Photos: Pat Shortall
The sun shone as over 100 people gathered at Kilkenny’s Peace Park. Representatives from Australia, Turkey and New Zealand were in attendance, as were people from many Irish counties. Also present were various politicians.
At 16.30 hours, Commandant Larry Scallan assumed his position. A long whistle sounded, and proceedings got underway. It was Anzac Sunday, a day when those who fought in WWI were remembered. Guests of honour included Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael McCarthy and Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Mayor of Kilkenny. Representing the New Zealand embassy was Mr Michael Gaskin, Deputy Head of Mission while Australia was represented by Ms Chantell Taylor, the Australian Ambassador Designate and James Hazell, Chargé d’Affaires. Mr Alper Özcan, Deputy Head of Mission represented the Turkish embassy. Dáil Éireann was represented by TDs John McGuinness, Catherine Callaghan, and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. Cathaoirleach Cllr Fergal Browne represented Carlow County Council while Cllr Declan Barry represented Waterford.
The event marked the 110th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand landings at Gallipoli (now known as ANZAC cove). The sacrifice made by both countries during the eight-month long campaign quickly began to symbolize the emergence of their national identity. The Kilkenny Great War Memorial stands testament to over 830 men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. Like all soldiers who were recruited in Ireland during the war, Anzacs were volunteer soldiers. Conscription was never introduced in Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Each year, on April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders come together to honour their people who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ and is one of the most important national celebrations across Australia and New Zealand. 123 people from Kilkenny served in the Anzac forces. Twenty-two soldiers and one nurse died.
Thanks Kilkenny
Chantell Taylor from the Australian embassy thanked the large attendance for remembering the brave men and women who participated with the Anzacs. “This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee for organising today’s ceremony,” said Ms Taylor. Chantell explained that Anzac Day is a sacred day of national remembrance for Australia and New Zealand.
Before dawn on the 25th of April 1915, the first soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the Anzacs – landed on the shores of Gallipoli. That same day, 27kms away, Irish troops from the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Munster Fusiliers, landed at ‘V’ beach at Cape Hellas. The Anzac and Irish regiments were part of a broader British and French-led campaign aiming to neutralise the Turkish artillery preventing Allied naval forces from reaching Constantinople.
Concluding her speech the Ambassador designate said “Since 1915, Anzac Day has become one of the most important dates in our calendar. At first, it gave people a chance to honour the original Anzac’s but has since become a day to honour all who have worn our countries’ uniforms in service.”
Humbled
Speaking on behalf of the Turkish government Alper Özcan spoke of attending his first Anzac day celebration in the Grangegorman Military Cemetery. “Being there under the soaking rain and cold and in the presence of the Martyrs and heroes of the Great War was a humbling experience,” said Mr Ozcan.
“Today,” continued Alper “I am honoured to speak to you here at the Great War memorial in Kilkenny, and to say that one of the aims of the Great War was to dismantle the Ottomans, and the Gallipoli campaign was meant to be lethal maneuver en route to realize invasion of İstanbul, which would knock the Empire out of the war and therefore would ease the transport of military aid from the Great Britain and France to the Russian Empire. Instead it became one of the turning points of Turkish history. As we fought a life and death struggle, we have also found our national identity,” concluded Mr Özcan.
Profound place
The New Zealand embassy was represented by Mr Michael Gaskin, Deputy Head of Mission who said “Anzac Day holds a profound place in New Zealand’s national identity. Each year on April 25th, we pause to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the New Zealand soldiers who fought alongside Australian troops in the First World War. This campaign, though a military defeat, marked a defining moment for New Zealand as a nation, helping to forge a distinct sense of identity. On this day, we honour not only those who lost their lives at Gallipoli, but also all New Zealanders who have served and continue to serve in conflicts around the world.”
Tormented lives
Closing proceedings at the War memorial, Donal Croghan thanked the attendance at the South East Ireland commemorations event to remember those who served and died with the ANZAC Forces in WWI. Donal reminded the gathering that Anzacs from Ireland included 18 from Carlow, 29 from Kilkenny, 61 from Tipperary, 36 from Waterford and 28 from Wexford. The chairman also asked the attendees to remember those who survived the conflict and returned home, many of whom suffered from injuries and mental torment for the rest of their lives.
Music on the day was provided by The Unity Singers and director John O’Neill, while piper Finbarr McCarthy played ‘The Pipers Lament’ and ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’. ‘Reveille’ and ‘The Last Post’ were performed by John Egan and Christine Kavanagh, during which the Irish flag was raised by Bobby Kearney (O.N.E.). Other participants on the day included New Zealander Bernie Bass, Australian Brock Lewin, and Edward Carson.
Great credit must go to the Great War Memorial committee who spent many hours in preparing the day and to Mr Ray Brophy for supplying and operating the sound. Mary Anne Maher was in charge of administration, while St. Canice’s Credit Union sponsored the wreath holders.
WREATH LAYING ORDER
Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Mc Carthy and Mayor Cllr Andrew McGuinness
Australian Embassy Chantell Taylor
Deputy Head of Mission Mr Michael Gaskin, New Zealand Embassy
Deputy Head of Mission Mr Alper Özcan of the Turkish Embassy
Carlow County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Fergal Browne
Waterford City and County Council Cllr Declan Barry.
Representative of the Commanding Officer 3RD Infantry Battalion James Stephens Barracks, Second Lieutenant, Dean Bray
Sergeant J.P. Holland of Kilkenny Garda Station
Kilkenny Fire Service, Mr John Collins, Chief Fire Officer
President of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee Mr Paddy Horohan
Representing the 18th Regiment of Foot Royal Irish Regiment and South Irish Horse Association, Mrs Ann Marie Cosgrave
Representing the O.N.E South Tipperary Branch, Tony Cosgrave
O.N.E. Kilkenny Branch, Mr Gus Hennessy
U.N.Veteran’s Commandant (retired), Mr Larry Scallan
Edward and Janette Carson on behalf of Moree RSL, New South Wales
Representative of St Canice’s Credit Union, Ms Jackie Kealy and Collette Comerford
