An informal remembrance ceremony marking the centenary of the death of Arthur Griffith, one of Irelands founding fathers will take place on Leinster House Lawn, Friday August 12th.

The event will include a wreath laying ceremony in the garden of Leinster House with descendants of the 3rd President of Ireland participating.

The event is being co-ordinated by Deputy Matt Shanahan (Independent TD for Waterford) who responded to a number of public calls for some recognition of the anniversary date to be marked in Leinster House – Deputy Shanahan sought the permission of the Ceann Comhairle and Clerk of the Dáil to convene a private gathering and is most grateful for the permission he received to carry out such an event.

Although other events are planned to happen outside of Leinster House marking the life and contributions Griffith made to the Irish state, Deputy Shanahan agreed with those who contacted him who called for some remembrance associated with the houses of the Irish Parliament to mark the centenary passing of this great Irish patriot.

‘Considering that Arthur Griffith is one of three gigantic historical figures honoured by the installation of the cenotaph in Leinster House gardens, I felt it fitting that we mark the centenary there and I am delighted that some of Arthur Griffith family members will be in attendance to participate’.

‘I wish also to express my gratitude to those people who for years have championed the memory and legacy of Arthur Griffith, those who have recorded and detailed the historical record and those who took the time and effort to canvass deputies such as myself to ensure that Griffth’s legacy is not diminished or forgotten by our state’. ‘In particular I would like to thank Donal O’ Brollochain, Drumcondra, Dublin whose email to me was the catalyst that inspired this event to happen’.

‘I hope that this remembrance event will mark in some small way, the invaluable and inestimable contribution Arthur Griffth made to the foundation of our self-governing, Independent Irish State and will help to ensure that recognition of his legacy and sacrifice endures in the Ireland of tomorrow’ Deputy Shanahan says.

-ENDS-

NOTES ON EVENT

The event is scheduled for 12 noon Friday 12th of August – Leinster House Lawn
The event is open to Oireachtas members and staff but given security and manpower constraints is not open to the public
Family members and those associated with preserving Griffths historical record have been invited privately
There is an event in Glasnevin Cemetery to happen over the weekend which will also honour Arthur Griffth

MEDIA QUERIES

Matt Shanahan T.D.

086-2681551

matt.shanahan@oireachtas.ie