Fine Gael Deputy for County Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has said that those who contributed to the 1916 Rising while interned in the UK deserve to be recognised as part of the Centenary Commemorative Programme.
Earlier this year, the Centenary Commemorative Programme began, with the Irish and British Government and the Executive in Northern Ireland all participating in the programme to remember the revolutionary generation. In a Parliamentary Question to Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, Deputy O’Donovan asked if there were plans “to commemorate the internment of those who participated in the Rising at Frongoch in Wales and other centres.”
“Naturally the Centenary Commemorative Programme will honour those who took part in the Revolution in Ireland during the War of Independence throughout the country. It’s also important though, I feel, to remember those who played their part from outside the country,” said Deputy O’Donovan.
“1800 Irish people were interned in Frongoch in Wales following the 1916 rising. They were accorded the status of Prisoners of War and Frongoch, as well as other such centres, became vital training and recruiting grounds for those who would go on to secure independence for Ireland. I think it is important that we remember this important aspect of our nation’s history and have asked the Minister to consider some form of commemoration for those who were interned.”
In his response Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, said that the decade from 1912 to 1922 was the “most momentous of modern Irish history and requires a comprehensive commemorative programme that will acknowledge the achievements of the revolutionary generation and enhance the understanding today of the events that shaped our society.”
“The detention of prisoners is an important part of the story of the Rising and an account of their experience at Frongoch and elsewhere would be appropriate in the commemorative programme,” continued the Minister.
“As the general arrangements for commemoration of the Rising in 2016 are still under development, I would not seek to anticipate the particular arrangements for the prisoners or any other element of the programme.”