INFORMATION NOTICE
State Ceremonial Event / Battle of Ashbourne Re-enactment
at Rath Cross, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
Introduction
Synchronised wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at a number of locations across the State at 13.15, on Monday 28 March, 2016 to commemorate all those who gave their lives in the Easter 1916 Rising, in the cause of Irish Freedom.
The Ashbourne State Ceremonial Event will take place at Rath Cross, Ashbourne and will commence at 12.15. The ceremony contains the following formal elements:
· the reading of the Proclamation by an Officer of the Defence Forces,
· a wreath-laying ceremony, two wreaths to be laid at the Monument at Rath Cross,
· a minute of silence,
· a Defence Forces Officer plays Piper’s Lament,
· the Last Post played by a bugler from the Defence Forces,
· the raising of the National Flag,
· Reveille played by a bugler from the Defence Forces and
· the National Anthem sung by Johnny Logan.
This event will also include
· the reading of Thomas Ashe’s poem ‘Let Me Carry Your Cross for Ireland’ by Róisin Rankin,
· a choir song from the Fingal Gospel Choir and
· the unveiling of a memorial plaque.
A number of events have been organised on the 28th March 2016, to complement the State Ceremonial Event. The programme includes the ‘Re-enactment of the Battle of Ashbourne’ at 10.45, which will conclude at 11.40, with music between the Re-enactment and the State Ceremonial Event. Following the State Ceremonial Event, music will be provided by Meath and Fingal Comhaltas musicians accompanied by the Philadelphia Marching Band and the Black Raven Pipe Band.
Summary of Event
· The gates will open at 10.00
· The Battle of Ashbourne Re-enactment will commence at 10.45.
· The State ceremony will commence at 12.15.
· The community concert will commence at 13.45
· The event will end at 15.00
The gates will open at 10am
Please bring your wristband with you, as access will be limited to a specific number and the security on the gate will not have access to the names of the people attending. Access without a wristband will not be permitted.
Please dress for inclement weather as there will be no covered area and umbrellas will not be permitted (as this is an event viewed from a standing position and umbrellas will affect the views by other people attending the event).
If you require special assistance on the day, please let us know by replying to
In the interest of safety, please obey the instructions from the stewards / security personnel on the day.
Travelling to Rath Cross, Ashbourne, Co Meath.
Car Parking
Car parking is available beside the site in the Ashbourne Retail Park. Access to this car park will be from the Ballybin Road (from Ratoath) throughout the event or from the old N2 (Slane Road roundabout) between 9am and 10.30am.
There is car parking available in Ashbourne town centre for traffic attending the event from a Southerly direction (Dublin).
Public Transport
If you are travelling to Ashbourne by public transport please note Ashbourne is served by Bus Eireann routes 105 and 103. Further information is available from the Bus Eireann website, www.buseireann.ie. Or by phoning 1850 836 611
Road Closures/Traffic Flow
(a) The R135 (Ashbourne) from its junction at Rath Cross the L-5018-23 (Ballymadun Road) to its junction with the L-50192-0 (Castle Street) from 04.00hrs to 19.00hrs, Monday, 28th March, 2016.
(b) The L-5018-16 (Ballybin Road) from its junction with the R135 (Ashbourne) to its junction with the R125 (Ratoath) from 04.00hrs to 19.00hrs, Monday, 28th March, 2016.
Alternative Routes:
· Local diversions will be signposted.
· Northbound traffic through Ashbourne will be diverted via the M2.
· Southbound traffic through Ashbourne will be diverted via the M2.
· Traffic travelling from Ashbourne to Ratoath (and travelling from Ratoath to Ashbourne) will be diverted via the R125.
Associated Events
On Sunday 27th and Monday 28th March in Ashbourne Community Centre from 10.45 – 17.30, there will be a Living History Showcase setting out the events of the 1916 Rising within a broader Irish and European historical context.
Further information
The State Ceremonial Event in Ashbourne is part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. Further details in relation to the seven strands of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and the full range of varied events, initiatives outlined under each strand can be found on the website www.ireland.ie .
Information regarding the local programme of events and the Ashbourne State Ceremonial Event can be found on the following website www.meath.ie
Onsite facilities
· There will be toilet facilities at the Ballybin Road and at the Ashbourne Town end of the Re-enactment area.
· A First Aid/Lost Child tent will be set up on the Ballybin Road.
· Wristband access to this event is for standing room only.
· There will be no food/drink for sale within the event site, so if required you should bring your own snacks/refreshments with you.
· This is a family event and no alcohol will be permitted within the event site.