PHOTO GALLERY: Thousands Attend 1916 Commemoration At Banna

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Repro Free 21/4/16  Banna girls Aisling and Emma Lawlor from Banna, Co Kerry. State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
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”.

Domnick Walsh www.dwalshphoto.ie
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…

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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

Repro Free 21/4/16  State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
The huge crowds arriving at Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
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Domnick Walsh www.dwalshphoto.ie
President Higgins arriving. Photo by Domnick Walsh 
Repro Free 21/4/16  Maria and Brin Fitzmaurice from Banna, Co Kerry. State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
Maria and Brin Fitzmaurice from Banna at the commemoration in Banna. Photo by Domnick Walsh
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Repro Free 21/4/16  State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
President Higgins delivering the keynote address. Photo by Domnick Walsh
Pepro Free 21/4/16 .  State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”
President Higgins laying a wreath. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Repro Free 21/4/16  Philip Brosnan from Ballyduff, Co Kerry. State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
Philip Brosnan from Ballyduff at the State Commemoration in Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
Repro Free 21/4/16  The guard of honour getting in line as two swimmers emerge from the water. State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
The guard of honour getting in line as two swimmers emerge from the water at Banna yesterday. Photo by Domnick Walsh
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Repro Free 21/4/16  State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
The Irish air corp perform a flyover at the ceremony. Photo by Domnick Walsh
Repro Free 21/4/16  President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina meeting members of the public. State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand .    The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Photo By : Domnick Walsh ©  Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland  Phone  Mobile 087 / 2672033 L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com  PRESS INFO -- State Commemoration for Sir Roger Casement takes place at historic landing site on Banna Strand   The arrival on a Kerry beach of Sir Roger Casement and his travelling companions, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey one hundred years ago today will be commemorated at a State Ceremony at Banna Strand later which will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.  Joe McHugh TD., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be in attendance and the President will be greeted by Cllr. Pat McCarthy.   The State Ceremony at noon will be held on Banna Strand where, in the early hours of Good Friday 1916, Casement, Monteith and Bailey came ashore having left a German U-boat which transported them from Germany. An attempt to rendezvous with The Aud, which was carrying 20,000 guns for use in the Easter Rising had failed.   Casement, who was unwell, remained behind at McKenna’s Fort, while Monteith and Bailey walked to Tralee to alert the local Volunteer leadership. Casement was arrested and taken to jail in England. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on 3 August 1916 at Pentonville Prison.   The ceremony will hear a keynote address from President Higgins and will feature the laying of a wreath by the president at the anchor of The Aud, which was recovered from Cork Harbour several years ago. There will be a number of performances by local groups as well as a formal ceremony including the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem.   Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh said: “The State Ceremonial programme is the moment when the State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, pays tribute to the men and women who played a significant role in the events of 1916.  It is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of our self-determination and democracy.  Today, we honour humanitarian and Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, who along with Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey played such a pivotal role in the events of 1916, and set Ireland on the road to independence.”   Co-ordinator of Kerry 2016, Kate Kennelly said the events at Banna are integral to the story of the Easter Rising:   “The iconic arrival of Casement at Banna in the early hours of Good Friday and his subsequent arrest are pivotal events. It is appropriate that we acknowledge what happened in Kerry in those fateful days. Kerry’s story is central to the Rising story and we are honoured to have the president with us today for this commemoration.”  
President Higgins and his wife Sabina meet people attending the ceremony. Photo by Domnick Walsh

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Domnick Walsh www.dwalshphoto.ie
President Higgins with members of the defence forces. Photo by Domnick Walsh
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