The period 1912-1922 is very significant in Irish history and in the creation of the Irish state. It included: the Ulster Covenant, foundation of the Irish Volunteers; the passing of the Home Rule Bill; the 1913 Lock-Out; the First World War; the 1916 Rising; extension of the franchise; the 1918 General Election; the formation of Dáil Éireann; the War of Independence and the Civil War. A national programme, the Decade of Centenaries, has been established to provide an ongoing programme of annual commemorations with special centenary commemorative events on the anniversaries of key events.

Waterford City and County Council are proud to take part in the commemorations for the Decade of Centenaries. Waterford played an active part in many of the national events commemorated and Waterford also has, in this period, its own triumphs and tragedies that it is the honour of Waterford City and County Council to remember and commemorate.