Sir, – I read with amazement and despair of the Government’s plans to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising by a further attempt to expunge from the public mind and from the minds of future generations all actual knowledge of our history (“Rising commemoration launch”, November 13th) . Who on earth concocted the list of amusements and distractions proposed? The only element left out seems to be face-painting. – Yours, etc,
ALICE HANRATTY,
Dublin 1.
Sir, – The Government has released a promotional video for the centenary of the Rising called Ireland Inspires 2016. Containing references to Google, Facebook and Twitter, there are cameo roles featuring David Cameron, Queen Elizabeth and Ian Paisley. There are, however, no images of Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke or Constance Markievicz. There are no images of the destruction of Dublin or the prisoners being marched off to Frongoch. If we need to be inclusive, there is also a need to include those who we are remembering. Is Fine Gael aware that Michael Collins was in the GPO in 1916? Has the Labour Party forgotten the name James Connolly?
This video is the worst example of hat-doffing revisionism and is one good reason why we need to act together and do our best at community level to organise our own events in 2016. – Yours, etc,
LORCAN COLLINS,
Templeogue, Dublin 6W.
A chara, – I was delighted to read that Ireland 2016, the programme of events to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising, will have both national and international dimensions (“Relatives to play key role in 2016 Rising commemoration”, November 13th). I despaired, however, when it was reported that “two former taoiseachs” attended the launch. Two former taoisigh. Let’s at least get that right by 2016! – Is mise,
TRISTAN ROSENSTOCK,
Baile Átha Cliath 7.
Sir, – The decision to hold the commemoration of the 1916 rebellion on March 27th, 2016, seems to me to be a missed opportunity. It continues the tradition of associating the rebellion with the moveable feast of Easter and its consequent association with very significant religious beliefs.
The rebellion happened on April 24th and logic would suggest that it should be commemorated on the anniversary of that date. – Yours, etc,
LOUIS O’FLAHERTY,
Santry, Dublin 9.
Sir, – I hope the invitations to relatives to participate in 1916 commemoration events will extend to the relatives of the civilians killed in Dublin during Easter Week 1916, including those of the 40 children killed. – Yours, etc,
SEÁN McDONAGH,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – In 2016, we intend to commemorate the events that proclaimed the Irish Republic. A defining characteristic of a republic is that an accident of birth should not entitle anyone to a privileged position in the state. The descendants of participants in the Rising – an accident of birth – are demanding, and being allowed, a privileged position in deciding the programme of commemoration, and to lead the parade that will be the main event. Some of the people so privileged are voicing concern at the possible invitation of other people, whose position in their own country is entirely a result of an accident of birth. Is it any wonder that, though we can’t even grow them, an Irish company holds so dominant a position in the banana industry? – Yours, etc,
CHARLES TYNER,
Dublin 7 .
A chara, – The Government – specifically the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – has unveiled the website ireland.ie with details of how 1916 will be commemorated. Superficially, the website appears to also be in Irish.
However, when originally launched it could be seen that the Irish text was apparently generated by inputting the English version into Google Translate. Some superficial improvements have been made since, but it is still far from inspiring for an Irish speaker, except to inspire disappointment and frustration. That this department is the one also responsible for the remaining areas in which Irish is natively spoken adds to the bafflement. Tús maith? – Is mise,
AONGHUS Ó hALMHAIN,
Baile an Chinnéidigh,
Co Chill Mhantáin.
Sir, – The purpose of commemoration is to remember and pay tribute. The Ireland 2016 programme does neither. A 1916 Relatives Centenary Programme is to be launched on Sunday (November 16th) at 3pm at Wynns Hotel, Abbey Street, Dublin. The aim is to include all citizens in a celebration of the lives of the men and women of 1916 who participated in the pivotal event in Irish history that led to our freedom and independence. – Yours, etc,
JAMES CONNOLLY
HERON,
The 1916 Relatives
Centenary Initiative,
c/o 4 Oxford Road,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.