As part of the Decade of Centenaries programme, a commemoration ceremony will take place at Glasnevin Cemetery to mark the centenary of the foundation of Cumann na mBan. In attendance will be Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, TD. The Defence Forces will also participate in the Commemoration Ceremony.
10.30am - A wreath will be laid at the grave of prominent Cumann na mBan member, Elizabeth O'Farrell, at Glasnevin Cemetery, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, by Minister Jimmy Deenihan.
11.30am - A Commemoration ceremony to mark the Centenary of the Foundation of Cumann na mBan will then take place at Glasnevin Cemetery. The ceremony, which will be led by the President, Michael D. Higgins accompanied by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, will include the laying of a wreath by the President as well as selected readings and music resonant of the historical period.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony and should be in position in the public viewing areas at Glasnevin Cemetery no later than 11.00am.
Following the State Commemoration - When the Presidential commemoration ceremony has concluded, invited guests will proceed to the Glasnevin Milestone Gallery at Glasnevin Museum for a brief address from President Higgins, followed by a Memorial Lecture in honour of the foundation of Cumann na mBan, delivered by Dr. Mary McAuliffe, President of the Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI). Owing to space constraints at the venue, these proceedings will be relayed by public address system.
In advance of the ceremony, Minister Deenihan commented:
"The role of women in the momentous events leading up to the Easter Rising of 1916 is often overlooked. However, women were a huge force behind the historic developments that took place in Ireland from 1912 to the foundation of the Irish Free State.
"The foundation of Cumann na mBan was an decisive moment. The organisation, which within 6 months had 60 branches across Ireland, is associated with many of the leading female figures of the time. During the Rising, members of Cumann na mBan - who were drawn from all walks of life - risked life and limb to travel throughout Dublin delivering messages, food, and medical supplies. A number of members also took an active part in the fighting.
"As we approach this important point in our history, I am pleased that a number of commemorative events will take place as part of the Decade of Centenaries. I would encourage members of the public to attend events and to reflect on the contribution made by Cumann na mBan to our collective history."