Kinsale will mark the centenary of the handing over of the town's military forts at a ceremony near Charles Fort at noon on Easter Monday.

Organised in conjunction with the County Mayor, Gillian Coughlan and a recently constituted commemoration committee, including local historians: Fergal Browne; Shannon Forde; JJ Hurley;  Diarmuid O' Donovan and Padraig Walsh, the remembrance event has already generated significant public interest.

Acknowledging what the Mayor described as a very respectful programme for the ceremony, she added, 'I would pay 100% credit to the organising committee, who have a considerable interest in telling the story of the town's history and want to bring that narrative to a broader audience.'

'There is a whole generation not taught that story but who are keen now, so the best way to learn history is to experience it and come out and enjoy the programme, making what should be a memorable occasion.'

As well as the Mayor delivering the keynote address, the programme also includes music from Comhaltas Ballinspittle; a reenactment of the handover to the Irish Provisional Government from the departing British army; participation from the Defence Forces and an outline from historian Shannon Forde of events on the day over one hundred years ago.

The Mayor also praised her colleagues on the commemoration committee at County Hall for their support for the event and the assistance of the Council's heritage officer Connor Neligan, whom she described as invaluable.

A graduate in history from Trinity College, Dublin, Mayor Coughlan said, 'This is a meaningful ceremony, marking a seminal moment in the locality and nationally.'

'While we see these as a tourist attraction today and are delighted the OPW preserves them, it's important to remember they were defensive positions.

'Therefore, it is essential we mark when they were handed over to the Irish Free State, and we will do that on Easter Monday.'

While the original handing over took place on February 19th 1922, due to the uncertainty  of COVID restrictions earlier in the year, it was decided to host the event on Easter Monday.

Photo: John Allen Photography