Call to forgive the ‘corrupt’ as 1916 recalled

THE crowds who turned out to honour those who helped create the Irish state were asked to pray for those who have brought it to its knees.

About 2,000 spectators who joined members of the defence forces, politicians and dignitaries at the GPO in Dublin for the 1916 Easter Rising commemoration heard a plea for forgiveness for the “corrupt, selfish and greedy” and an appeal for efforts to build a more ethical society.

Army chaplain Monsignor Eoin Tynne made the remarks while leading the gathering in prayers that focused more on present day upheavals than those recalled from 94 years ago.

He said: “Guide our nation on the ways of justice, integrity and truth. Give us the strength to bear the fatigue and hardship of our present economic difficulties.

“Enlighten our hearts with the willingness to forgive those who have been contaminated by the virus of corruption, the selfishness and greed. Those, whose pride and arrogance have inflicted misery and hardship on your people.”

He added: “Give us the courage to improve ourselves and to shape a society built on a solid foundation of ethics.”

The 20-minute ceremony had a solemn air to it despite the bright spring sunshine that warmed the occasion.

Captain Eoghan O’Sullivan read the proclamation of the republic and President Mary McAleese laid a wreath in front of the GPO before a minute’s silence was observed for all who died there.

About 300 members of the Army, Navy and Air Corps lined the route along O’Connell Street and relatives of some of those who died in the fighting that followed the Rising were among the special guests.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan, Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sports Mary Hanafin and Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith represented the Cabinet.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Major General Dave Ashe, represented Chief of Staff Dermot Earley who is ill.

Tony Killeen, attending his first military ceremony since replacing Willie O’Dea as defence minister, afterwards reiterated his intention to pull Irish troops out of peace-keeping Chad.

However, he said he was aware that Irish troops valued the experience they gained while on foreign missions and he said it was likely opportunities would arise for new overseas deployments. “There are always situations where UN intervention is required.”

For one relative of a former Easter Rising fighter, however, battles closer to home were occupying his mind. Dublin city councillor Nial Ring wore his grandfather Joseph’s medal and said his grandad would have been appalled by proposals to turn the GPO into the new Abbey Theatre.

“We have six years to go to the centenary of the Rising and to think that this – where my grandfather fought – could be a theatre by then is a travesty.”