The 1916 Rising Oral History Collection was formally launched at Dublin Castle yesterday evening (see Monday's blogpost about the Collection of 111 recordings, which feature interviews with the relatives of those who were involved in the Rising, including their children and grandchildren). The event brought together many of the interviewees and their families. For some it was a chance to renew old acquaintances; for others, it was the first time that they had met the families of other protagonists in 1916.
Performing the formal launch honours, Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, described those taking part as "near witnesses to the making of some of Ireland's most significant history."
He said: "As we move forward to 2016 and the centenary celebrations, it is important that these people, who have been for many years custodians of the national memory, are involved in the commemorative ceremonies. By providing them with the opportunity to share and record their recollections, we can ensure that their memories are preserved for future generations.
"I would encourage anyone who has a story to tell, like the participants in the 1916 Oral History Collection, to put it on record now, so that their recollections may be available for future use by academics, historians and the general public."