An Cosantóir May 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie
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this year to mark the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising a number
of ceremonies took place over the Easter period and most included
a Defence Forces involvement, both permanent and reserve.
Photos by Cpl Neville Coughlan, PR Branch
Liberty Hall
on tuesday 29th March 2016 a wreath-laying ceremony took place at
the statue of James Connolly at Liberty Hall by President Michael D.
Higgins. the President then unveiled a plaque dedicated to the mem-
bers of the Irish Citizen Army who died during the Easter Rising. Rela-
tives of the fallen members of the ICA were in attendance. the ceremo-
ny was followed by a re-enactment of the raising of the flag of the Irish
Republic, readings, music and poetry in the auditorium of Liberty Hall.
Sgt James Pearse, DFtC, the great grandson of James Connolly read out
the proclamation.
Garden of Remembrance
The ceremony held in the Garden of Remembrance on Saturday 26th March 2016
to remember and honour those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom.
The ceremony opened with a cultural piece, including readings, music and poetry.
A plaque was unveiled to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The second half of the ceremony comprised the formal State Commemora-
tion of the Irish Volunteers, who gave their lives during the Rising. It included a
solemn wreath-laying ceremony followed by a minute of silent reflection and
a piper's lament, and the raising of the National Flag to full mast. Cadets from
the DFTC performed the iconic Guard of Honour on the walls overlooking the
Children of Lir statue. This ceremony was first performed in 1966 on the occasion
of the Garden's opening.
