State Booklets issued for the Official Events to commemorate
The Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising
The 2016 State Centenary Programme Booklet
The 2016 State Centenary programme was launched on 29th July 2015 by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys at Collins Barracks, Cork City.
The County Centenary Programmes Booklet
This booklet outlines the 31 Local Authority Programmes for Ireland 2016. It contains an image of each County Programme.
1916-2016 State Centenary Programme Booklet
This booklet explains the Seven Strands of the Centenary Programme; State Ceremonial; Historical Reflection; An Teanga Bheo; Youth and Imagination; Cultural Expression; Community Participation and Global and Diaspora.
Óglaigh Na hÉireann 2016 Booklet
Defence Forces Booklet outlining their Programme of Events for the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
State Booklet-An Teanga Bheo
Reflecting on the central place of the Irish Language in the ideals of the revolutionary generation and celebrating the language through a Programme of Events.
The Flag Raising Ceremony Booklet
This event marked the start of the State Ceremonial Programme of 2016. It took place in Dublin Castle on Friday 1st January 2016 and was attended by President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh, Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. It comprised two key elements; the reading by the Defence Forces of the Roll of Honour of those volunteers who lost their lives during the 1916 Rising, followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony. This involved the raising of the three flags which were flown on O’Connell Street in Easter 1916; the Irish Citizen Army Flag which was flown from the Imperial Hotel on O’Connell Street; the Irish Republican Flag and the National Flag which were both flown from the GPO.
To view the RTE Coverage of the Flag Raising Ceremony at Dublin Castle watch Century Ireland’s video here
State Booklet-Guidelines for the use of the National Flag
State Booklet-Ireland 2016 Peace Proms
The Ireland 2016 Peace Proms took place on Friday 1st January 2016 in the Convention Centre, Dublin and kick-started the Official 2016 celebrations. The concert was hosted by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. It took place in partnership with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland and the specially formed 32 County Children’s Choir.
State Booklet-National Flag Post-Primary Presentation Ceremony
On Monday 7th March 2016, the National Flag Post-Primary Presentation Ceremony took place in Croke Park. Every school in the country was invited to attend. The Ceremony began with President Michael D. Higgins inspecting the Guard of Honour, 12th Infantry Battalion after which he gave a speech on the Irish Tricolour. A representative from each school in the stadium was then invited to come up on stage to receive a Tricolour and a Copy of the Irish Proclamation.
State Booklet-Women of Ireland 1916-2016
This event was held on Tuesday 8th March 2016 {International Women’s Day} at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham to celebrate the role of women in the Easter Rising. President Michael D. Higgins delivered a key-note address which was followed by a performance of the RTE Concert Orchestra.
State Booklet-Screening of 1916 The Irish Rebellion
A gala screening took place on Wednesday 16th March 2016 at the National Concert Hall, Dublin of “1916 The Irish Rebellion;” the University of Notre Dame documentary narrated by Liam Neeson. It was shown before an audience of almost 1,000 guests and included live performances by the RTE Concert Orchestra and other artists. President Michael D. Higgins attended and Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Claire Byrne.
Prior to the State Events held over the Easter Weekend, Sinn Féin organised the “1916 Lost Leaders March,” on Good Friday 25th March 2016 from Kilmainham Gaol to Arbour Hill Cemetery to commemorate the executed leaders of the Easter Rising. I was among the many thousands which followed the last route of their bodies to the Cemetery. The march included the Irish Volunteer Cavalry, re-enactors including the Cabra Historical Society, American Diaspora, 1916 Relatives and marching bands. Gerry Adams delivered a keynote speech.
Sinn Féin’s Lost Leaders March can be viewed on YouTube Channel here
Two posters produced by Sinn Féin for the event
Photographs I took on the day
State Booklet-Ceremony of Remembrance
This event was held on Saturday 26th March 2016 at the Garden of Remembrance for all those who died during the 1916 Easter Rising. President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton attended the ceremony. A plaque was unveiled and inscribed with a specially commissioned poem to commemorate the Centenary. There was a solemn wreath-laying ceremony followed by a minute’s silence, a Piper’s Lament and the raising of the National Flag to full mast.
RTE’S coverage of the Ceremony of Remembrance can be viewed here
I attended this event and these are two photographs taken on the day.
State Booklet-1916 Relatives Event
A State Event was held on Saturday 26th March 2016 at the RDS for relatives of those who took part in the events of 1916. President Michael D. Higgins spoke to some 4,000 people many of whom came from overseas. His speech was followed by the “Macalla 1916 Conference” performed by the Comhlatas National Folk Orchestra with music composed by Michael Rooney.
State Booklet-Glasnevin Wreath Laying Ceremonies
On Easter Sunday morning 27th March 2016, a three part wreath laying ceremony was held in Glasnevin Cemetery with Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys in attendance. The first wreath was laid at the Sigerson Monument for all those who served during Easter Week. The second was laid at the grave of Edward Hollywood who weaved the first Tricolour in 1848. The final wreath was laid at the grave of Peader Kearney who wrote the lyrics to the Soldier’s Song.
State Booklet-Wreath Laying Ceremony Kilmainham Gaol
On Easter Sunday morning 27th March 2016, President Michael D. Higgins laid a wreath in remembrance in the Stone Breaker’s Yard, Kilmainham Gaol where the 1916 leaders were executed. It was followed by a minute’s silence, the sounding of the Last Post and the raising of the Tricolour.
State Booklet-Easter Sunday Commemoration and Parade
This was the principal State Commemoration, a Ceremony and Parade to mark the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Events began with the reading of the 1916 Proclamation under the GPO portico by Captain Peter Kelleher. President Michael D. Higgins then laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland which was followed by a minute’s silence for all those who died. The National Flag on top of the GPO was raised to full mast and the ceremony concluded with the playing of the National Anthem as six Aer Corps Aircraft flew above the capital bellowing smoke in the colours of the Tricolour. Almost 250,000 people turned out to watch the military parade of the Defence Forces which commenced in St. Stephen’s Green. Some 3,722 personnel marched in front of military vehicles along with emergency services personnel and army veterans, many of whom served on United Nations peacekeeping missions.
RTE’S live coverage of the Easter Sunday Commemoration and Parade can be viewed here
State Booklet-1916 Commemorative Ceremony
Irish Independent-Easter Weekend Centenary Programme Map
Easter Sunday Parade Map
Transport for Ireland Booklet
I attended this event and these are some photographs I took on the day.
State Booklet-State Reception Dublin Castle
A formal reception for guests invited to the Easter Sunday Parade at the invitation of Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Dublin Castle Complex after the parade had finished.
State Booklet-Dublin Wreath Laying Commemorative Event
In Dublin on Easter Monday, 28th March 2016 wreaths were laid at 7 synchronised events at 1.15pm, the exact time the first shots were fired in the Easter Rising at various buildings and landmarks that became focal points. Senior Government Ministers attended the wreath laying memorial events.
Minister for Transport Pascal Donohoe laid a wreath at Boland’s Mills.
Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly laid a wreath at Jacob’s Biscuit Factory.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan laid a wreath at Dublin Castle.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald laid a wreath at The Four Courts.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar laid a wreath at the Royal College of Surgeons.
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton laid a wreath at St. James Hospital.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys laid a wreath at Moore Street. I attended this event where the Minister was heckled throughout by a group of “Save Moore Street” demonstrators shouting; “Shame on you” and “Humphreys Out.”
On Easter Monday, 28th March 2016, “RTE Reflecting the Rising” took place in Dublin with hundreds of talks, walking tours, music, dance, street-art and street-theatre.
RTE Booklet-Reflecting the Rising
Easter Monday Map
State Booklets-Regional Wreath Laying Commemorative Events
Monday 28th March 2016
Wexford
Enniscorthy was one of just four places outside of Dublin to rise in 1916 and the last town in Ireland to surrender. Almost 500 men and women walked or cycled into Enniscorthy following in the footsteps of the hundreds of volunteers who travelled to Enniscorthy back in 1916 from all over County Wexford to join their comrades in support of the Enniscorthy Rising. A 1916 Parade followed from St. Aidan’s Cathedral to the Seamus Rafter Statue in Abbey Square pausing at the Athenaeum for the raising of the famous Enniscorthy 1916 Battalion Flag. There were 800 participants including hundreds of Pikemen and relatives of the 1916 Volunteers supported by the Defence Forces. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin laid a wreath at the Rafter Monument which was followed by the raising of the Patriot’s Flag measuring 6m x 3m on a new 16m high illuminated flagpole. The Ceremony concluded with an Aer Corps flypast.
Cork
In Cork, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney laid a wreath at the National Monument on Grand Parade which was built in 1906 to commemorate uprisings against the British in 1798 and 1867. The State Ceremonial Event was preceded by the unveiling of commemorate plaques at County Hall and St. Francis Hall to mark the location of activities during the 1916 Rising in Cork.
Galway
In Athenry County Galway, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan laid a wreath at the Athenry Community Park. The State Ceremonial Event was preceded by a cultural demonstration of music, dance and poetry followed by a public parade which involved the County GAA Clubs.
Meath
In Ashbourne County Meath, Children’s Minister James Reilly laid a wreath at Rath Cross. Earlier in the morning a re-enactment of the Battle of Ashbourne took place.
The RTE News Reports for these ceremonies can be viewed at Century Ireland here
State Booklet-James Connolly and the Irish Citizen Army
A State Ceremony took place on Tuesday 29th March 2016 at Liberty Hall to commemorate the role of James Connolly and the Irish Citizen Army in the events of 1916. A wreath was laid at the statue of James Connolly at Liberty Hall by President Michael D. Higgins. The President also unveiled a plaque dedicated to the members of the Irish Citizen Army who died during the Easter Rising.
State Booklet-Interfaith Service
This service held on Sunday 3rd April 2016 at Glasnevin Cemetery involved participation by all the main faith organisations where all those who died during the 1916 Rising; Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army, British Army, Dublin Metropolitan Police, Royal Irish Constabulary as well as civilians including the children were remembered. Taoiseach Enda Kenny laid a wreath and two local children unveiled the Remembrance Wall on which the names of all those who died are inscribed.
RTE’s coverage of the Interfaith Service and the unveiling of the Remembrance Wall can be viewed at Century Ireland here
State Booklet-Banna Strand, County Kerry
The Banna Strand Ceremony was the biggest State Commemoration outside Dublin. On Thursday 21st April 2016, thousands of people attended where Casement accompanied by Robert Monteith of the Irish Volunteers and Daniel Bailey came ashore in a dingy from a German U-boat as part of a plan to land guns and ammunition for the 1916 Rising. President Michael D. Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland in front of the anchor from the German Ship “The Aud.” British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott and his German equivalent Matthias Hopfner were both present as were relatives of Casement and Monteith. The wreath laying ceremony took place with full military honours. The “Le Aoife” was anchored out in the bay and there was a military flypast. Casement’s grandniece Lesley McNaughton laid a wreath in his honour at the monument near Banna before the State Ceremony took place.
RTE’s coverage of the State Event at Banna Strand can be viewed at Century Ireland here
State Booklet-State Commemoration Ceremonies Arbour Hill
The Arbour Hill 1916 Commemoration Mass and Ceremony took place on the Centenary anniversary date of the 1916 Easter Rising, Sunday 24th April 2016 at 10.00am in the Church of the Most Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill. Following the Mass a procession to the adjoining graveside of fourteen leaders of the Easter Rising was led by President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney. Interfaith prayers were said at the graveside and the President laid a wreath.
RTE’S coverage of the Commemoration Ceremonies at Arbour Hill can be viewed at Century Ireland here
Reclaim 16-Redefine the Republic
Also on Sunday 24th April 2016 in Dublin, the Reclaim 16 Parade, Pageant and Festival organised by “Reclaim the Vision of 1916” a broad-based citizen’s initiative took place. The parade which commenced in Merrion Square and made its way to the GPO was attended by thousands of people including flute and pipe bands, community groups, trade unions, international organisations and campaigners. A large group of women were dressed in historical costumes. At the GPO, Actor Adrian Dunbar hosted a festival of music, dance and readings.
Readings were given by actors Stephen Rea and Fionnuala Flanagan and by Panti Bliss and Stephen Murphy. Musician Donal Lunny played a piece he composed solely for the occasion. Singers included Don Baker, Frances Black, Damien Dempsey and Sibéal Ní Chasaide. They were joined by uillean-piper Tiarnain Ó’Duinchinn, harpists Laoise Kelly and Michelle Mulcahy and flautist Emer Mayoak. Champion dancer Sibéal Davitt also attended. The festival was closed by a crowd of thousands who joined together to sing “A Nation Once Again,” in front of the GPO.
An information and events booklet, posters
And a badge from Reclaim 16
State Booklet-Opening of the new Military Archives Facility
On Tuesday 26th April 2016, President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the newly constructed building at the Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks. Minister of Defence Simon Coveney and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys were also present.
State Booklet-Commemorating the Executions
Official State Ceremonies to commemorate the executions of the Fourteen Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising took place between 3rd and 12th May 2016 at the Stonebreaker’s Yard, Kilmainham Gaol. There were individual ceremonies to commemorate each execution attended by a Minister of the Government and relatives of each of the Leaders. There were readings of the trial documents relating to the charge against the accused man, the plea that was entered, the verdict of the court and the witness statements provided. A member of the Capuchin Friars also attended and delivered a reading from the memoirs of the Friar who attended each of the men prior to their execution. There was also a wreath-laying service with a military colour party and a Piper’s Lament.
3rd May: Pádraig Pearse, Thomas Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh
4th May: Joseph Plunkett, Edward Daly, Michael O’Hanrahan, William Pearse
5th May: John MacBride
8th May: Con Colbert, Eamonn Ceannt, Michael Mallin, Seán Heuston
12th May: Seán Mac Diarmada, James Connolly
RTE’S coverage of the executions of Pearse, Clarke and MacDonagh can be viewed at Century Ireland here
RTE’S coverage of the executions of Plunkett, Daly, O’Hanrahan and William Pearse can be viewed at Century Ireland here
State Booklet-Commemoration of the Execution of Thomas Kent
The Official State Ceremony to commemorate the Execution of Thomas Kent took place on Monday 9th May 2016 in the yard of the Old Prison of Cork City. The Commemoration was attended by Minister of State Paul Kehoe and Thomas Kent’s relatives. The ceremony included the reading of the trial documents relating to the charge against Kent, the plea that was entered, the verdict of the court and the sentence handed down. There was a wreath-laying service with a military colour party and a Piper’s Lament.
State Booklet-Thomas Kent Commemoration and Collin’s Barracks Open Day
This Open Day at Collin’s Barracks on Monday 9th May 2016 featured presentations and exhibitions and the premier of the “Thomas Kent Lament” commissioned by the Castlelyons Pipe Band and composed by Barry Murphy of Carrigaline. The execution site in the Old Cork Prison was open for public viewing; historical talks took place and a recital by the Defence Forces Pipe Band.
State Booklet-Children Seen and Heard
Commemoration held at Arás an Uachtarán on Wednesday 15th June 2016 in the presence of relations of some of the 40 children who lost their lives caught up in the crossfire of the 1916 Easter Rising. Joe Duffy of RTE was Master of Ceremonies and President Michael D. Higgins gave an address. This was followed by a Ceremonial Tree Planting and the Burial of a Time Capsule.
State Booklet-The Pearse Museum
A Commemoration was held on Thursday 7th July 2016 at the Pearse Museum, St. Enda’s Park Dublin where Pádraig Pearse lived and ran his Irish-Speaking School between the years 1910-1916. President Michael D. Higgins attended. To mark the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the museum has a new permanent exhibition on the life of Pádraig Pearse.
State Booklet-The National Day of Commemoration
A state booklet for the National Day of Commemoration held on Sunday 10th July 2016 at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham to honour all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.
State Booklet-Commemoration of the Execution of Roger Casement
An Official State Ceremony to commemorate the Centenary of the Execution of Roger Casement took place on Wednesday 3rd August 2016 in Glasnevin Cemetery. He was hanged at Pentonville Prison on 3rd August 1916. His remains were returned to Ireland in 1965 for reburial in Glasnevin Cemetery. The event was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan and Niall Casement a relative of the Easter Rising Leader. The Ceremony included a short narrative on Casement as well as a reading from the original trial documents. After a wreath-laying ceremony and a Piper’s Lament, the Last Post was sounded and the National Flag was raised to full mast.
RTE’S coverage of the Commemoration of the Execution of Roger Casement can be viewed at Century Ireland here
State Booklet-Casement Humanitarian Day
The Roger Casement Humanitarian Day was held on Wednesday 3rd August 2016 at the Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel Airfield in West Dublin. The event was attended by Minister for the Diaspora Joe McHugh. A live enactment of Roger Casement’s “Speech from the Dock” took place and RTE presenter Seán O’Rourke moderated a panel discussion. A History of the Air Corps was presented by Michael J. Whelan.
State Booklet-The Promise and Challenge of National Sovereignty
A National Conference took place at NUI Galway with speakers from Ireland and around the world discussing the legacy of 1916 and what it means to be a Republic in a globalised world.
State Booklet-The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal
The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded to members of the Defence Forces who served in 2016 to celebrate and commemorate the Centenary Year.
A further selection of my Irish Collectables and Memorabilia which is a work in progress can be viewed here
Remembering The 1916 Rising 