The Nature of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Centennial Anniversary

There has been a plethora of books about Ireland’s 1916 Rising and the evolution of the independent state since 1922. Historians, politicians and others have discussed in print and on the air revisionist and anti-revisionist interpretations of the rebellion. Official wreath-laying ceremonies have involved the Irish defence forces. Members of the Army visited primary schools to present the tricolour flag and copies of the 1916 Proclamation. The aim was to stress the legitimacy of the defence forces as opposed to any IRA groups. Official authority has stressed reflection on the rebellion. Church sermons have emphasised that 485 people died in the week of rebellion, including uninvolved women and children. During the coming summer, the Battle of the Somme in which many Irish soldiers were killed and wounded will also be remembered in official ceremonies. Historians and others will discuss the Great War from varying perspectives.