.
Banna girls Aisling and Emma Lawlor at the State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casemen on Banna Strand. Photo By : Domnick Walsh
IT was a memorable day in Banna yesterday for the State commemoration to mark the role of Roger Casement, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey in the Easter Rising.
President Michael D Higgins gave the keynote address at the ceremony attended by thousands looking on from seating and up in the sand dunes. It was the only State commemoration for the 1916 Rising held outside Dublin attended by the President.
In his address, President Higgins gave a stirring speech extolling Roger Casement’s great courage and humanitarian work describing him as “one of the great humanitarians of the early 20th century, a man who is remembered fondly by so many people across the world for his courageous work in exposing the darkness that lay at the heart of European imperialism”.
President Michael D Higgins delivering his keynote address in Banna. Photo by Domnick Walsh
He said it was appropriate that we recall the crucial part that he played in the lead-up to the Easter Rising of 1916.
Actor Declan McCarthy re-enacted Casement’s speech from the dock at his trial in London, while members of Siamsa Tire performed Roisín Dubh earlier in the ceremony.
There was a ceremonial laying of wreaths at the monument near Banna Strand and at the Aud anchor, which was brought in for the ceremony, by President Higgins as personnel on the LÉ Niamh stood to attention. There was also a flyover by the Irish air corps.
Continued below…
.
The Proclamation was read by Lieutenant Dermot Considine of the 12th Infantry Battalion in Sarsfield Barracks.
The honour guard and military band were drawn from the 12th Infantry Battalion in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, while the Captains Escort of Honour was from 2 Cavalry Squadron at Cathal Brugha Barracks.
After the ceremony, President Higgins visited Ardfert where he unveiled a bust to Roger Casement and later officially opened the Roger Casement exhibition in the Kerry County Museum. Scroll down for photos by Domnick Walsh…
The huge crowds arriving at Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
.
President Higgins arriving. Photo by Domnick Walsh
Maria and Brin Fitzmaurice from Banna at the commemoration in Banna. Photo by Domnick Walsh
.
President Higgins delivering the keynote address. Photo by Domnick Walsh
President Higgins laying a wreath. Photo by Dermot Crean
.
Philip Brosnan from Ballyduff at the State Commemoration in Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
The guard of honour getting in line as two swimmers emerge from the water at Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
.
The Irish air corp perform a flyover at the ceremony. Photo by Domnick Walsh
President Higgins and his wife Sabina meet people attending the ceremony. Photo by Domnick Walsh
President Higgins with members of the defence forces. Photo by Domnick Walsh
.
