Over recent weeks, a series of 1916 commemorations have taken place in parishes of the Diocese of Meath.
Mullingar
A 1916 Mass of Commemoration was celebrated on Sunday 24 April in the Cathedral of Christ the King. Relatives of local participants in the Easter Rising took part in the liturgy. The Mass also included a large troupe of Westmeath scouts, representatives of veterans organisations, the Gardai, Defence Forces, Mullingar Town Band, Cathedral Choir and Choristers, as well as history students from St Finian’s College and pupils from Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn. At the end of the Mass, Cllr Paul Daly, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, laid a wreath in the Cathedral in memory of those who died in the Rising.
Navan
A parish-based lecture series was held from February to March 2016 exploring various faith perspectives of the Rising. Particular attention was given to source documents (in the Bureau of Military History and the Dublin Diocesan Archives) and to local links with the Rising. The speakers included Greg Daly, Fr Billy Swan, Noelle Dowling and Fr Declan Hurley.
Slane
The Philip Clarke Memorial Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe Deegan in Monknewtown Church, followed by a parade, on 12 March.
Dunshaughlin
The Dunshaughlin and District Historical Society attended Mass in Culmullen on Sunday 27 March. Afterwards, a talk was given in Culmullen Hall, followed by meeting at Roestown Bridge for unveiling of a memorial stone. The walk to Knockmark Graveyard (burial place of Seamus Fox) was led by a marching band The ceremony included the reading of the Proclamation and laying of a wreath.
Carnaross
There was considerable interest in the 1916 Commemoration Mass and subsequent community celebrations that were held in Carnaross on Saturday 16 April. The homily was preached by Fr Peter Farrelly.
Ashbourne
On Easter Sunday morning, Mass was celebrated at dawn at the site of the monument of the Battle of Ashbourne. An Ecumenical Service of Remembrance took place at the same site on 24 April. The Parish will host ‘Remembering the Brave’, a specially commissioned concert by ‘Lassus’ in Ashbourne Church on Thursday 5 May.
If your parish organised a 1916 commemoration, we would be delighted if you can send a short note and some photos to secretary@dioceseofmeath.ie.
