Ireland Marks 9/11 Anniversary At Dublin Ceremony

A memorial event was held in Dublin on Sunday to mark the tenth anniversary of the Nine Eleven attacks on the United States.

President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Enda Kenny both attended the "Ceremony of Peace and Reflection" hosted by US Ambassador Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia at the RDS Concert Hall.

Former New York Police Department Lieutenant William Cosgrave, and New York fireman Michael O'Rouke, Thomas O'Rourke and Chief Dan Daly were among the others in attendance.

In her speech, President McAleese said the attacks had a chilling immediacy, with the TV images etched on our minds.

She said Ireland remained "shoulder to shoulder" with America.

A striking piece of crystal, made specifically for the tenth anniversary, was presented to Ambassador Rooney as a gift to the city of New York.

Called "Miracle on Stairwell B", it was specially created by Sean Egan, a master engraver who worked for 35 years at Waterford Crystal.

The ambassador's wife, Patricia Rooney, read the poem "The Names" written by US poet laureate Billy Collins soon after the attacks.

The event also heard the world premiere of an Irish lament, specially commissioned from renowned composer Micheal O'Suilleabhain by the American Ireland Fund.

Called "Termon", which comes from the Gaelic word for sanctuary, it was performed by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, Kieran McLoughlin, said, "This tragic yet beautiful Irish lament by Micheal is a symbolic act of profound solidarity between the Irish people and the people of the United States of America."

The Soul Steps Dance Troupe from New York closed the event with a special step dance pefromance called "Stepping in Remembrance: The Beat Goes On".