RTE's Centenary concert was a HUGE hit with viewers
It was a weekend of immense national pride as the 1916 centenary celebrations reached their peak with commemoration ceremonies, parades and so much more taking place across the country, culminating in last night's televised Centenary concert at the Bord Gais theatre.
Always a nation to quickly poke fun at ourselves, there was very little to cringe at in last night's show with an eclectic mix of music, dance and spoken word showcasing some of the country's greatest talents.
It was even compared to how we all felt when we first watched River Dance back in 1994, with the hashtag #ProudtobeIrish trending on Twitter for the night.
The show, which was created and executive produced by CiliaN Fennell, saw performances from the likes of Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O’Reilly, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, and Seo Linn, while President Michael D. Higgins closed out the night with a powerful, emotive speech.
Here's Danny O'Reilly from The Coronas, his sister Róisín O'Reilly and cousin Aoife Scott singing their version of 'Grace' in Kilmanham Gaol to give you a taster.
While the night also featured this beautful reading of the Proclamation by Irish people around the world...
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The Proclamation is read by people around the world as part of 'Centenary', a performance of the 1916 Risinghttps://t.co/0MIL0oloNL
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 28, 2016
Here's what the folk of Twitter had to say;
#Centenary is an absolutely brilliant & beautiful production. Such a proud night for all involved & all watching. 🇮🇪☘ðŸ'šðŸ'ÂÂðŸÂ»
— Angela Scanlon (@angelascanlon) March 28, 2016
Also great that some of modern Ireland's catastrophic failures aren't being airbrushed out of #Centenary either
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 28, 2016
Centenary is evidence that RTE can rise to the big occasions with style, taste and efficiency. Spectacular viewing. #Centenary
— Hilary A White (@HAWhiteK) March 28, 2016
Aw lads, this montage of the diaspora reading the proclamation might actually make me cry. So moved. #Centenary #Ireland2016 #rte1916
— Nicola Lyons (@nicolamlyons) March 28, 2016
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On a side note #Centenary shows the world class quality of Irish musicians, dancers, Theatre and Television professionals. #pride
— Jim Sheridan (@Jim_Sheridan) March 28, 2016
Anybody else feeling this while watching #Centenary? #IrishandProud @RTEOne pic.twitter.com/4wJR5OKieR
— RTÉ 2fm (@RTE2fm) March 28, 2016
Uachtarán na hÉireann nails it. Art is the soul of this republic, and must be treasured and supported. #Centenary
— Philly McMahon (@McMahonPhilly) March 28, 2016
The joy to have a President passionate to his fingertips about the nation he represents #Centenary
— Angela Dorgan (@angela_dorgan) March 28, 2016
Goosebumps #Centenary
— Darragh Doyle (@darraghdoyle) March 28, 2016
A little bit of Reeling in the Years, a smidge of Riverdance but mostly the very best of this country put together with love ðŸ'š#Centenary
— Roisin Ingle (@roisiningle) March 28, 2016
Cilian Fennell produced this TV masterpiece. He has done the State some serious service. Such a beautiful job. ðŸ'ðŸ»ðŸ'ðŸ»ðŸ'ðŸ»#Centenary
— Roisin Ingle (@roisiningle) March 28, 2016
All credit to @rte - what a supreme weekend and a beautifully produced #Centenary Concert - thought, imagination & care - congratulations!
— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) March 28, 2016