1916 centenary: Rising commemorations continue with state ceremonial event in Cork

The 1916 Easter Rising commemorations will continue today around the country, including a state ceremonial event in Cork City — the only such event in Munster.

The public are asked to assemble on Grand Parade, in the city centre, at 11.45am, with the programme of events to get underway at noon.

Live music will feature performances by the Defence Forces Band, Peadar Ó Riada, Cór Chúil Aodha, and Eimear Coughlan on harp.

The State Ceremonial Programme includes speeches by both the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Councillor Chris O’Leary, and the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr John Paul O’Shea, a wreath-laying ceremony, a reading of the Proclamation by an officer of the Defence Forces, and various musical performances, including a Piper’s Lament, the Last Post, the Reveille, and the National Anthem, played by the Defence Forces Band, as well as performances by Peadar Ó Riada, Eimear Coughlan, and others. An Irish Air Corps fly past, weather permitting, is also scheduled. Many events took place over the weekend and more are planned for today, with locations such as Bantry, Eyeries, Kealkil, Rosscarbery, Millstreet, Boherbue, Dromina, Kilbrin, and Mallow all playing host to 1916 commemorations.

Events yesterday included the 35th annual Clonakilty 1916 commemoration, organised by the Clonakilty Easter commemoration committee, which featured people in period uniform, and others carrying portraits of the 1916 leaders through the centre of the West Cork town, with Cllr Paul Hayes reading the Proclamation beneath the statue of Michael Collins, on Emmet Square.

Other counties also hosted events yesterday, including Kerry, where, in Tralee, there was a raising of the national flag at Páirc An Phiarsaigh, by Mayor Thomas McEllistrim, and a reading of the 1916 Proclamation by Unity Ankomah, a student at Mercy Mounthawk secondary school.