Anniversary of odonovan rossa funeral as part of the ireland 2016 centenary events

President Michael D. Higgins will today lead the official State commemoration of the centenary of the funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa in Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery.
The event, which is being hosted by Heritage Minister Heather Humphreysis the first formal State commemoration being held as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny who will also attend, said: 'Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa was an iconic figure in Irish history. Even 100 years after his death his name is synonymous with the Fenians and with Irish nationalism. The liberation of his country became his life’s ambition. His funeral remains one of the pivotal moments in Irish history and was an occasion that would be hugely instrumental in shaping the future of our nation.”

Lasting impact
Minister Humphreys added: “Today marks the official start of the ceremonial calendar in our Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which is leading up to the commemoration of the 1916 Rising in Easter of next year. The funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, which took place here in Glasnevin Cemetery 100 years ago today, acted as a catalyst in the lead up to the Rising. The now famous graveside oration, given by Pádraig Pearse, left a lasting impact and travelled far beyond the confines of this cemetery.
“Over the coming year, we will hold more than 40 State events as we commemorate the events of 1916, consider our achievements over the last 100 years, and look ambitiously to the future.

'The funeral of O’Donovan Rossa was a milestone in Irish history and its impact on the mood and motivations of those in attendance cannot be underestimated.”

Masterpiece

Chair of Glasnevin Trust, Mr. John Green, explained: “The funeral was overseen by John Devoy on behalf of the family and organised to the minutest detail by Tom Clarke. Nearly 100 people served on the organising committee, with 13 sub-committees. The Irish Volunteers, The Irish Citizen Army, Na Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan, Wolfe Tone Association, Irish Transport and General Workers Union, Dublin Trades Council, Irish Foresters Association were all represented.
“The individuals involved included all those who had a significant role in the 'Rising' but most notably the seven signatories to the 'Proclamation' were all on the committee. The selection of Pádraig Mac Piarais (Patrick Pearse) was Clarke’s, having groomed him for the task at Bodenstown in 1913. His oration at the graveside was a masterpiece which invoked the passions of the past and laid bare the task ahead.”