Launch of 2016 Centenary Programme, 7 January 2016

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D., launched the 2016 Commemorative programme in the US and in the NY Metropolitan region on 7 January in NY.

Minister Charlie Flanagan, T.D., recently made a three day trip to New York City to launch the 2016 Commemorative programme in the US and in the NY Metropolitan region.

On the morning of the 7th January, Minister Flanagan launched the US centenary programme at a hugely successful event hosted by Ambassador Anderson at the Consulate. At the Consulate, Minister Flanagan also opened the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) Exhibition "1916 Portraits and Lives" with Ms Ruth Hegarty of the RIA.

Later that day, Minister Flanagan attended an event at New York City Hall which was co-hosted by Council Members Danny Dromm, Elizabeth Crowley, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Corey Johnson. The Speaker of the New York City Council, Ms. Melissa Mark Viverito and the Irish-American Caucus provided a warm welcome, as did a number of representatives from the New York State legislature, including Assemblyman Michael Cusick.

That evening, Minister Flanagan travelled to Pier A in New York Harbour which is directly opposite from Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Pier A was conceived and built by the first ever Irish born Catholic Mayor in new York, William Grace whi was born in Co. Laois. It evolved to become a immigration hall through which millions of Europeans and Irish emigrants walked having been ferried ashore from Ellis island.

At Pier A, the Minister officially launched the 2016 Centenary Programme for the New York Metropolitan region. Over 700 attendees were present for Minister Flanagan's address, in which he recalled that many of the Proclamation's signatories spent time in or around New York:

'The role played by Irish Americans in the achievement of Irish independence was decisive and I am glad that this role will be explored and highlighted in the coming months, including a landmark conference in April at Glucksman Ireland House and a pioneering exhibition at the American Irish Historical Society, which will tell the story of the Friends of Irish Freedom, and the contributions of individuals such as Judge Colhan, McGarrity and Devoy.'

Attendees included U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, actor Liam Neeson, and countless cultural, business, and political leaders from the Irish American community. Singer Maxine Linehan and renowned Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns captivated the audience with moving rendition of the anthem and Isle of Hope. The song, Isle of Hope, tells the story of fifteen-year-old, Annie Moore, from Ireland, who along with two younger siblings, became the first to enter through Ellis Island on New Year's Day in 1892.

The following morning, the Minister addressed the very popular "First Friday" breakfast gathering at the Consulate's offices, hosted by Deputy Consul General Anna McGillicuddy.