Dead of both sides remembered at 1916 event in Deansgrange

A MOVING commemoration of all those who died during the 1916 Rising was held in Deansgrange Cemetery last week.

The Southside cemetery is believed to be one of the most significant 1916 sites outside Dublin City Centre as nearly 50 men, women and children who were killed in the Rising are buried there.

One plot in particular provided a unique moment of reconciliation as it contains the remains of Volunteer 2nd Lt Sean Costello, Volunteer Andrew Joseph Byrne, Guardsman Peter Ennis of the Scots Guards and civilians William Carrick, Joseph Clarke and Thomas Kenyon.

It has been suggested that this is the only single plot in the country to contain casualties from both sides, as well as civilians. 

The large assembled crowd were led by a Defence Forces piper in a public procession with the cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr Cormac Devlin, and British Defense Attaché Col Max Walker to a wreath-laying ceremony with Óglaigh na hÉireann.

After a solemn minute’s silence at the graveside and a lament by the piper, attendees were once again led in procession to the dedication of a unique new sculpture that was commissioned from renowned artist Thomas Glendon to honour those who died in the Rising and are buried at Deansgrange Cemetery.

The event culminated in reflective speeches by Tim Carey,  the council’s Heritage Officer, artist Thomas Glendon and Cllr Devlin that was followed by the raising of the national flag by a Defence Forces flag party accompanied by a drummer and bugler.   

Speaking at the event, cathaoirleach Cllr Devlin, said: “I believe this is a most fitting monument, not only to the significance of this cemetery but also to the people who died during the 1916 Rising. I would like to commend our Defense Forces for their role in these commemorations both today and nationally throughout this centenary year.

“Additionally, the welcome participation of Col Max Walker, British Defense Attaché, speaks to the mature relationship which has developed between our two countries in recent years.”

The council’s Heritage Officer, Tim Carey, added: “Deansgrange Cemetery is one of the most im-portant national sites associated with the 1916 Rising.  Buried within the walls of the cemetery are at least 49 people who lost their lives during Easter Week. It is for this reason that we are here commemorating the event.”

Free tours of Deansgrange Cemetery with a focus on the 1916 Rising take place every Wednesday at 2pm until August 31.