Rising commemorations struck right note, says Martin

The Easter Rising commemorations struck the right note in terms of dignity and inclusivity and reflected how much Ireland as a state and as a population have been willing to acknowledge differing interpretations of events 100 years ago, according to Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin said he believed that the events, beginning with the Garden of Remembrance commemoration on Saturday to Monday's events in Dublin, Cork, Enniscorthy, Athenry and Ashbourne, had been conducted with respect for all views.

“I think the evolution of history reflects very often the background and the temperament of society at a given time so obviously commemorations closer to the event tend to be more partisan – I think the right note was struck throughout this weekend of commemoration.

"People were very happy with the events – the Garden of Remembrance on Saturday was very dignified as were Sunday's parade and the ceremony at Kilmainham. I think that will all serve to remind people and perhaps inform young people of the defining founding event in our nation.

“I think what is interesting is that there is space and room for alternative perspectives on the Rising and subsequent events both in academic circles and in political debate generally and a greater tolerance of the different perspectives.

“But coming through it all then is a sense that, notwithstanding one’s views, this was a founding event of the nation in term the catalyst it became for subsequent events which led ultimately to the establishment of the Irish State.”

Proclamation

Mr Martin said it was important to have the Proclamation read out at the various ceremonies as its language had shaped the social and political discourse of the new Irish State while continuing to challenge future generations to achieve its goals.

“The language used in the Proclamation is a language which has shaped political thought and subsequently challenged subsequent political generations in terms of the themes of equality, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally, in terms of Catholic, Protestant and dissenter.”

Mr Martin was speaking after the unveiling of a plaque at Cork County Hall to the role of Cork in the Easter Rising where 1,000 Irish Volunteers were mobilised under Tomás Mac Curtain but did not engage the British forces after receiving Eoin Mac Neill’s countermanding order from Dublin.

"There were very significant volunteers in Cork and although they didn't rise in 1916 in terms of having a rebellion in Cork city due to the countermanding order, nonetheless those volunteers, who were involved during 1916, subsequently played a very crucial role in the War of Independence."

Mr Martin said that he found the weekend of commemoration a source of pride as his maternal grandparents, Mick Corbett and Margaret Ahern were both involved in the fight for Irish freedom throughout the War of Independence.