Conference Programme of Events
Oireachtas First Dáil Commemorative Pack
This commemorative pack from the Houses of the Oireachtas includes a bilingual booklet in English and Irish entitled “1919-2019 100 Years of Dáil Éireann,” three tin badges, a pen and a beanie.
This Dáil Éireann 100 1919-2019 commemorative pin was also issued by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
A Brief Guide To How Your Parliament Works
This bilingual booklet in English and Irish explains how the Houses of the Oireachtas works, including Dáil Éireann, Seanad Éireann and the Committees.
Central Bank €2 Dáil Éireann Coin
On 19th January 2019, the Central Bank issued into circulation a special €2 coin to mark the Centenary of the First Dáil. The coin was launched on 16th January 2019 in the Mansion House by the Governor of the Central Bank Philip Lane. Designed by Emmet Mullins, the coin features the words “An Chéad Dáil” {The First Dáil} and is surrounded by images of the first TD’s who attended the meeting.
€2 Coin for the Centenary of Dáil Éireann with Colour Motive
Central Bank 2019 Annual Mint Set
100 Years of Dáil Éireann
On Wednesday 19th June 2019, the Central Bank issued this 2019 Annual Mint Set to commemorate the Centenary of the first sitting of Dáil Éireann. The set includes all the Irish coin denominations from 1c to €2, dated 2019 and includes the €2 commemorate coin to mark the Centenary of the First Dáil. The set has an issue of 8,000.
An Post-Set of Two Stamps
The first stamp features a painting of the First Dáil by Thomas Ryan. The second stamp has a representation of that first meeting. They were designed by Workgroup.
An Post-First Day Cover and Insert
An Post-The Collector Issue No.1/2019
Setanta First Day Cover and Insert-No.6
Republican Sinn Féin Badge
Sinn Féin Presentation Pack
On Saturday 12th January 2019, Sinn Féin held a commemoration in the Mansion House for the Centenary of the First Dáil. Addresses were made by TD Caoimhghín O’Caoláin and Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald. The pack includes a 15-page booklet, a facsimile of the “Nationality” first published on Saturday 4th January 1919 and five bilingual posters in English and Irish.
Dublin City Council First Dáil Commemoration
Dublin City Council held a series of open days, Friday 18th to Sunday 20th January 2019 in the Mansion House to mark the Centenary of the first meeting of Dáil Eireann on 21st January 1919. The following souvenir pin,keyring and booklets were available to mark the occasion.
National Museum of Ireland
A two-sided leaflet and a 6-page booklet for the exhibition “Marching on the Road to Freedom-Reflections on a Centenary” which commemorates the Centenary of the First Dáil.
Donegal the 1918 General Election and the First Dáil
This bilingual booklet in English and Irish was written and produced by Donegal County Archives and Donegal County Museum, Culture Division, Donegal County Council and Dr. Arlene Crampsie. It includes biographies of the three elected Donegal Sinn Féin candidates to the First Dáil; Joseph O’Doherty, Joseph Aloysius Sweeney and Peter Joseph Ward.
Wexford County Council
An invitation and a two-sided A4 poster for a seminar to mark the 100th Anniversary of the First Dáil held in Wexford Library on Saturday 26th January 2019.
Sworn to be Free: A Nation Reborn
A 4-page leaflet produced by Kildare County Council for a commemorative event entitled “Sworn to be Free: A Nation Reborn” which was held on Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at the Osprey Hotel in Naas to mark the Centenary of the First Dáil.
Fianna Fáil:Éamon Ó’Cuív Political Postcard
126 Years of Service in Dáil Éireann
Peadar O’Donnell Socialist Republican Forum
On Saturday 26th January 2019, the Peadar O’Donnell Socialist Republican Forum held an event in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The following material was available on the day; mini-posters, a programme of events {Running Order}, a 4-page leaflet and a 7-page booklet entitled “A Democratic Programme for a New Century.”
Socialist Voice-Issue 168/February 2019
This issue of the Socialist Voice includes a report on the Peadar O’Donnell Socialist Republican Forum by Eugene McCartan.
An Spréach Magazine-Issue No.3 January/March 2019
This Independent non-profit Socialist Republican magazine contains an article by Daithí Ó’Riain entitled “100 Years: An Chéad Dáil Éireann.”
An Phoblacht-Issue No.1/2019
Centenary of the First Dáil Éireann 1919-2019
Ireland’s Own-Issue No.5691/18th January 2019
Ireland in 1919
Soloheadbeg Ambush
On Monday 21st January 1919, the first shots of the War of Independence were fired when two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary were shot dead in an ambush at Soloheadbeg County Tipperary as they escorted gelignite to a local quarry. It happened the same day as the First Dáil met in the Mansion House and was carried out by Irish Volunteers from the 3rd Tipperary Brigade. Those involved and who acted on their own initiative were; Seán Treacy, Dan Breen, Seán Hogan, Seamus Robinson, Tadhg Crowe, Patrick McCormick, Patrick O’Dwyer and Michael Ryan.
Tipperary County Council
A two-sided poster for a conference entitled “Soloheadbeg Ambush-Impact and Legacy” held on Saturday 19th January 2019 at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel,Limerick Junction.
Soloheadbeg Ambush Centenary Booklet 1919-2019
This 46-page booklet was compiled by Michael Ryan on behalf of the Soloheadbeg Parish Centenary Committee for the commemorative event held on Sunday 20th January 2019. It includes the Order of Ceremonies for the day, an account of the Ambush and the participants and lists the surviving children of the Soloheadbeg participants. This commemorative centenary event attended by over 1,000 people can be viewed on RTE News here
The Military Service {1916-1923} Pensions Collection
The Brigade Activity Reports
The Brigade Activity Reports were launched on Saturday 23rd February 2019 by Minister of Defence Paul Kehoe at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. They were compiled from 1935 onwards by Brigade Committees around the country comprised of persons who had formerly held rank in the IRA structure to verify applications for pensions. The reports include descriptions and dates of operations undertaken, where they occurred and identify the roles played by the various participants. The release of the files was accompanied by this 171-page publication.
Irish Times Supplement:The Revolution Files
This 31-page supplement on the Military Service {1916-1923} Pensions Collection was published by the Irish Times on Tuesday 15th October 2019 and supported by the Department of Defence.
The Limerick Soviet
The Limerick Soviet was organised by the Limerick Trades and Labour Council as a protest against the British Army’s declaration of Limerick as a Special Military Area. This meant that all civilians had to apply for and carry a special military permit to travel. The declaration followed the IRA’s rescue attempt of Robert Byrne on 6th April 1919 at the Union Workhouse Hospital. In the attempt Constable Martin O’Brien was fatally wounded and another policeman was seriously injured. Byrne was also wounded and died later. His funeral on 10th April 1919 was the largest seen in Limerick. Thousands lined the route to Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery and all business premises were closed as a mark of respect. The Limerick Soviet existed from the 15th to 27th April 1919 and effectively ran the city, printed its own money and organised the supply of food.
On Friday 22nd March 2019, the Limerick Soviet 100 Festival was launched by Mayor James Collins in the Commercial Bar, Catherine Street, Limerick. The festival ran from Friday 5th April 2019 to Sunday 28th April 2019 and featured plays, conferences, walking-tours, re-enactments, exhibitions and podcasts.
Limited edition Limerick Soviet 1919-2019 Centenary Badge
SIPTU Limerick Soviet 100 Centenary Badge
Limerick Soviet 100 Centenary Tin Badges
The Limerick Soviet Shilling Project
These limited edition notes were issued as a temporary system of exchange for the Centenary of the Limerick Soviet. They are based on the currency that was issued in 1919 by the workers of Limerick in the form of the Soviet Shilling. The notes were available to exchange at the Celtic Bookshop, The Limerick Urban Co-op, Lucky Lane and the Commercial Bar.
10 Shilling note designed by artist Jim Furlong
10 Shilling note designed by artist James Kearney
5 Shilling note designed by artist Tom Prendergast
5 Shilling note designed by artist Kerry Guinan
The artist performed an artistic intervention into the project by deliberately scorching over a candle the notes assigned to her and quickly quenched them in water signifying a nod to revolution and a disruption to the power that money can hold over us.
1 Shilling note designed by artist Olivia Furey
1 Shilling note designed by artist Ciaran Nash
Limerick Soviet Shilling Project Leaflet
Limerick Soviet 100 Festival Programme of Events
Limerick Festivals Guide 2019
Leaflet for the Bottom Dog Podcast
Limerick Soviet 100 Mini Posters
The Bottom Dog Limerick Soviet Centenary Edition
The Story of the Limerick Soviet
The sixth edition of the pamphlet by D. R. O’Connor Lysaght. It was originally published in 1979.
Robert Byrne and the Limerick Soviet
This book by Séighin Ó Ceallaigh tells the story of Hunger Striker Robert Byrne and the events that unfolded following his death. My copy is signed by the author.
Let Us Rise 1919-2019
This anthology commemorating the Limerick Soviet was produced by the Limerick Writers Centre and is edited by Dominic Taylor and John Liddy.
Limerick Soviet 1919-The Revolt of the Bottom Dog
This publication by Dominic Haugh addresses the events of the Soviet and the role of the national trade union leaders, Sinn Féin and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church’s response to the Soviet. The foreword is provided by former Socialist TD and MEP Joe Higgins.
Forgotten Revolution-The Limerick Soviet 1919
This centenary edition of Liam Cahill’s book is an updated and enlarged edition of his original publication from 1990. My copy is signed by the author.
Fórsa Trade Union Magazine-Issue No.6 Spring/Summer 2019
Includes an article on the Centenary of the Limerick Soviet by Mike McNamara.
Liberty Newspaper-Vol 18/No.3 June 2019
Includes an article by Michael Halpenny on Liam Cahill’s book “The Limerick Soviet 1919” {The Centenary Edition}.
The Spirit of Mother Jones Annual Festival
A programme of events for “The Spirit of Mother Jones Annual Festival” held between 31st July and 3rd August 2019 in Shandon, Cork. Included was a screening of the documentary “100th Anniversary of the Limerick Soviet.”
James Connolly Visitor Centre
Áras Uí Chonghaile Falls Road, Belfast
On Friday 19th April 2019, President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the James Connolly Visitor Centre on the Falls Road, Belfast. Located close to where James Connolly lived on the Falls Road, the 3-storey centre features an interactive exhibition, study area, a library of James Connolly’s writings, cafe and a conference centre.
Special boxed James Connolly badge
James Connolly Visitor Centre Summer Programme 2019
Andersonstown News/Saturday 4th May 2019
A featured article on the James Connolly Visitor Centre by Ciara Quinn.
Centenary of the Rescue of Seán Hogan
On 13th May 1919, a captured Seán Hogan was being transported by train from Thurles to Cork accompanied by four armed Royal Irish Constabulary officers. When the train stopped at Knocklong Station in County Limerick, his comrades Dan Breen, Seán Treacy and Seamus Robinson and five men from the IRA East Limerick Brigade effected a rescue attempt. Led by Seán Treacy, the men boarded the train and a 14 minute gun battle ensued on the train. Both Treacy and Breen were wounded and two policemen were shot dead but Seán Hogan was rescued. He was taken to Knocklong Village where his handcuffs were removed at the local butcher’s shop. Seán Hogan was one of the most wanted men in Ireland due to his role in the Soloheadbeg Ambush and would certainly have been executed.
Between the 12th May 2019 and 19th May 2019, Knocklong History Group and County Limerick Youth Theatre with the support of the Knocklong Development Association hosted a series of events to commemorate the Centenary of the Rescue of Seán Hogan.
Knocklong Centenary Programme of Events
Knocklong Centenary Double-Sided Leaflet
The Rescue of Seán Hogan-At the Station of Knocklong 1919-2019
This fully illustrated 130-page book was produced by members of the Knocklong History Group and the Knocklong-Glenbrohane Journal Committee. The book contains unpublished material, photographs and memorabilia and includes profiles of the people involved in the rescue at Knocklong and a record of the people who helped to protect the rescuers enabling them to avoid arrest.
Irish Military Seminar 2019
A 13-page programme of events produced by Kildare County Council for the 2019 Irish Military Seminar held between the 6th and 15th June 2019 at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.
Kildare County Council War of Independence Poster
An Cosantóir-The Defence Forces Magazine
Special War of Independence 1919-2019 Issue
Poster that accompanied the Cosantóir Special Issue
History Ireland-The Irish Revolution 1919-1921
A Global History
This is the third in the series of History Ireland’s stand-alone supplements tracking the ongoing Decade of Centenaries.
A Decade of Change:Donegal and Ireland 1912-1923
This Document Study Pack produced by Donegal County Archives includes a 44-page booklet and eighteen facsimile documents taken mainly from the collections of the Donegal County Archives Service. I have inserted below images of two of the facsimile documents: A 1914 United Irish League Membership Certificate and a photograph of the First Dáil.
Ireland’s Own-Centenary Souvenir Edition
The War of Independence 1919-2019
Republic to Republic: Ireland’s International Sovereignty 1919-1949
A 72-page catalogue from the UCD Archives for the on-line exhibition “Republic to Republic: Ireland’s International Sovereignty 1919-1949” featuring collections of private papers and institutional archives to document the foundation and development of modern Ireland. The collections concern individuals, former revolutionaries, politicians and diplomats who were key figures in the shaping of independent Ireland’s foreign policy.
Cork Rebel Way
This 63-page free magazine provides background information on each site along the Cork Rebel Way trail which highlights locations of historical significance in West Cork from the 1916 Rising through to the Civil War. Also a booklet entitled “Sam Maguire Passport” which tells his story.
Ballyfermot Tribute Garden
A 24-page programme of events and CD for the official unveiling of the Ballyfermot Tribute Garden by the Lord Mayor of Dublin on Saturday 28th September 2019. The garden is dedicated to all those from Ballyfermot and surrounding areas who have served and are still serving in the Irish Defence Forces and Emergency Services.
Dublin Festival of History 2019
A programme of events for the Dublin Festival of History held from 1st to 20th October 2019. An annual free festival from Dublin City Council and organised by the Dublin City Libraries. This years festival has 150 walks, tours, exhibitions and talks across the City.
Under Which Flag
A programme produced for the staging of James Connolly’s play “Under Which Flag” held in the Duncairn Arts Centre, Antrim Road, Belfast on 7th September 2019.
Remembering The 1916 Rising 