Mass in New Haven to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland

NEW HAVEN - There will be a Mass for peace and a flag raising ceremony to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland at 9 a.m. Sunday on the city Green

Following the Mass, a ceremony to honor the men and woman who fought for Irish independence will take place, organizers said in a release.

"This annual public ceremony in New Haven...in its 24th year, serves as a reminder to all ethnic groups that freedom and liberty carry a high price," organizers said in the release. "Local honorees are remembered in a roll call and the original ‘Proclamation of Freedom’ will be read."

The 1916 Easter Uprising occurred when about 1,000 men and women captured the General Post Office building in Dublin, Ireland in another effort to break the bonds of British rule and gain independence for their country, the release said. "This became a key turning point on the road to Irish independence. This is the 98th anniversary of the event."

"This year is also the 33rd anniversary of the Hunger Strike at Long Kesh Prison. In 1981, Irish republican volunteers in a British jail on Irish soil undertook a fast to death to retain their status as political prisoners."

Police and Fire Emerald Societies and state and local political officials are encouraged to attend, organizers said. Please call for arrangements. For information about the mass/ceremony, contact Joe Lynch at 203-483-4574 or lynch68@sbcglobal.net or Margaret Prendergast at mspren@snet.net

Following the Flag Raising ceremony, there will be an Irish Breakfast fundraiser at 10:30 a.m. at The Playwright Irish Pub, 1232 Whitney Ave., Hamden. This is a benefit for the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For information and reservations contact Joanne Connor, 203-668-0942 or events@stpatricksdayparade.org Tickets in advance are $15 at the door. Visit www.stpatricksdayparade.org for more information.

The flag raising event will take place rain or shine. If the need to move indoors arises, it will be held at The Playwright. Tune in to FoxCT or WPLR-99.1 FM on Sunday morning for information.