Pursuing inclusivity: C of I responses in 1966 to the Easter Rising
In 1966, the Government in the Republic prepared elaborate plans to mark the Golden Jubilee of the 1916 Easter Rising. The Commemoration Committee’s programme was announced by Taoiseach Seán Lemass on February 11th, and featured religious ceremonies, military, public and children’s parades, the opening of the Garden of Remembrance, the unveiling of the Thomas Davis statue in College Green, Dublin, a pageant at Croke Park and numerous other cultural events. There was a determined effort to include all sections of southern society and the official programme set the agenda for local initiatives. On Easter Monday, there would be religious ceremonies throughout Ireland, including Solemn Votive Masses, “Church of Ireland services and special prayers in Diocesan Cathedrals”.
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Aonghus Dwane
Irish Language Officer at Trinity College Dublin and the Hon. Secretary of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise.