On Wednesday 3rd August, Ireland 2016, Irish Aid and the Defence Forces will mark Roger Casement’s contribution to international human rights by hosting a special open day at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, from 11am to 5pm.
This special event, which takes place on the anniversary of Casement’s execution in Pentonville Prison, offers a unique opportunity for the public to have access to the air force base, where Casement’s body was flown back to Ireland in 1965. Normally closed to the public, the area will be transformed for the occasion with market stalls, picnic areas, play areas for children and a whole host of activities for young and old to enjoy. Military vehicles, vintage aircraft and rare memorabilia will be on display throughout the day, as well as special military capability displays by members of the Air Corps and Defence Forces.
A specially curated programme of exhibitions and talks on Casement, with a special focus on his legacy as an international humanitarian, will take place throughout the day. Guest speakers from some of Ireland’s most respected development agencies will participate in a panel discussion, hosted by broadcaster Sean O’Rourke, on the issues and challenges facing those working in international human rights today.
Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid, Joe McHugh T.D., who will attend today’s event said:
“Many events have already taken place to commemorate Roger Casement, both in Ireland and across the globe facilitated by our Embassy network. The interest displayed in remembering Casement’s life and legacy is testament to the impact he had in fighting for the human rights of those forgotten and marginalised by the powers that be. Today we celebrate his legacy as an international humanitarian.
Casement’s desire to address inequality in the world has been shared by generations of Irish people. The Government’s Irish Aid programme has its roots in Ireland’s missionary tradition and for many decades Irish Aid has provided help to the most vulnerable in the world. Ireland also has a strong record in UN peacekeeping, and we are known for promoting human rights.
As we remember Casement’s legacy today, I want to also pay tribute to members of the Irish diaspora who are making real contributions to overseas development and to members of the Defence Forces currently serving overseas on UN peacekeeping missions.”
The ‘Casement: A Revolutionary Journey’ exhibition will be on view, which features unique artefacts from Casement’s missions abroad and audiences will be brought back in time to hear a live performance of extracts from his famous speech from the dock.
The following agencies and organisations will have information stands at the event: Irish Aid, Tearfund Ireland, Kimmage Development Studies, Habitat for Humanity Ireland, Irish Red Cross, World Vision Ireland, UNICEF Ireland, Trócaire, Gorta Self-Help Africa, Plan International, A Partnership with Africa, Oxfam Ireland, Comhlámh.
Tickets for this special event were snapped up as soon as they were made available, with over 5,000 registered to attend on the day. Unfortunately, due to limited capacity on the site, all available tickets have been allocated.
Notes to Editors:
The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, led by Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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 Ireland 2016 programme is available at www.ireland.ie @ireland #ireland2016
The schedule for the day includes:
11.00: Opening welcome by Brigadier General Paul Fry (General Officer Commanding
Air Corps)
12.00: Talk on Casement: A Revolutionary Journey by curator Helen O’Carroll
12.30: Live re-enactment of Roger Casement’s Speech from the Dock, August 1916
14.00: Welcome and introduction by Minister of State for Diaspora and Overseas Joe McHugh T.D.
14.15: Panel discussion moderated by Sean O’Rourke, with guests Dr. Margaret
O’Callaghan (Queen’s University, Belfast), Dr. Kevin O’Sullivan (NUI Galway), Dr.
Michael Kennedy (Royal Irish Academy), Ms Suzanne Keantinge (Director,
Dóchas) and Mr. Declan Power (author and security analyst)
15.15: Live re-enactment of Roger Casement’s Speech from the Dock, August 1916
16.00: The Air Corps: A talk and presentation by expert air force historian
17.00: Event closes
Market stalls, children’s games, exhibitions, displays, vintage aircraft exhibition and information stands hosted by Irish Aid and a range of Irish NGOs will be on site from 11am to 5pm.
Ticket holders attending this event should arrive via the main gate of Casement Aerodrome along the Baldonnel Road. Gates will open at 1100hrs. Car parking is available on site. For those wishing to use public transport, Dublin Bus number 68 travels between Burgh Quay and the Newcastle/Greenogue Business Park. The Cheeverstown Park and Ride facility on the Luas Red Line is the nearest station and a free Dublin Bus shuttle will be available from 1100hrs to take patrons to and from Casement Aerodrome. https://www.luas.ie/cheeverstown-park-ride.html
Roger Casement was born in Dublin in 1864 and spent his teenage years in County Antrim before joining the British Consular Service in Congo. In 1903, he began an investigation into alleged abuses in the rubber plantations of the Congo Free State. He received a knighthood from King Edward VII for his investigations. Casement spent a number of years in Ireland which he first became interested in the cause of Irish nationalism. He left the Foreign Office and joined the Irish Volunteers on their formation in November 1913. Casement spent eighteen months in Germany trying to persuade the government there to support a rebellion in Ireland. He recruited the Irish Brigade from among Irish prisoners of war held in Germany. Casement travelled to Ireland in a German submarine in April 1916 to rendezvous with The Aud, a ship carrying arms from Germany for the Rising. Having failed to rendezvous with the ship, Casement was arrested and transported to London. He was tried for treason in June 1916 at the Old Bailey and found guilty. Following an unsuccessful appeal in July, he was hanged at Pentonville Prison on 3rd August 1916. His remains were returned to Ireland in 1965 for reburial in Glasnevin Cemetery.