Council says ‘thank you' for 1916 events

COUNTY Mayor Cllr Séamus McGrath and Tim Lucey, Council chief executive, hosted a special evening recently in the Cork County Hall foyer, to recognise and celebrate the success achieved by the people of the county in delivering Ireland’s largest 2016 Centenary Commemorative programme.  

Over 500 events were held at various locations throughout the county, with more than 200 community groups contributing.  

Speaking at the event, Mayor McGrath was delighted to acknowledge the efforts of all who helped make Ireland 2016 such a success here. ‘Together, we created a programme packed with a variety of events, including two State ceremonies, re-enactments, workshops and a number of diaspora celebrations with some of Cork’s twinned towns bringing Ireland 2016 overseas,’ he said. ‘This was made possible through the enthusiasm and commitment by the people of Cork County and I am thrilled to be able to recognise this.’

Planning for the Cork 2016 commemorative events began nearly two years ago.  A total of 200 people attended workshops at six locations throughout the county and over 100 submissions were received. 

With the oversight of Cork County Council’s All Party 1916 Commemorative Committee, chaired by Cllr Frank O’Flynn, the county had a wonderfully diverse and engaging programme, offering something for all, the attendees were told.

The county’s efforts with respect to commemorating the centenary of 1916 did not go unnoticed at a National level, and Cork County Council recently picked up the Public Sector magazine’s National Heritage Award for its work in supporting the 1916 programme. 

Mr Lucey also warmly credited the immense contribution from the communities of the county. 

Mayor McGrath went on to say that history tells us the War of Independence began in Tipperary in 1919, ‘but we know, by way of record that things were well underway in Cork in 1918, in Beal a Ghleanna and Eyeries.  Considering the success of our Ireland 2016 programme, we have all come to understand why Cork is known as The Rebel County.’