Ex-Presbyterian moderator at unveiling of 1916 memorial wall

A former Presbyterian moderator and Northern Ireland's justice minister have attended the unveiling of an Easter Rising memorial wall in Dublin.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny (right) Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys (third right) Councillor Ruairi McGinley (fourth right) and John Green, Glasnevin Trust Chairman (second right) at the unveiling of the Necrology Wall at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Photo credit: Lensmen/PA WireTaoiseach Enda Kenny (right) Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys (third right) Councillor Ruairi McGinley (fourth right) and John Green, Glasnevin Trust Chairman (second right) at the unveiling of the Necrology Wall at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Photo credit: Lensmen/PA Wire
Taoiseach Enda Kenny (right) Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys (third right) Councillor Ruairi McGinley (fourth right) and John Green, Glasnevin Trust Chairman (second right) at the unveiling of the Necrology Wall at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Photo credit: Lensmen/PA Wire

The Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, of Lucan Presbyterian Church in the city, took part in a Christian act of worship at the new black granite stones in Glasnevin Cemetery, while David Ford said he was happy to attend an event based on “the principles of reconciliation”.

There has been some controversy about the inclusion of 119 British soldiers on the Necrology Wall and a number of protesters gathered outside the historic cemetery on Sunday to demonstrate as the inter-faith service took place inside.

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The 488 names of those known to have died during the ill-fated 1916 rebellion - including members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, Irish Citizen Army, Irish Volunteers, Royal Irish Constabulary and civilians - are listed in alphabetical order.

Some of the British soldiers who died are buried in Glasnevin.

The Glasnevin Trust has insisted the memorial is an attempt to present the historical facts, without hierarchy or judgment.

Demonstrators lit smoke bombs and attempted to burn a Union Flag which proved too wet to catch fire.

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Scuffles also broke out between police and angry republicans at the protest line outside the cemetery.

Gardai said a 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Mountjoy station.

On Sunday night Rev Morrow said he had “no regrets” at attending what he called “a really significant” event.

Rev Morrow - who was the Presbyterian’s last moderator from the Republic of Ireland (2000-2001) - also described the ceremony as a “genuine act of conciliation”.

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He said: “I think this was an attempt by Minister [Heather] Humphreys and the government to do something that demonstrates that they are willing to commemorate the significance of the centenary, but to do so in a non-jingoistic, conciliatory manner.

“For me the highlight was the address given by John Green, the chairperson of the Glasnevin Trust, who said, ‘the new Ireland that we are pursuing is one of peace and reconciliation and we want it to be as inclusive as possible.’ It was a genuine act of conciliation - to create a memorial wall where everyone, without any rank or status, is listed.

Rev Morrow added: “There is, underlying this, a sense they are entering into a new Ireland and that they don’t want to go back to the old days of violence and the pursuit of the republican ideal by such measures - I think that is the general mood throughout this country.”

In his address, John Green of the Glasnevin Trust said: “Behind each and every one of these lost lives is a story of heartbreak, no matter what side the person served on or indeed for those innocently caught up in the conflict,” he said.

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“One hundred years on we believe this memorial reflects the time we live in, with the overwhelming majority of the Irish people wishing to live in peace and in reconciliation.”

The official unveiling was carried out by local school children, while acting taoiseach Enda Kenny laid a wreath.

Mr Ford said: “This memorial is inspired by the International Memorial of Notre Dame de Lorette in France, which records names from all sides of the First World War battlefields in alphabetical order without any distinction of nationality, rank or religion.

“To do so with those who died in the Easter Rising shows a mature, respectful way to commemorate the events of Easter 1916.

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“It is vital we explore the consequences of violence and do not seek to glorify it.”

The justice minister added: “Alliance recognises the importance of the decade of centenaries and we have considered all invitations to events on an individual basis.

“The centenaries have an important place, given we must all respect and learn from history. Our attendance at commemorative events which uphold the principles of reconciliation and building a shared future reflects that.”

Dublin’s Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh was absent from yesterday’s ceremony. Cllr Ni Dhalaigh was represented by independent councillor Ruairi McGinley, who told the Irish Times that Ms Ni Dhalaigh was not in attendance because of “a family emergency”.

Her absence, he said, was “absolutely not for political reasons”.

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