Peadar Ó Riada aims to reawaken our sense of natural culture

Ireland’s bloody past should not be sanitised, Peadar Ó Riada tells Pet O’Connell, as he prepares for the premiere of his new work inspired by Pádraig Pearse

APPROACHING the end of this year of centenary commemorations, it is hard to imagine what is left to say about the Easter Rising that has not already been expressed in verse, drama, music, or at the myriad State and community events.

Yet, while the sacrifice made by the Rising leaders has been copiously commemorated, their ideals have not been fully honoured, according to composer Peadar Ó Riada.