Transforming 1916 Meaning Memory And The Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Easter Rising

The fiftieth anniversary of the Easter Rising has been remembered as a moment of unrestrained triumphalism which fuelled divisions between unionists and nationalists. Indeed there exists in Ireland a dual memory through which 1966 has become as mythical and misunderstood as 1916. David Trimble has written that 1916 had a particular legacy for the North, as the 50th anniversary of the rebellion started the destabilisation of Ulster. For Trimble, the orgy of self-congratulation that accompanied the commemoration had a devastating impact on the position of moderate politics in Northern Ireland.