Kilkenny commemorates first Dáil

The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Eamon Aylward, led a commemoration of the centenary of the first meeting of Dáil Eireann on January 21, 1919 at an event of remembrance and celebration held by Kilkenny County Council at County Hall on Monday January 21.
The first Dáil met at Dublin’s Mansion House just 6 weeks after the December 1918 general election of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland. The meeting of the first Dáil claimed the right of Ireland to self government.
Kilkenny’s part in this significant historic event was remembered, including the role of the two Kilkenny MPs W.T. Cosgrave and James O’Mara, neither of whom attended the meeting of the first Dáil. W.T. Cosgrave was incarcerated in England and James O’Mara, as a Sinn Fein deputy did not attend for fear of arrest. Both men went on to play significant roles in the governance structures of the new Dáil in the following years.

Role of Women
Also remembered at the commemoration was the significance of women achieving a vote in the 1918 general election. Speaking at the event Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh said “I am conscious that without the campaigning courage of the women of a century ago I wouldn’t be here today as the longest serving woman on Kilkenny County Council.” Cllr Cavanagh paid tribute to those women who campaigned to “play a part in public life and have their voices heard,” and acknowledged the part played in the suffrage movement in Ireland by women such as Mrs Moya Bligh.
Young people from Comhairle na n’Og attended the event and were encouraged by the speakers to maintain and promote active engagement for all in politics regardless of gender or age.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Eamon Aylward thanked the representatives of the 3rd Infantry Battalion from James Stephens Barracks for the attendance of their flag party and reminded all present that it was a day of celebration as well as a commemoration “we are celebrating Irish democracy, and its endurance.”
The celebration ended with the planting of two native oak trees in the grounds of County Hall to commemorate the first Dáil and the achievement of women’s right to vote. Cllr Aylward pointed out that “Planting these trees ensures that we have a reminder of our history, and a symbol of hope for the future.”