Ireland marks 100 years since British handover of power
- The handover was the culmination of years of war and revolution and followed the partition of the island and the creation of Northern Ireland
- Ireland is coming to the end of a so-called ‘decade of centenaries’ that have seen the events leading up to Irish independence remembered and publicly discussed
Ireland on Sunday marked 100 years since the handover of Dublin Castle by British forces, in a ceremony attended by Irish and UK dignitaries.
The deeply symbolic event recognised the transfer of power in Dublin Castle, the seat of British power in Ireland for centuries, following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921.
The actual handover to the Irish Provisional Government 100 years ago was a low-key, hurried affair that was the culmination of years of war and revolution in Ireland. It also came following the partition of the island and the creation of Northern Ireland in 1921.
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, as well as Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, were among those there on Sunday. President Higgins was greeted by a Defence Forces guard of honour as he arrived.
The event was also attended by UK Ambassador in Ireland Paul Johnston. Ireland is coming towards of the end of a so-called “decade of centenaries”, which have seen the events leading up to Irish independence remembered and publicly discussed.
In the months to come, Ireland will also remember the civil war, which was sparked by divisions over the contents of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
Former Irish premiers Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny attended on Sunday, as well as former presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also attended the ceremonial event, which was broadcast live on national broadcaster RTE.