Athenaeum features in major Centenary book
THE ATHENAUEM in Enniscorthy forms part of a book on the 2016 Centenary Programme.
Last week Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphrey highlighted the key role of local authorities in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
In the book the Athenaeum is pictured with the following extract: ‘Enniscorthy was one of the few places outside of Dublin where the rebellion took place. Its beautiful Victoria-era Athenaeum was the rebel headquarters during Easter Week. The 150 seat theatre was restored for the Rising centenary and reopened not only as a community and arts venue but with a permanent exhibition detailing the town’s role in the Rising.’
Minister Humphries was speaking following the launch of the book, Centenary, which she commissioned to document the commemorative events of 2016 at home and abroad. She also thanked communities around the country for their extensive engagement with the programme throughout the year.
‘ The most memorable part of the year for me was the community spirit I saw around the country. Our local authorities played a pivotal role in fostering that community spirit through their commitment and dedication.
The book, Centenary, documents how 1916 was remembered last year at home and abroad, focussing on significant commemorative events presented in chronological order. Local authorities were central to the organisation and facilitation of many of the 3,500 events that took place throughout the year. The book was edited by Ronan McGreevy, Irish Times journalist and author.
Ronan McGreevy said: ‘Last year’s commemorations demonstrated that Irish people are proud of this country’s status as an independent nation and proud of the men and women who brought it about. All of us involved in this book were conscious of the honour and the responsibility to produce something worthy of a wonderful year.
‘We were fortunate in having at our disposal the work of so many talented photographers and artists. They told the story. The words supply the context and every county has been included in the book.’