The executed 1916 Easter Rising leaders faced death with courage and dignity and helped shape the future destiny of the state, an annual commemoration event heard today.
The Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith said the ill-fated revolt gave Ireland its freedom and had a profound effect on the national psyche.
Dr Smith made his remarks in his homily at the annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill cemetery in Dublin, where the dead rebels are buried.
President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern attended today's event marking the 90th anniversary of the first executions of the leaders at Kilmainham Gaol.
Also in attendance were former taoisigh Liam Cosgrave and Garret FitzGerald as well as opposition politicians and members of the judiciary and diplomatic corps.
Relatives of 1916 and War of Independence veterans included Father Joseph Mallin (92), the only surviving child of executed 1916 leader Michael Mallin.
Dr Smith said that even though some people continue to disagree with the Rising, it led to the foundation of the State and the leaders firmly believed that their actions were right.
"Those who gave their lives in 1916 believed they acted in accordance with the demands that their informed conscience placed upon them.
"Their faith gave them that immense courage and dignity with which they faced death. In that courage and dignity they gave substance to the cause they espoused. The courage and dignity with which they faced death had a profound effect on the national psyche, changing it utterly."
The bishop said he felt the patriots wanted to reaffirm their national identity in the same way as the founding of the GAA and the Gaelic League.
"It is not by accident that among those we honour and remember this day were poets, teachers and philosophers. They felt that their act of foolishness and bravery was necessary if that identity was not to be lost.
"In conscience they firmly believed that their actions were right. That is why they merit our respect and our gratitude. They were men of immense selflessness and passion, inspired by a profound love for their country.
"They were willing to give up their greatest possession, their lives, so that the spark of freedom and nationhood would be kept alive in the hearts and minds of the Irish people."
PA