WATCH - Irish Proclamation re-enactment on steps of Derry's Guildhall

Joe Dunn and other volunteers from Tar Abhaile re-enact the 1916 reading of Irish Proclamation outside of the Guildhall on Wednesday.

A re-enactment of the reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in 1916 took place on the steps on the Guildhall on Wednesday.

The re-enactment signalled the launch of Coiste Doire’s programme of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The programme was launched by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Elisha McCallion, on the 97th anniversary of the death of Derry Volunteer, Dan McGandy, who was killed near Derry’s quay on January 20, 1919.

Speakers at the event included Sinn Fein councillor, Mickey Cooper, National Commemorations Co-ordinator, Bartle D’Arcy and Sinn Fein MLA for Foyle, Raymond McCartney.

“I would like to congratulate the organising committee for this event today for the amazing programme of events,” said Mr. McCartney.

“Like many have said here today, the 1916 Rising does not belong to any political party - it belongs to the people of Ireland. This programme of events is as diverse as it is inclusive and I am excited about the next few months,” he added.

An event celebrating the writings and the ideals of the leaders of the Easter Rising will take place in the Glassworks on February 2.

A lecture titled ‘James Connolly and his legacy’ is due to take place in Holywell DiverseCity Community Partnership Building on March 11.

Music also plays an important part in the programme; a specially commissioned work to mark 1916 entitled ‘Ireland Easter Rising: An Echo of the Past - A Vision of the Future’ with a 50 piece orchestra will feature at the Millennium Forum on April.

For a full copy of the Coiste Derry Commemorative Events Programme 1916-2016 contact your local Sinn Fein office.