1916 Easter Rising to be celebrated in European Parliament
A two-day celebration of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels next week. The celebration will comprise of a series of events which will include historical and political hearings, a concert of Irish music, dramatic re-enactments and a presentation of a copy of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence.
Sinn Féin MEPs, Martina Anderson, Lynn Boylan, Matt Carthy and Liadh Ní Riada will host the events and will bring a delegation of over 100 people from Ireland including relatives of 1916 leaders, musicians, artists and historians. The celebratory events will take place onTuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd March.
Speaking ahead of the event, Midlands North West MEP Matt Carthy said:
“As Sinn Féin MEPs we are excited about the prospect of bringing the 100th anniversary celebrations of the 1916 Easter Rising to the European Parliament.
“The proclamation, being as relevant today as it was 100 years ago, referred to ‘our gallant allies in Europe.’ This commemoration will not only celebrate the centenary it will also celebrate the role of the friends of Irish Freedom right across Europe during and since the rising.
“We are looking forward to welcoming a large delegation are across Ireland to join us for the events. Our guests will come from a range of backgrounds and all age groups.
“We will host a series of events including a hearing on ‘Our Gallant Allies in Europe’ which will be addressed by Gabi Zimmer MEP – President of the GUE/NGL parliamentary group and a hearing on ‘Women of the Revolution’ – during which they will hear from Liz Gillis, author of“Women of the Irish Revolution.”
“Dublin based drama group RADE (Recovery through Arts, Drama and Education) will also provide a re-enactment of the events of Easter 1916.
“We are fortunate to have the great-grandson of James Connolly on the delegation who will officially present a copy of the Proclamation of Independence to Parliament.
“The highlight of the celebration will undoubtedly be a music concert which will take place in the heart of Parliament of Tuesday evening.
“The signatories, the volunteers and the events of 1916 will be forever remembered in Ireland, but this remembrance should go further and by bringing the celebration to the European Parliament, we are hoping to do just that.
“We will be celebrating and commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Brussels, the same way as we will in Ireland; with pride.”
