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Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has highlighted the key role of local authorities in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The Minister was speaking following the launch of the book, Centenary, which she commissioned to document the commemorative events of 2016 at home and abroad. She also thanked communities around the country for their extensive engagement with the programme throughout the year.

Minister Humphreys said: "The most memorable part of the year for me was the community spirit I saw around the country. Our local authorities played a pivotal role in fostering that community spirit through their commitment and dedication.
“As a Government, we organised a national programme, but that was only a small part of what happened. The local authorities worked with local community groups, historical societies, artists, writers and composers to mark the Centenary, and the results were as spectacular as they were diverse.
“I want to once again sincerely thank local authorities for their huge support and collaboration throughout the year. I would also like to thank our many communities around the country, whose extensive engagement with the commemorative programme made it the success that it was.”
The book, Centenary, documents how 1916 was remembered last year at home and abroad, focussing on significant commemorative events presented in chronological order. Local authorities were central to the organisation and facilitation of many of the 3,500 events that took place throughout the year. The book was edited by Ronan McGreevy, Irish Times journalist and author.

Ronan McGreevy said: “Last year’s commemorations demonstrated that Irish people are proud of this country’s status as an independent nation and proud of the men and women who brought it about. All of us involved in this book were conscious of the honour and the responsibility to produce something worthy of a wonderful year.

“We were fortunate in having at our disposal the work of so many talented photographers and artists. They told the story. The words supply the context. Artists and local communities were trusted to deliver the appropriate response and the results are evident in this book. Every county played its part and every county has been included in the book.”


Note to Editors:

Centenary is available to purchase for €25 in bookshops nationwide.

County-specific information is available on request.