Write a commentTi Chulainn was the venue for the launch of the South Armagh 1916 Centenary Commemorative Events Programme.
The programme sets out an impressive list of events that will take place throughout South Armagh over the course of the year to commemorate the Easter Rising and the men and women who took part in it.
Thomas Marron, Chair of the South Armagh Centenary Committee, welcomed everyone to the launch.
“It was in January 1916, after a series of secret meetings, that the leaders of the rebellion set a date for The Rising,” he said.
“So it’s a real honour and privilege to be standing here in January 2016 announcing this programme of events.”
A re-enactment of the reading of the Proclamation took place by a young Pádraig Pearse, flanked by a member of Cumann Na mBan.
Throughout the course of the evening the incredible Daly Sisters took the audience on a musical journey through Irish history with captivating renditions of The Foggy Dew, Women of Ireland and Amhrán na bhFiann.
The event also saw the official launch of the area’s 2016 Easter Lily campaign with Mr Marron urging people to wear the Easter lily with pride.
“The Easter Lily was first designed in 1925 by Cumann na mBan to raise funds for prisoners and their families and to honour the sacrifice of those who fought during Easter week,” he said.
“It’s a symbol that should be worn with pride by all republicans and I would encourage people to do so.
“The Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic is a time of huge significance for the people of Ireland.
“It is a time for renewed commitment to the values of the Proclamation: the sovereignty of the Irish people; the unity and independence of Ireland; equal rights and equal opportunities for all the people who share our Island.
“The Proclamation’s vision is not the property of republicans alone. Its genius was to inspire change for the benefit of all citizens on the Island, and urge us ‘to cherish all the children of the nation equally’. That’s a statement with a powerful resonance for today. It merits consideration by everyone, whatever their political affiliation.
Mr Marron closed the event by inviting people of all persuasions to “join with us in remembering the past by participating in it. Get involved, if that means attending events or even helping to organise them. This is our history, it belongs to all of us.”
For more information on centenary events in South Armagh or to get a copy of the programme search for South Armagh 1916 Centenary on Facebook and Twitter or email southarmagh1916@gmail.com
