Easter Rising marked at ceremony

Relatives of executed Easter Rising leaders join Irish President and Taoiseach at graveside ceremony in Arbour Hill, Dublin

BY FIONA AUDLEY

RELATIVES of the Easter Rising leaders were among those in attendance at a ceremony held to mark the 1916 rebellion and those who fought for the cause.

The event, held at Arbour Hill cemetery in Dublin, was hosted by Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin last week.

The annual commemoration marks the Irish uprising against British rule which took place in 1916 and remembers its 14 executed leaders who are buried in the grounds of the Church of the Sacred Heart.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar both attended the event.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill were also in Dublin to pay their respects.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney and relatives of the Rising leaders and others who fought in 1916 were also in the congregation.

Speaking after the event, Minister Martin said: “Today, we remember those who died for Ireland in 1916 and in particular those 14 executed leaders of 1916 who are buried here at Arbour Hill.

“I am delighted to host this traditional commemorative event in the company of relatives of the executed leaders.”

A Requiem Mass was held followed by a ceremony at the 1916 leaders grave.