'A Year for Everyone': Irish National Identity in the State Commemoration of the Easter Rising Centenary
Abstract
The 1916 Easter Rising has been traditionally considered a "founding myth" of the modern Irish state. While being a contested reference point for various traditions of Irish nationalism, it had been commonly celebrated as a heroic last stand of patriotic men-warriors for most of the 20th century.
The 2016 centenary, however, marked a significant shift in commemorative focus. Indeed, despite initial concerns, one of the most noticeable aspects of the state commemoration program was its emphasis on diversity and complexity of the 1916 experience.
The 2016 commemoration, curiously, became an event that 'everyone' could relate to. The paper will explore the character of Irish national identity as presented by the 2016 state centenary commemorations.
Focusing particularly on the audio-visual commemorative materials, it will highlight the shift in understanding of meaning of 'Irishness', the Easter Rising's role in the Irish national narrative and the legacy of the 1916 for contemporary Ireland. Comparison will be made with the 50th anniversary commemoration in 1966, focusing on two films popularly connected with the occasions, the 1966 Insurrection and the 2016 Rebellion.