Liscarroll’s 1916 Comm-emoration Event on Sunday May 8th was a huge success. As a small village we are very proud of the enormous effort which resulted in an impressive events prog-ramme which duly reflected the historical stronghold of the Liscarroll people from a time gone by.
The parade began outside the school at 2pm with an opening address from Chairperson of LCC Fergus Egan. All the clubs were well represented congreg-ating and preparing for this milestone event in the village.
The crowd followed the parade led by Liscarroll Foroige club and stopped at the Monument of Daniel O’Brien (across from the Church) where a wreath was laid by special guest Cllr. John Paul O’Shea (Mayor of Co. Cork). He gave a short speech about Daniel O’Brien and his bravery for giving up his life for his country during the War Of Independence. Led by the piper the parade then proceeded to The Village Green.
The cortege extended from the Village Green right back to O’Cainte’s shop, such was the volume of participation involved. When all participants reached the Village Green the crowd was well into the hundreds.
The National Flag was held by the Grandchildren of Pat O’Brien who then himself was bestowed the honour of raising it. We were also honoured to have Lieutenant Bernard Heffernan present on the day, representing the Defence Forces. Lieut. Heffernan gave a very informative talk on the history of the National Flag. The ceremony then progressed to the reading of The Proclamation which was read by Liam Fitz-patrick who also wore appropriate attire. Following this the children from Liscarroll National School represented the sixteen people who were executed after the 1916 Rising. They read biog-raphies prepared and co-ordinated by Doreen McElligott Egan.
The monument was then unveiled by Lieut. Bernard Heffernan to commemorate all those who died for their heroic efforts to free their country on Easter week 1916. Fr. Morrissey P.P. and Fr. O’Mahony then blessed the monument and initiated prayers on behalf of the community. Cllr. John Paul O’Shea then lay a wreath at the monument and gave a speech connecting events of Easter week in Dublin and the important role of the activity in local areas at the time also. Donal O’Cainte then gave a speech of Irish history which led up the series of events of Easter 1916. This was a fitting end to the speeches with ‘The Last Post’ then played by the bugler, which was followed by ‘Amhrain na bhFiann’. Warren McElligott then gave a moving performance of ‘Grace’ followed by Padraig Lyons of ‘Black Rose’ who performed a momentous version of ‘James Connolly’.
The crowds then availed of refreshments in the community centre. Many thanks to all of those people who helped out and provided the refreshments. A huge thank you to each and every one of you who made the day the success that it was. Liscarroll Community Council and supporting Historical Group put an enormous amount of work into this comm-emoration and it will be remembered for many years to come. A public viewing of the recording of the ceremony will take place on this Saturday 28th May at 9.30pm at O’Brien’s Bar, Liscarroll. DVDs will be available for sale on the night. All welcome.