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Mayor of Kerry John Sheahan present Jane O’Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore with Kerry 2016 Centenary Programme Book & DVD at the launch at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE 1916 commemorations held across Kerry last year were recalled and celebrated on Thursday evening at the launch of a new book and DVD on the Easter Rising centenary year in the county at the Rose Hotel.
Kerry County Council has produced a unique record of the almost 100 commemorative events which were held in towns and villages across the county during 2016.
The book includes reports and images of the ceremonies held during the year to remember the Rising and a DVD captures some of the highlights of the years including commemorations at Banna, Ballykissane and Valentia.
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Community groups and organisations which hosted their own centenary events were present for the launch and received a copy of the commemorative book and DVD. The publications were launched by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Sheahan and Director of Services, John Breen.
Cllr Sheahan said: “When Kerry – like other counties – was invited to participate in a year-long commemoration of the Easter Rising around the country in 2016, the county warmly accepted the invitation. That is clear from the large number of events which were held across Kerry to mark the occasion.
“It records for posterity how the people of Kerry reflected on the Rising and is a record for the future of how the county embraced the commemorative programme. I think you will agree with me when I say that the events held all over Kerry were notable for the dignity with which they were held and that is something we can be very proud of.
Mayor of Kerry John Sheahan with Kathleen Browne, Marie O’Sullivan and Tony Bergin of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society and Director of Services At Kerry County Council, John Breen (left) at the launch of the Kerry 2016 Centenary Programme Book & DVD at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
“I would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Thanks to Róisín McGuigan who oversaw the compilation and editing of the book and to Richard Dwyer who compiled and produced the DVD. Thanks too to Sharon O’Keeffe, Caroline Lynch and Martina Daly who contributed hugely to making these publications a reality. My colleagues on the Council’s Strategic Policy Committee were also closely involved in drawing up the commemorative programme.
“And finally, thanks to the co-ordinator of the 1916 commemorations in Kerry, Kate Kennelly, who worked tirelessly and diligently with all of you in your efforts to honour those involved in the Rising and to celebrate their efforts,” said Cllr Sheahan.
Members of Camp Community Council with Mayor of Kerry John Sheahan and Director of Services At Kerry County Council, John Breen (back) at the launch of the Kerry 2016 Centenary Programme Book & DVD at The Rose Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
