Galway Bay fm newsroom – Thousands of people have turned out in Athenry for a major state ceremony marking the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The milestone event culminated in the past few minutes with a wreath laying ceremony and a minutes silence, co-ordinated with other events taking place across the country this afternoon – timed to mark the first shots fired one hundred years ago.
It was followed by a rendition of the National Anthem ‘Amhran na bhFiann’ and the raising of the tri-colour.
Athenry is playing a central role in today’s celebrations, and is one of just four locations outside of Dublin to be chosen to host a state ceremony.
The even opened at 11.20 with Aeraíocht – a presentation and celebration of the cultural traditions of the county in song, music, dance and poetry by a variety of world-class performers.
A parade of colours was then led by St Patrick’s Band at Kenny Park to the Arch.
The State ceremony also included a performance of ‘New Dawn,’ a specially commissioned uileann pipe piece inspired by Eamonn Ceannt and composed by Ger Fahy.
As part of today’s ceremony, Minister Jan O’ Sullivan and County Cathaoirlach Peter Roche also unveiled a 1916 commemorative Sculpture.
A visibly emotional Minister O’ Sullivan spoke to the crowds in Athenry this afternoon on the importance of the events that took place one hundred years ago:
A member of the Defense Forces read the proclaimation, as it was read on the steps of the GPO by Padraig Pearse on Easter Monday in 1916:
A Community Programme organised by Galway County Council will kick off this afternoon and will include the opening of a 1916 commemorative garden, a series of lectures and exhibitions, and a concert.