90th Anniversary Event

Ceiliúradh agus Comóradh an chruinniú tosaigh den Chéad Dáil Éireann
Príomh-cainteoir: Gerry Adams, Uachtarán Shinn Féin
7pm Dé Céadaoin 21 Eanáir 2009, Teach an Árd Mhéara, Sráid Dawson, Baile Átha Cliath

Celebration and Commemoration to mark the 90th Anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the First Dáil Éireann
Main Speaker: Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Féin
7pm Wednesday 21 January 2009, The Round Room , Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin

The historic Round Room is the venue for the event which begins at 2pm on 21 January. A photographic exhibition will be on display and from 2pm, on the hour, there will be historical walking tours of the Mansion House and the surrounding streets. A commemorative publication issued by the Sinn Féin members of the Oireachtas, including reproductions of the documents adopted by the Dáil on 21 January, will be launched.

At 7pm the evening will begin with a presentation in words and images recalling key events of the First Dáil period. Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald will then host the proceedings which will commence with a presentation to Jack O’Connor, president of SIPTU, marking the centenary this month of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union.

The 1918 General Election was the first in which Irish women had the vote and the only woman elected in Ireland and Britain was Constance Markievicz for Sinn Féin. She became Minister for Labour in the First Dáil, one of the first women Government ministers in the world. To emphasise the role of women in the struggle special presentations will be made to women elected representatives of Sinn Féin.

The keynote speaker on 21 January will be Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams. He is expected to set out in his speech the need for all republicans to re-focus on the goal of Irish reunification as well as the continuing relevance of the First Dáil’s Democratic Programme, especially in an economic climate where rights and living standards are under attack.
• Admission to the Mansion House on 21 January is free and all are welcome.

An Chéad Dáil Éireann – 90th Anniversary Programme of Events

Where: Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin 2. When: Wednesday January 21st 2009 from 2pm

Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD and Mary Lou McDonald MEP will today launch the party’s An Chéad Dáil Éireann commemorative pack which includes reproductions of the documents adopted by the Dáil on January 21st 1919 as well as 20 page brochure charting the historic events that led to the first Dáil.

Daytime Events from 2pm
The historic Round Room is the venue for the event which begins at 2pm. A photographic exhibition will be on display. There will be historical walking tours of the Mansion House and the surrounding streets on the hour.

Evening Events from 7pm
Traditional music:
James Mahon, Niamh Denameade, Darren Magee

Opening and welcome – Mary Lou McDonald, MEP, Sinn Féin National Chairperson

Comoradh re-enact the events leading up to An Chead Dáil and it’s first meeting here in the Mansion House 90 years ago today.

Song – James Connelly – by Mary Mullen

8pm
Presentation to Jack O’Connor by Caoimghín O’Caoláin, TD to mark the 100th anniversary of SIPTU (ITGWU).

Presentation of a James Connolly painting by republican artist and head of Sinn Féin’s Trade Union department – Caoilfhionn Ni Dhonnabhain

Song –’Oró Sé do Bheatha a Bhaile’ by Pádraig Mac Piarais – by Mary Mullen

Presentation to a group of women elected representatives by Sinn Féin  Ard Runái Rita O’Hare to mark the election of Constance Markievicz to the First Dáil and her appointment as Minister for Labour – one of the first women to be elected to government.

8:45pm
Keynote speech – Gerry Adams, President Sinn Fein, MP, MLA.

Closing Remarks – Mary Lou McDonald, MEP

Amhrán na bhFiann – Mary Mullen

Traditional music and refreshments available.