Kilmainham Gaol: The 1916 commemoration ceremonies yesterday were about discharging one generation's debt of honour to another, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said at the first of the day's events.
Speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony in Kilmainham Gaol, he said it was a day of remembrance, reconciliation and renewal to commemorate the patriotism and vision of those who set in train an unstoppable process which led to political independence.
"By gathering here today, 90 years on from the Easter Rising, our presence is testimony to the fact that our generation still cherishes the ideals of the courageous men and women who fought for Ireland in Easter week and during the War of Independence, that we honour and respect their selfless idealism and patriotism, and that we remember with gratitude the great sacrifices they made for us."
Mr Ahern said that Irish people today were privileged to be living through one of the most exciting times in the country's history, a period of unprecedented prosperity, peace and opportunity.
"The potential for progress has never been greater. Independent Ireland is now in full stride and beginning to fulfil the hopes and expectations that all the patriots of the past knew we possessed.
"I have always maintained that when we consider our successful struggle for independence, we should honour the achievement of all those who took part. Today we remember all those who participated in Easter week and we especially recall the leaders of the Rising, many of whom spent their last hours here before being executed in the Stonebreakers' Yard at Kilmainham Gaol," said Mr Ahern.
He said he felt privileged and pleased to be in the company of Fr Joseph Mallin, son of Michael Mallin, commandant of the Irish Citizen Army, the only surviving child of any of the 1916 leaders, who had travelled from Hong Kong.
"The vision and bravery of Mallin, of Pearse, of Connolly, of Clarke and all the other men and women of 1916, in their lives and in their deaths, was recognised by the Irish people, who only two years later decided to back the cause of an independent Republic by a massive and sweeping majority.
"The justice of the cause, not simply the willingness to fight for it, contributed much to its success.
"The men and women of Easter 1916 gave their lives so that Ireland could gain her freedom. The generations that came after them used that freedom to support peace across the world through the efforts of our Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hÉireann," said Mr Ahern.
"This generation used that freedom to support peace and reconciliation in our own country when, in an overwhelming and historic act of self-determination, we voted for the Good Friday agreement in 1998."
The Taoiseach said yesterday's ceremonies related to the circumstances that led to the foundation of the State and the great courage of those involved.
"We have much to be proud of as a country. As we look to the future, we must be generous and inclusive so that all of the people of Ireland can live together with each other and with our neighbours in Great Britain on a basis of friendship, respect, equality and partnership.
"And every day, in every place, we will continue to work for peace, for justice, for prosperity and for reconciliation between all who share and who love this special island."