On Thursday, 28th April, Davis College students held a commemoration marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Originally planned for Tip O’Neil’ park, the weather was not on our side, forcing proceedings to go ahead in Mallow Library.

Drawing inspiration from the bravery displayed by the heroes of 1916, our students put on an artistic, musical and dramatic display commemorating our national heroes. There were numerous artistic and informative displays showing everything from the timeline of the Rising to fact files on the signatories, and a model GPO, to medals remembering all who were executed. This display provided a backdrop for the wonderful choir, mentored by Ms. Hannon, singing ballads including ‘A Nation Once Again’ and ‘Amhrán na bhFiann.’ As a reminder of the story of the Rising, students donned their army uniforms and dramatised the history of the nationalist movement. We were entertained by memorable re-enactments of the founding of the GAA, Pearse’s speech at the graveside of O’Donovan-Rossa’s and finally the executions of the signatories to the Rising. The event culminated in a reading of the Proclamation for the 21st century, outlining the hopes, aims and ambitions which our students have for the Ireland they are born into.

We would like to thank Mallow Library for facilitating the event at such short notice, and Ms. Kennedy and Ms. Collins for supplying refreshments to our esteemed guests. A special word of thanks to Mr. Stack, Mr Cahill, Ms. O’Loughlainn and Mr. Manning However, our most gracious thank you goes to Ms. Stanton without whom the event would not have taken place.