Sister county Washington plays its part in anniversary

Representatives from Galway’s sister county, Washington County in the US State of Wisconsin, said they were “honoured and privileged” to be part of Galway County Council’s 1916 Centenary commemorations – beginning with a flag raising ceremony outside County Hall.

Speaking at a special meeting of Galway County Council on Monday afternoon, Chairperson of the Washington County Board, Richard Gundrum, said that the delegation were overwhelmed by the reception they have received. “It’s safe to say that there isn’t a bad one out of you,” he joked, to murmurs of “give it time”.

At the meeting, members and invited guests were presented with a ‘Proclamation for Our Time’ developed by a diverse range community groups from around the county.

In a revamped version of the original document, read from the steps of the GPO in Dublin by Pádraig Pearse 100 years ago, the new document reaffirms the commitment to equality and fairness – as well as looking at the changing needs of modern Ireland.

The document, created by groups representing the elderly to the young, the travelling community, the LGBT community and the disabled federation of Ireland – the new proclamation reflects a diverse and multicultural society.

It pledges civil and religious liberties, equal opportunities, justice and fairness for all – and recognises the importance of protecting Ireland’s natural resources.

The Irish Diaspora is noted for its importance and it is said that no person should be forced to leave Ireland by economic necessity. The right to a home, education tailored to every individual’s own ability, care for the sick and vulnerable and an appreciation of the elderly are all key parts of the re-imagined document.

Following the presentation, councillors were given the opportunity to speak about their own connections to the rising and reflect on the issues that had been presented to them.

Cathaoirleach Peter Roche reflected on the struggle that faced the volunteers of 1916. “In April 1916, creating an equal society was a challenge – and it remains so today,” he said.

In a moment of comic relief, ‘New Dawn’, the haunting tune gifted to the people of Galway by Ger Fahy as part of the commemorations, spontaneously erupted across the chamber while Cllr Pat Hynes spoke about his own families connections with the rising. “It must be their spirits,” he said, to much laughter from the American guests.

Cllr Michael Fahy spoke of the debt owed to the generation who fought for Ireland 100 years ago.

“I look forward to, on December 6, 2021, that a referendum can be held in the 32 counties of Ireland,” said Cllr Fahy. “Within our lifetime, a united Ireland can take place.”

It was the intention of the visiting delegation to present the council with a replica Liberty Bell – the symbol of independence in the US – however councillors had to settle for a picture of one for now with the bell itself needing liberating from customs.