Kaleidoscoping Centennial Memories (2012–23) in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin

Abstract

Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin is appraised here as a space of memory; a nexus for people from the area and Ireland, containing ordinary graves, but also monuments of national figures. According to the state website—Decade of Centenaries: “The period 1912–22 was one of the most eventful in Ireland’s history… (the centennial) aims to commemorate each step… in a tolerant, inclusive and respectful way.” It is understood this includes the Civil War period (1922–23), occasioned by the Anglo-Irish Treaty and partition of the island (1921). Reference is made to student exploratory projects carried out in 2017. Framing of metanarratives is reviewed in contexts focalizing on WWI centennials and current national issues. The UK’s Brexit Referendum to leave the EU took place (2016), with majorities in Northern Ireland and Scotland voting to remain. People were reminded of the burdens of history but also development progress achieved since Ireland and the UK joined the EU (1973), and how membership facilitated the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and Peace Process bringing an end to armed violence (1968–98) in Northern Ireland.