23.01.2017
the 2016 Community Reflection event hosted by Cork County

Council, at Cork County Hall.
Picture: David Keane.

For more details see attached press release:

Cork County celebrates the success of Ireland 2016
Press Release For immediate release
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Séamus McGrath and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Mr. Tim Lucey, hosted a special evening on Monday, January 23rd at 7.30pm in the Foyer, County Hall, to recognise and celebrate the incredible success achieved by the people of Cork County in delivering Ireland’s largest 2016 Centenary Commemorative Programme. Over 500 events were held at various locations throughout the County with more than 200 community groups contributing.
Speaking at the event, Mayor McGrath was delighted to acknowledge the efforts of all who helped make Ireland 2016 such a success in Cork County, “Together, we created a programme packed with a variety of events, including two State Ceremonies, re-enactments, workshops and a number of Diaspora celebrations with some of Cork’s twinned towns bringing Ireland 2016 overseas. This was made possible through the enthusiasm and commitment by the people of Cork County and I am thrilled to be able to recognise this.”
Planning for the Cork 2016 commemorative events began nearly 2 years ago. Evident from the onset with 200 people attending workshops at six locations throughout the County; over one hundred submissions received together and with the oversight of Cork County Council’s All Party 1916 Commemorative Committee, chaired by Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Cork County had a wonderfully diverse and engaging programme offering something for all. Interest continued to grow throughout 2016 with further events added to the programme, resulting in Cork County having the greatest number of commemorative events by far. The County’s efforts with respect to commemorating the centenary of 1916 did not go unnoticed at a National level, and Cork County Council recently picked up the Public Sector Magazine’s National Heritage Award for its work in supporting the 2016 Programme.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Mr. Tim Lucey also warmly credited the immense contribution from the communities of Cork County, “The sense of community in County Cork is overwhelming and this is easily conveyed given the number of groups involved in commemorations throughout 2016. I have attended many events myself and would like to personally commend all who helped make the Cork County commemorative year one of the best in the Country.”
On the night those who made 2016 such a success shared and reminisced and enjoyed a special video collage which highlighted over one hundred of these events, from Aubane to Youghal, Beara to Rockchapel. Cork County Council also launched the County’s 2016 Review Publication and each community group who organised events, big and small, throughout 2016, were provided with a signed Certificate of Participation from Cork County Council for the wonderful part they played in the Centenary Commemorations of 1916.
Mayor McGrath went on to say, “History tells us the War of Independence began in Tipperary in 1919, but we know, by way of record that things were well under way in Cork in 1918, in Beal a Ghleanna and Eyeries. Considering the success of our Ireland 2016 programme, we have all come to understand why Cork is known as the Rebel County”

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