Over 200 people gathered at the gravesides of two Irish revolutionaries today, showing their respect for Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith 100 years on from their deaths.
The Tanaiste, the Justice Minister, the Garda Commissioner and members of the Grifith and Collins families were all in attendance for the ceremony, which took place in Glasnevin Cemetery.
Former Justice Minister and a grand-niece of Michael Collins, Nora Owens, was moved by the turnout:
"I've been coming here every year at this time, and obviously this is a very special day. And I'm absolutely honoured to see the number of people young, old, middle-aged and young children being brought here to hear all about Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins."
Another grand neice Geraldine Dalton led the prayers at both gravesides.
The Tanaiste gave a speech, referring to Collins as a “leader of action” and to Griffith as a “leader of thought”.
Though he took an opportunity to comment on the Sinn Fein formed by Arthur Griffith and that of his opposition today:
"As we all know, the name Sinn Féin was later used by those who never tried to understand the principles for which people like Griffith and Collins had given their lives, nor to follow them."
Another commemorative event will take place at Béal na Bláth next saturday, to mark 100 years since the ambush death of Michael Collins.
