Frank McGuinness’ iconic Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme was first staged in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in 1985. 2016 is a momentous year of Irish anniversaries, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, and as such it is a timely moment| Frank McGuinness’ iconic Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme was first staged in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in 1985. 2016 is a momentous year of Irish anniversaries, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, and as such it is a timely moment