The Decade of Centenaries Programme has been taking place in Ireland since 2012 and will end in 2023.
For the final phase 2021- 2023, communities were invited to make a contribution to the decade of centenaries to ensure an enduring physical legacy of Ireland’s struggle for Independence.
Inspired by correspondence from Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly and Senator Pippa Hackett and the enthusiasm of local committee member Noel Maguire, Kilteevan decided to step up to the mark and take action to mark the decade of centenaries.
After much deliberation, the decision was taken to plant a small Garden of Remembrance/ Gairdín Cuimhneacháin with a plaque in the grounds of the Community Centre.
On April 15th. a unique, dignified event with five guests was held in the grounds of the Community Centre to commemorate Irish Independence.
In preparation for the event Kilteevan Tidy Towns planted seven white rose trees in memory of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation; Thomas J Clarke, Seán Mac Diarmada, Thomas MacDonagh, P. H. Pearse, Éamonn Ceannt, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett. A circle of pollinator friendly white flowers was planted around the rose trees to represent all who participated in the struggle for independence.
The colour white was chosen to represent peace, harmony and admiration. White reflects light and brings brightness, hope and inspiration for the future.
The rose trees were purposefully planted under a pink cherry blossom tree. “This magnificent tree”, Eileen Fahey suggested is taking on new meaning today as we now want it to represent what were once, the forgotten women of Irelands struggle for independence”.
Eileen Fahey stated that “thanks to historians and researchers we now know the vital role women played in the struggle for Irish freedom and we want this tree to represent those women.” Ray Clabby, Kilteevan Tidy Towns, was thanked for his guidance, expertise and attention to detail in designing the garden. The group hopes to place a replica of the Irish Proclamation engraved on granite in the garden in the near future.
In order to leave a more lasting legacy, local stonemason Mark Feely was commissioned to craft a commemorative plaque. Mark set the plaque in place after sunset on Easter Saturday so that the sun would rise on it in Kilteevan on Easter Sunday Morning 2021.
At the official unveiling of the plaque Pat Devaney sang the song “Grace”. The song tells the sad story of Grace Gifford who married Joseph Plunkett on 3rd May 1916 in Kilmainham Gaol, hours before he was executed by firing squad for his role in the Easter Rising of 1916.
Noel Maguire who served for 43 years in the Irish Defence Forces at home and on numerous overseas peace keeping missions, officially unveiled the plaque.
Tom Brady danced his heart out to mark the celebration of Irelands Independence.
Tommy Murray read The Irish Proclamation. Tommy’s father Jim Murray and his uncle Tom Murray were members of The Kilteevan Company; 3rd Battalion of Volunteers.
Laura Croghan a former recipient of the Dermot Early Youth Initiative, now pursuing further education sang Amhrán Na bhFiann
.
Pupils in Kilteevan National School observed the ceremony from over the school wall.
Closing the ceremony Eileen Fahey explained that correspondence from Seanad Éireann had suggested that groups participating in the Garden of Remembrance Initiative should consider naming their garden after one of the women who had contributed to Irelands struggle for independence.
Kilteevan has decided to call their small garden Gairdín Grace in memory of Grace Gifford Plunkett.
