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Arts Minister Heather Humphreys pictured speaking at a remembrance event in Glasnevin cemetery

Arts Minister Heather Humphreys was joined by the Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy representing, Neil Holland, members of the Irish Defence forces and Chairman of Glasnevin Trust, John Green, this morning to begin the nationwide day of remembrance to all those who served on Easter week in 1916.

The event was marked by a number of ceremonial events including the raising of the tricolour over the Sigerson Monument and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Sigerson Monument, the grave of Edward Hollywood (the man who delivered the first tricolour flag to Ireland from France) and Peadar Kearney (composer of Ireland’s national anthem.

Commenting on the remembrance ceremony Minister Humphreys said:

Today we once again pause to remember those who participated in, and whose lives were affected by, the events of the 1916 Easter Rising. We remember in a special way Peadar Kearney and Edward Hollywood, who rest in peace here in Glasnevin, and from whom we received the symbols of our nationhood; our National Anthem and our National Flag. These moments of commemoration provide us with an opportunity to recognise the legacy of those who went before us and their enduring influence on the Ireland of today.

The centre piece of the Easter events at Glasnevin was the raising of the tricolour at 9:40am by members of the Irish Defence forces and the playing of the national anthem by a lone piper in the main courtyard of Glasnevin Cemetery.

The Easter Sunday Ceremony was also in honour of the creators of the Tricolour, Edward Hollywood (1814-1873), and National Anthem composer, Peadar Kearney (1883-1942). Wreaths were laid at their graves along with a lone piper’s lament which was followed by the signing of Amhrán na bhFiann by great grandson of Peader Kearney, Dualta O’ Broin.