Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy at a recent City Council meeting has called for planning for the commemorations of the Irish War of Independence to be advanced and proposals should be sent to Government so that finance can be allocated. Information has been received from the Commemorations Unit the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht regarding a consultation around the next phase of commemorations. Between 2018 and 2023, the State will recall significant historical events that took place between 1918 and 1923. The State’s approach to commemorating the significant historical events during the first of the Decade of Centenaries, underpinned by a supportive structure of public consultation and guiding principles set out in the initial Statement of the Expert Advisory Group to the Government on Commemorations.

     Cllr McCarthy noted: “A consultation process is now underway to create a public conversation around how the significant and sensitive historical events that took place during 1918 and 1923 and related themes might be appropriately remembered. Todate I feel that the commemorative programme has been inclusive, respectful and authentic and these elements need to be retained. The objective of promoting a deeper understanding of differing perspectives on this sensitive period in our shared history has been very positive. Each local authority is now invited further to participate in the ongoing public consultation process”.

    In the Second Statement of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations there are guiding principles to support interested parties navigate the turbulent historical period that followed the 1916 Easter Rising until the admission of the Irish Free State into the League of Nations in 1923. Cllr McCarthy noted: “Cork City Council needs to provide feedback on the importance of recognising the contribution of the City and Region to many of the important events of this time”.