PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has laid a wreath at the State’s official commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Fenian leader O’Donovan Rossa.
Several other politicians also attended the event at Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Arts Minister Heather Humphreys.
Kenny described O’Donovan Rossa as “an iconic figure in Irish history”.
“Even one hundred years after his death his name is synonymous with the Fenians and with Irish nationalism.”
The liberation of his country became his life’s ambition. His funeral remains one of the pivotal moments in Irish history and was an occasion that would be hugely instrumental in shaping the future of our nation.
There was a re-enactment of Pádraig Pearse’s iconic graveside oration.
John Green, chair of the Glasnevin Trust, said the oration is “a masterpiece which invoked the passions of the past and laid bare the task ahead”.
Humphreys noted that today marks the official start of the ceremonial calendar in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which is leading up to the commemoration of the 1916 Rising.
“The funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, which took place here in Glasnevin Cemetery 100 years ago today, acted as a catalyst in the lead up to the Rising. The now famous graveside oration, given by Pádraig Pearse, left a lasting impact and travelled far beyond the confines of this cemetery,” Humphreys said.
A separate re-enactment of the funeral is being held by Sinn Féin this afternoon.
Originally published: 13.12
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