O’Donovan Rossa funeral re-enactment

A FULL-SCALE re-enactment of the legendary O’Donovan Rossa funeral in 1915 is taking place at 1pm this Saturday (August 1).

The re-enactment will give Dubliners a chance to walk in the footsteps of the 1916 leaders who followed the funeral cortege exactly 100 years ago to the day.

Organised by Sinn Féin to pay tribute to the bravery, spirit and vision of the volunteers of 1916 the event features a re-creation of the historical funeral as it made its way through the streets of Dublin.

The route this Saturday will follow the original march from City Hall to Glasnevin and the event will finish with a recital of Pearse’s famous graveside oration.

The cortege will include marching bands, uniformed Irish Volunteer Cavalry and a horse drawn hearse.

Cabra Historical Society will provide a 40-strong uniformed guard of honour all the way, whichwill be followed by members of the public who can take an active part in the occasion by wearing period dress and becoming part of what was described in 1915 as

“a veritable march of triumph

?.

“We want to give the people a chance to participate in commemorative events and the O’Donovan Rossa re-enactment is the first event of Sinn Féin’s centenary programme,

? said Bartle D’Arcy, Sinn Féin’s 1916 National Co-ordinator.

“There is huge interest in 1916 now. The BBC is covering our funeral re-enactment, which was the

‘call to arms for 1916’. You can be part of history this August 1.

?

Those wishing to take part should assemble at Dublin City Hall Civic Square at 1pm. The cortege leaves at 2pm, passing through Dame Street, College Green and up O’Connell St to Glasnevin arriving at 3pm at the cemetery for the graveside oration and the Irish Volunteers tribute to O’Donovan Rossa.

A new Pete St John 1916 song

‘The Spirit of the Gael’ will be performed for the first time by Red Hurley at the graveside.

Log onto www.sinnfein.ie/1916 for updates on the re-enactment and advice on everything from what to wear to traffic management and how to travel for this national event. Email [email protected] for queries.