Fianna Fáil’s plan to celebrate 2027 as “The Year of the Normans” has been branded “offensive” by Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who accused the Government of “scraping the barrel of colonialism, imperialism and English royalism.”
The comments come amid reports that Housing Minister James Browne is pushing Cabinet to officially dedicate 2027 as “The Year of the Normans” in cooperation with a trans-European cultural initiative.
“Only a short time has passed since Fine Gael tried to commemorate the Black and Tans, and now Fianna Fáil is trying to go further by dedicating an entire year in celebration of 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror,” Ó Snodaigh said.
“What will they think of next: A Festival of Cromwell? A Famine Queen Jubilee?”
The Dublin South Central TD described William as a “foreign king who never set foot in Ireland” and claimed the proposal represents a snub to native Irish history.
“His birth will be given a higher honour than bestowed by an Irish Government on any figure from Gaelic Irish history,” he said.
“The recent 1500th anniversary of the birth of our patron saint Colmcille passed with little more than a whimper.”
Ó Snodaigh added that no official recognition was given to the 900th anniversary of the first settlement of Galway by High King Toirdhealbhach Mór Ua Conchobhair, despite the significance of the event.
“We Irish know well enough the legacy of William’s successors invading and subjugating Ireland in the name of his English crown,” he said.
“With Strongbow ushering in the 900 years of occupation, with the North still under the descendants of William the Conqueror’s Crown.”
The TD pointed to the official website of the Normandy region, which confirmed that 2027 was selected to mark the millennium of William’s birth under the title “Normans, People of Europe.”
“This is not a commemoration for Ireland,” he said.
“Marking the birth of a future English king is not for us, even if it was 1,000 years ago.”
He said the Government should focus on commemorating historical figures who lived in Ireland and contributed to its culture, including links between Gaelic Ireland and mainland Europe.
“There is no shortage of themes…that deserve our time and our commemorative marking,” he said.
“Rather than scraping the barrel of colonialism, imperialism and English royalism for themed tourism events.”
Ó Snodaigh acknowledged the value of Ireland’s Norman heritage but drew a distinction between recognising its legacy and celebrating its origins.
“We should make the most of Ireland’s Norman heritage to boost tourism…[but] celebrating England’s William the Conqueror, however, is a step too far,” he said.
He also urged greater focus on the Irish language and Gaeltacht, warning of the decline in daily Irish speakers and limited access to Irish-medium education.
“Officialdom relentlessly pushes English as our language of state in spite of the Constitution,” he said.
“Government should also be looking at ways Gaelic Ireland could be celebrated and promoted.”
Cabinet formally approved Ireland’s participation in the initiative on Monday, with the programme to be led by the National Monuments Service and supported by multiple departments and agencies.
“Our Norman history is shared across this island, north and south, and with the UK and wider Europe,” Housing Minister James Browne said.
“From their arrival in Wexford in the late twelfth century, the Normans left their mark in monumental ways.”
He said the commemorations would bring long-term benefits.
“We will build and strengthen links with the Normandy region and further afield,” he said.
“Grow our wonderful tourism offering…[and] deliver concrete achievements with economic and social benefits.”
Heritage Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan also welcomed the project, calling it a chance to “respectfully celebrate” the nation’s layered history.
“It allows us to showcase the unique blend of Norman and Gaelic influences that have shaped our nation,” he said.
“I look forward to collaborating with our European partners…to bring this story to life.”
The Year of the Normans initiative is being spearheaded by the Normandy Region, with events planned across countries that were historically influenced by Norman expansion. Wexford, New Ross and Enniscorthy are among the locations expected to feature prominently in Ireland’s contribution.