Funding announced for 17 projects linked to 1916 centenary

The Irish Research Council is to fund projects themed to the 1916 centenary with 17 projects sharing a combined award of €144,000.

Details of the funding were announced yesterday by the council's chairwoman, Prof Jane Ohlmeyer.

The research studies include a wide range of subjects, from Maynooth University's digital audiovisual recreation of the Battle of Mount Street Bridge to work, undertaken by University College Dublin, on how the nuns and school girls at Loreto Convent on St Stephen's Green kept out of harm's way.

Other projects supported include a mobile walking tour smartphone app commemorating the role women played in the 1916 Rising; a symposium and exhibition on the topic of hunger striking; and a project studying how efforts to recognise the historical significance of buildings along Moore Street is having an impact on local trader livelihoods and urban redevelopment plans.

“The diversity of the research topics is reflective of the full complexity of our history, and demonstrates that academic discourse and research are vital to all acts of national commemoration,” Prof Ohlmeyer said.

"A significant national, historic event like the Decade of Centenaries really highlights the important work being done by researchers throughout Ireland.

“The research projects announced today are throwing up fascinating insights into the lives of 1916 leaders, as well as ordinary people.

“They are also exploring how the legacy of 1916 has impacted on the Ireland we live in today, ” he said.

Further information on the funding is available at www.research.ie.