The commemorative programmes started with the opening of the exhibition Parallel Uprisings 1916/1956 in Dublin City University's St. Patrick's Library followed by a service of remembrance held in St Mary's Pro Cathedral in the evening to commemorate the sacrifice of the Hungarian Revolutionaries of 1956. Bence Rétvári, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary spoke at the event, as well as Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann and István Pálffy Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland.
Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin mentioned in his sermon that he heard about the 1956 Revolution on the radio as a child and all the memories are still fresh in his mind of the time when the Hungarian people achieved their freedom, even if it was just for a short time. The Archbishop considered the Hungarian people a nation which loves and appreciates freedom. Bence Rétvári thanked the Irish people who helped the refugees in 1956 in his address and emphasized that Hungary will be forever grateful for that.
The programmes were sponsored by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight 60th anniversary Memorial Board.