merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Saturday) said that this weekend’s State commemorations will be rooted in respect and inclusivity. Minister Humphreys was speaking ahead of a special ceremony in the Garden of Remembrance, being led by the President and the Taoiseach, which is the first of a series of State commemorative events being held this weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising.

State events being held this weekend include:
• State Ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance on Easter Saturday
• Special State event for relatives of participants in the Rising in the RDS on Easter Saturday
• State Ceremony in three parts at Glasnevin Cemetery on Sunday morning including wreath-layings at the Sigerson Monument, the grave of Edward Hollywood and the grave of Peadar Kearney.
• State Ceremonial event at the Stone Breakers Yard in Kilmainham on the site where the 1916 leaders were executed in Kilmainham Gaol.
• The Easter Centenary Parade in Dublin city centre on Sunday afternoon
• RTÉ Reflecting the Rising in partnership with Ireland 2016 on Monday at multiple locations around Dublin.
• Synchronised wreath-laying ceremonies on Easter Monday at seven 1916 garrison locations around Dublin and in Athenry, Cork, Enniscorthy and Ashbourne.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“The 1916 Rising was the seminal moment in our history, which set Ireland on the path to independence. This weekend, we will respectfully remember all of those who lost their lives; those who took brave and fateful decisions and those who simply got caught up in the conflict.

“The weekend’s events are rooted in respectful commemorations. The parade on Sunday, the largest ever in the history of the State, will be a magnificent spectacle with a particular focus on our Defence Forces and their proud peace keeping tradition. Through ceremonies at the Garden of Remembrance, Kilmainham Gaol and at various garrisons, we will remember those who gave up their lives in the pursuit of Irish freedom.

“When considering what Ireland has achieved over the last 100 years, we have a lot to be proud of. Ireland is one of the oldest continuous democracies in the world; and for a nation of our size we continue to make a considerable and positive impact internationally.

“On Monday, when the formal commemorations are over, we will celebrate our wonderful Irish culture which is envied the world over. Through Reflecting the Rising and Centenary, Ireland 2016 has teamed up with RTE to provide a creative showcase to the country and the globe.

“The 2016 commemorations have been thoroughly embraced by the people of Ireland. While this weekend’s events are the focal point of the State’s programme, there are so many more events planned for throughout the year, to remember, reflect and re-imagine, including the 2,500 community events being led by local communities across the country.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Full event details of all events and FAQ’s are available at www.ireland.ie

The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, led by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, T.D., is a year-long programme of activity to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising, to reflect on our achievements over the last 100 years and to look towards Ireland’s future. Full details of the programme are available at www.ireland.ie. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ireland2016 #ireland2016