Special events to mark 100th anniversary of Óglaigh na hÉireann

» Mark Moloney

Hear the story of how the forces of the Irish Citizen Army and the Irish Volunteers came together as the IRA and how they took on the might of the British Empire.

ON Saturday 16th November, an important commemorative event to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Óglaigh na hÉireann - the Irish Volunteers will be hosted by Sinn Féin. 

A rally and drama production will take place in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda on Dublin's Parnell Square at 7.30pm as part of a day long series of events to mark the centenary. 

Exhibition
11am-4pm, Rotunda Pillar Room, access through Parnell Square East entrance. Free event.
Enjoy the biggest showcase display of historical artefacts devoted to explaining the context and story of the Irish Volunteers 1913-2013. FREE

Rebel Walking Tours
Tours start, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Sinn Féin Shop, 58 Parnell Square West. Cost: €5 per person.
Hear the story of Ireland's fight for freedom as told by Irish Republicans. You will hear the story of the 1916 Rising. It tells how the forces of the Irish Citizen Army and the Irish Volunteers came together as the IRA and how they took on the might of the British Empire. Learn how the Rising came about and what happened before and after it.

Official Book Launch & Lecture
6pm Rotunda Pillar Room, Access through Parnell Square East. Free event.
The Rotunda - Birthplace of the Irish Volunteers – Óglaigh na hÉireann, by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD. This book and lecture looks at the centrality of the Rotunda in Irish history, including being the birthplace of the Irish Volunteers rebel military force which was to emerge as the Irish Republican Army.

Drama and Speech
7.30pm Rotunda Pillar Room, Access through Parnell Square East. Free event but ticket required (see below)
A reenactment of the Irish Volunteers foundation, written by former Hunger Striker Laurence McKeown, by Kabosh Theatre Group. Followed by a short speech by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD.

For more details and to book a ticket for the Drama and Speech see the Sinn Féin website.