Sinn Féin plans for 1916 banner at Cork County Hall

Plans are being drawn up to create what are likely to be the biggest banners ever displayed in this country, which will highlight next year’s centenary of the Easter Rising.

Thu, 14 May, 2015 - 01:00

Sean O’Riordan

A Sinn Féin councillor has won agreement, in principle, from other parties to place “large banners of a high quality” on the western and eastern side of the County Hall, one in Irish, and one in English.

He wants the banners erected on the side of the 17-storey building to raise awareness of events which are being planned in the county to commemorate the 1916 Rising.

It is envisaged that the Proclamation will be hung from the building and that some space may be left on the lower parts of the banner to highlight major events which are currently in the planning phase.

The motion by Cllr Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire won cross-party support and council officials are trying to iron out some technical and health-and-safety issues which could arise.

Mr Ó Laoghaire said: “2016 will be a year of significant commemoration and reflection on the ideals and the aspirations of the men and women of 1916. The Proclamation of the Republic is one of the most extraordinary documents in the history of the nation.

“The high-minded idealism, the bold aspirations, and the progressive nature of the document inspire us still. It was a document many years ahead of its time, as the appeal to equal rights for men and women indicates.”

Mr Ó Laoghaire said it was therefore appropriate that Cork County Council ensures that the Rising is commemorated appropriately throughout the county, and by the council.

The council has set up a special 1916 Commemorations Committee which will organise events and support community events.