Ireland will tomorrow (Wednesday) mark the 200th anniversary of the ill-fated rising led by Robert Emmet on July 23, 1803.
The Robert Emmet Association, launched in Dublin in July 2001, is co-ordinating events to mark the anniversary of the rebellion by the United Irishmen this month and the execution of Emmet in Dublin.
Events will include the publication of a book by historian Dr Ruan O Donnell entitled Emmet: Images of the Life and Legacy of Robert Emmet.
The book will be launched by the Republic's Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, at the National Library of Ireland.
It is said to contain rare images and documentation relating to Emmet, including numerous items held by the National Library's manuscripts, prints and drawings department, as well as a selection of the extensive and diverse range of materials that are held in the main collections.
Features include sketches of Emmet when on trial in Green Street Courthouse; an embroidered map of Ireland made by his fiance, Sarah Curran and the working notes of a judge who tried the 1803 conspirators.
Dr O'Donnell is a lecturer at the University of Limerick and has published extensively on the United Irishmen.
A second book, entitled A Visionary Enthusiast – Robert Emmet and his Kerry Connections by Padraig O Concubhair, is due to be launched by the Kerry Historical and Archaeological Society later this month.
The society is also scheduled to hold a commemoration ceremony in St Anne's Churchyard in Blennerville – the reputed site of Emmet's burial.
Meanwhile, Trinity College Dublin (TDC) and the Royal Irish Academy will commemorate the bicentenary of Emmet's execution with a conference on September 10-12.
It will feature an international cast of speakers and be accompanied by an exhibition relating to Emmet's life in Trinity College Library and by screenings of Anne Devlin and rare silent film footage.
Robert Emmet was born in Stephen's Green in Dublin in March 1778 into a socially prominent Protestant family.
He attended Whyte's Academy and TCD but his studies were interrupted by the political upheaval that engulfed Ireland during the 1790s.
He joined the Society of United Irishmen in late 1796 and left Trinity later under the threat of arrest.
Emmet travelled throughout Europe drumming up support for the Irish cause before returning to Ireland to lead the 1803 rebellion. He was forced into hiding after the rising was quelled by British troops, but was arrested in August and hanged on September 20.
Emmet read a lengthy proclamation from the dock, earning his place in the history books as one of Ireland's most famous rebel leaders.
