1966 celebration was not an ‘orgy of the cult of the Rising’

Rory O’Dwyer reflects on what was the most significant State commemoration of the 1916 Rising up to now — and considers its impact on the Ireland of the time.

The 50th anniversary commemorations of the 1916 Rising, held throughout Ireland in 1966, are usually noted as one of the major public events to have taken place in the Republic during the 1960s.

Although that period was generally marked by a new mood of national self-confidence, many commentators have retrospectively seen the golden jubilee commemorations as a negative reminder of how little had changed.