SUNDAY, April 24 officially marked the 100th anniversary of the first day of the Easter Rising.
On that date a century ago, republican rebels had seized several buildings in Dublin and a revolt had taken hold.
While most of the centenary celebrations took place on Easter weekend last month, many were left until the official date that the Rising began 100 years ago.
The rebellion took place between April 24 and 29, 1916. In total, almost 500 people died in the grapple for independence that is largely credited with being a major influence in the establishment of an Irish republic.
Yesterday, the GAA marked the day with a major sold-out celebratory event in Croke Park, Dublin, after the Allianz Football League final clash between Dublin and Kerry.
An 80,000-strong crowd descended on the stadium and watched performances and firework displays, as Ireland’s national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann was sang.
The GAA's sold-out 1916 commemoration 'Laochra' theatrical event ended with a rendition of Amhrán na bhFiannhttps://t.co/2pIrfJabqe
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 24, 2016
Across Britain, commemorative events took place in Irish community strongholds from London to Glasgow.
At the London Irish Centre in Camden on Friday (April 22), an evening of reflection and commemoration was held.
‘Ireland Our True Heart’ featured music, drama, dance, poetry and song in celebration of the Easter Rising centenary, organised by the Council of Irish County Associations.
Further north, the landmark anniversary was marked in Warwickshire with a reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic before the game between Sean McDermotts and Roger Casements.
The Irish community in Huddersfield, a Yorkshire town well-known for its links to Connemara, came together to remember the Rising with readings and music from The Irish Post’s own Joe Giltrap and Malcolm Rogers.
Elsewhere Irish history talks took place in Bradford – note spelling while Glasgow marked the occasion with a graveside remembrance ceremony and Uileann pipe performance at the final resting place of Irish Republican Brotherhood member Dennis Canning.
