Photos: Pat Shortall
On Sunday July 2nd, over forty people assembled at the war memorial at Kilkenny’s Peace Park as a mark of respect to those who died at the Battle of The Somme.
Organised by The Great War Memorial Committee, the event included Music, poetry, prayer and wreath laying.
The Kilkenny Observer attended the annual commemoration of The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, which has become a special day in the city.
The battle was fought during the First World War from 1 July to 18 November 1916.
Gathering at the Great War memorial, at The Peace Park, a special commemoration took place to remember those from Kilkenny who died at the Somme.
The short ceremony focussed in particular on the one hundred and twenty six Kilkenny people who lost their lives during the Somme battle.
Chair of the committee, Donal Croghan, delivered a reflection on the battle.
John Joe Cullen read the Siegfried Sassoon poem ‘The Death Bed’ while Fran O’Neill read the prayer ‘O God of Love’.
Wreaths were laid by Michael O’Neill (Chair of Kilkenny County Council), Joe Malone ( Mayor of Kilkenny), Paddy Horohan, ( President of Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee), Liam Barry ( Post 8, U.N. Vets’, and Bobby Kearney (O.N.E)
Following the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ which was read by O.N.E. representative Gus Hennessy, Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) played Reveille.
Mr Croghan thanked everyone for attending and said he very much appreciated the ongoing support from Kilkenny County Council.
Donal paid tribute to the Great War Memorial committee for their untiring work.
