Huge crowds, pageantry and drama in celebration of 100 years of resistance

THE ATMOSPHERE in Belfast in the run-up to the 100^th anniversary of the 1916 Rising was increasing with the anticipation that the occasion would be marked by a bigger and better parade than has been seen in years.

Yet on Easter Sunday 27 March the crowds surpassed the expectations of parade organisers National Graves Association as thousands of people joined the march or stood – in some cases in rows up to six deep – along the Falls Road to admire the spectacle.

Led by an Irish wolfhound and a squad of ‘Volunteers’ in period uniform, which was in turn followed by a colour party and firing party of re-enactors, the parade started at the original Divis Street meeting point and wound its way along the Falls to Conway Street.

There they saluted the families of Belfast’s patriot dead.

As the parade passed the various intersections, republican flute bands, AOH pipe bands and chapters, the Roddy McCorley Society and a contingent from the GAA joined the march, swelling its numbers.

At the Republican Plot in Milltown Cemetery, where Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD delivered the main oration, the poignancy of the day was underpinned with the relatives of fallen Volunteers placing floral tributes on their graves.

The ceremonies were brought to a conclusion with the ‘firing party’ firing a volley of shots in tribute to our patriot dead.

See more pictures here – part 1 »

See more pictures here – part 2 »