Sir, – I refer to Minister of State Dinny McGinley’s warning against a “militaristic” commemoration of the 1916 centenary (Dáil Report, July 22nd).
While it would be absurd to dismiss the reality that our freedom was won through a military uprising, he is correct to refer to the necessity of highlighting our culture, language and poetry as part of the commemoration of this pivotal event in our history. Padraig Pearse himself said that without Conradh na Gaeilge, there would not have been a Rising.
The executed leaders should, of course, be remembered as lecturers, poets, artists, teachers and writers – that is what they were. It is precisely for that reason that relatives and others have been calling for the Moore Street battlefield site to be developed as a cultural quarter in honour of the men and women of 1916.
The remaining terrace of houses and buildings where the GPO garrison made its last stand should be preserved and developed not only as a place of commemoration but as a living vibrant area of education and learning through the opening of shops and enterprises promoting all aspects of our history and culture – a centre of excellence and education in the heart of the capital. Other buildings could be transformed into music and dance studios, drama schools or theatres.
To this end, concerned relatives of the signatories to the 1916 proclamation are heartened by and welcome the decision of Minister for Arts and Heritage Jimmy Deenihan to tour the battlefield site with all members of the Oireachtas committee on the Rising celebrations.
A sensitive and appropriate development of this 1916 battlefield site linked to the GPO would be of enormous benefit to what is now generally accepted as a crucial way out of recession, the development of a lasting tourist industry. – Yours, etc,