The Proclamation of the Irish Republic shook an empire and created a nation. The 1916 Rising was led by activists, trade unionists, poets, musicians and Gaeilgeoirí. Those women and men were challenging the Ireland of their parents and they demanded change. The Labour Party is proud of our role in this time of change. We commemorate the efforts of our leaders and activists as they pursued our cause of social justice, of equality, and of rights. Those men and women paved the way for us to not only achieve independence, but to create the progressive change which followed. On behalf of the Labour Party 1916 Centenary Commemoration Committee, I thank the members who contributed to our commemoration programme with their ideas and I invite everyone to get involved. Let us use this time to remember, to reflect, and to keep focused on our efforts to achieve a true Republic with citizenship, liberty, social justice, peace, equality and rights at its core. Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin T.D.Chairperson, Labour Party 1916 Centenary Commemoration Committee

Labour Youth 1916 Centenary Tom Johnson Summer SchoolSpecial 1916 commemorative Labour Youth annual summer school.

June 2016

Cultural EventA gathering of writers, historians, musicians, trade unionists and political activists to reflect upon the legacy of, and commemorate, Francis and Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington.

September 2015

1916 centenary

These events are being sponsored by the Labour Party 1916 Commemoration National Committee following a consultation process with Party Members. For more information or additional ideas please email 1916@labour.ie

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Labour Party 1916 Centenary Commemoration Programme

1916 centenary

Labour Party 1916 Bursary Launch The Richard O’Carroll Empowerment Bursary

Along with James Connolly and other trade unionists, Richard O’Carroll was a founding member of the Labour Party in Clonmel in 1912. He served as an elected member of Dublin Corporation and as General Secretary of the Bricklayers Union. Councillor O’Carroll was the only elected representative to be killed during the Rising. During his life he promoted the value of education which is why the Labour Party seeks to remember him by launching this bursary.

Launching at the Labour Youth Tom Johnson Summer School, Kilkenny, June 2015

Labour Party 1916 Exhibition LaunchThis exhibition will tour Labour Party constituency organisations throughout the country. It will tell the history of the Labour Party and the labour movement in the run up to, during, and after, the 1916 Easter Rising. It will also allow constituencies to add their own local references and archive material to be exhibited side by side. Constituencies will be encouraged to host their own event with guest speakers to coincide with their exhibition.

Launching in Limerick, July 2015

“From the establishment of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union in 1909 by Larkin and Connolly, followed by the foundation of our Party in 1912, through to Tom Johnson’s instrumental role in drafting the Democratic Programme of the first Dáil in 1919, the labour movement was critical at every turn to the foundation of modern Ireland. The Labour Party commemoration programme will tell that proud and hugely important story all around the country between now and Easter 2016.”

Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D.Leader of the Labour Party

Schools CompetitionThis competition will be open to all primary school students who will be invited to submit artwork on the theme: “My Republic”

Launching September 2015

Symposium“Easter 1916 at home and overseas: The role and legacy of James Connolly, the Irish Citizen Army and the trade union movement; and the impact of the rebellion in an evolving world”

November 2015, Dublin

The Starry Plough FlagCommission of replica Starry Plough flags presented by the Party Leader, to constituencies for ceremonial duties.

December 2015

Commemorative Seminar“The Ireland of 1916: The women of Easter 1916 and the cultural impact of the Rising on Irish society” In conjunction with Labour Women

This event will take place on the Sunday following Special Party Annual Conference, January 2016

Labour Party 1916 Centenary Commemoration Weekend A weekend of 1916 events including a seminar, an historical walking tour, our annual Connolly Commemoration and social event.May 2016, Dublin

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