Easter Uprising centenary parade draws massive crowds

The parade on Sunday was one of many events to commemorate the rebellion which was a pivotal moment in Ireland’s history, starting it on course to independence from Britain five years later.

The events toured the main sites key to the uprising. President Michael Higgins laid a wreath at Kilmainham Gaol, where the rebels were held before being executed by firing squad.

The parade led by the Defence forces began at St Stephen’s Green before heading down O’Connell street where a member of the forces did a reading of the proclamation at the General Post Office.

Google has created a virtual tour with archive material (and commentary from Colin Farrell) to commemorate the uprising.

Google: Dublin Rising 1916-2016 Step back in time to the streets, events, and people who shaped history

The commemorations come at a time of political turmoil in the country. Prime Minister Enda Kenny oversaw the events in an acting capacity since his coalition government failed to secure re-election four weeks earlier.

Though 100 years may have passed, there are some who criticised the commemorations for celebrating Irish militant nationalism. The First Minister of Northern Ireland refused to attend, saying the Rising was used to justify IRA violence in the 1970s and 80s.

(euronews.com)