Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the publication of the programme of events to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Patrick O’Donovan was speaking after attending the launch of the event at the National Museum in Collins Barracks last week. The commemoration will focus on seven key themes and will include involvement from groups across the country aimed at ensuring that those who gave their lives in the Rising are properly recognised by the State.
“I am really excited about the programme which has been put together by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD. The Minister has gone out of her way to ensure that these events are respectful and inclusive. I know from discussing the commemoration with her that she is very anxious that the families of the 1916 Leaders, and those that gave their lives in the Rising, are included in the preparation of the programme. I think it is clear by the reaction of historians, family representatives and commentators that the Minister has put together an excellent set of events which will properly celebrate and commemorate 1916.”
Patrick O’Donovan said that he was delighted to see two elements included in the programme which he had proposed to the Minister. “Every school in the country is to receive a national flag and children from across the State will be asked to carry out a specific 1916 project. I believe that these are very important elements of the commemoration because is ensures that our young generation appreciate the importance of 1916, and the events that came from it, in a way in which can help them get a better understating of the type of Ireland we live in today.”
“The programme to commemorate the centenary also has a very local dimension to it, and Councils are being encouraged to put together plans for their areas which will encourage groups and individuals to get involved. I hope to meet Limerick City and County Council shortly to discuss possible events that can be held in Co. Limerick, which has a very strong connection to the Rising through Con Colbert who was executed following the Easter Rising.”
Patrick O’Donovan attended the 99th anniversary commemoration of the Easter Rising on Easter Sunday at the GPO in Dublin this week. He said that while it is expected that the huge crowds will attend the 100th anniversary next year, he believes it is important for members of the Oireachtas to commemorate the event annually.
“Each year I decide whether to attend events in Limerick or in Dublin to mark the Rising. I think that it is important as a sitting TD that I would do that, to mark publicly the sacrifices of those who gave their lives so that our State could be founded. I am really looking forward to the centenary of the Rising, and to the work involved in preparing our communities to mark such an important historical milestone for all of us. 2016 has the potential to be a hugely significant year for us and by getting as many people as possible involved, which is what Heather Humphreys is hoping will happen, I have no doubt but it will certainly be a fitting tribute to all those involved in the Easter Rising 1916.