As the final words of the Proclamation were read outside the GPO on Easter Sunday by Captain Peter Kelleher, the crowd roared with pride, respect and remembrance. This Easter weekend was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
The highlight of Easter Sunday was of course the parade. The crowd gathered in their hundreds of thousands and burst with pride as 3,700 of our uniformed personnel marched the 4.7km parade route from St Stephen’s Green to Bolton Street. The marching troops were complimented by Defence Forces bands, pipers, flag parties, Equitation School horses and an Air Corps Fleet of 17. The parade paused at the Royal College of Surgeons and Dublin Castle as well as for wreath laying ceremonies at Kilmainham Jail and the GPO.
Easter Monday was a day for families and individuals alike as RTE: Reflecting the Rising turned Dublin city centre into a once off event zone, celebrating Irish culture at its best. Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green, Smithfield and O’Connell Street were the base for music, dance, theatre, talks and exhibitions – just to name a few. The Easter weekend concluded with Centenary, a culmination of Irish singers, musicians and performers, broadcasted from Bord Gais Energy Theatre live on RTE One.
Take a look at the gallery below to see some of the highlights captured over the Easter weekend.
[SlideDeck2 id=89607 iframe=1]
