'Flags For Schools' Initiative Launched At St Patrick's N.S. Co Mayo

The 'Flags for Schools' initiative, a major part of the governments programme of events to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising, has been launched by the Taoiseach and the Arts and Education Ministers.

As part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces, will present the National Flag and a copy of the proclamation to every primary school in the country, beginning today at St. Patrick’s N.S. Rehins, Cornanool, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co Mayo.

This is the first in a series of ceremonies which will take place in more than 3,300 national schools across the country, including special schools, and is a major element of the State’s programme to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

Speaking at today’s event Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "We are here today for the very first of over three thousand events like this, as Óglaigh na hÉireann, our Defence Forces begin to present the Irish tricolour and the 1916 Proclamation to every primary and special school in the land.

"In being here, we are helping to remember the great sacrifice of the people who fought in 1916 and after, so that this flag could be flown by its people, and that this nation could take its place among the world’s free nations."

Arts Minister Heather Humphreys added: "Through the delivery of the National Flag to every primary school in the country, children will gain a greater understanding of the work of the Defence Forces and the importance of our National Flag, which symbolises the aspiration for peace between the different traditions on this island. I hope the thousands of ceremonies which take place across the country in the coming months will leave our schoolchildren with a positive and lasting memory from the commemorations."

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan thanked teachers and pupils from primary and post primary schools for getting involved: "Next year's programme of activity to engage with the events and themes around 1916 is exciting and innovative.

"The response so far has been very positive and we are asking all schools to get involved – particularly in time for Proclamation Day on the 15th March next year where we will ask all schools and further and higher institutes to open their doors to the community and present the various projects which our young people have developed in relation to 1916."

(MH)