“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Photos by Pat Shortall
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.
The month of April marks the 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 Gallipoli campaign quickly began to symbolize the emergence of their national identity.
This identity exemplified by ANZAC day, The National Day of Remembrance in Australia, and New Zealand.
The Kilkenny Great War Memorial stands testament to over 830 men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.
Included on its panels the names of 20 ANZAC soldiers and one nurse (Kathleen Power), all who were from Co Kilkenny.
Surnames like, Mulroney, Deevy, Dunphy, Doyle, Butler, Purcell, Leahy, Power, and Langton all bear testament to Kilkenny roots. Parish of origin include St Johns, Clara, Paulstown, Graignamanagh, Callan, Freshford and Aghavillar to name but a few.
Like all soldiers who were recruited in Ireland during the war, ANSZACS were volunteer soldiers. Conscription was never introduced in Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
On Sunday April 21st, almost 100 people gathered at the ww1 war memorial at The Peace Park on John’s Quay to remember this special day.
Representatives from the embassies of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey were in attendance as were officials and councillors from Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary.
Kilkenny’s James Stephens barracks was represented by Commandant Jim Murray while Sergeant David Gorman represented the Kilkenny Gardaí.
Seeds of awareness
Speaking at the event, the Second Secretary from the Embassy of the republic of Turkey spoke of his delight to be in attendance. In a very heartfelt speech, Mr Mehmet Ege Ersen said “out of conflict, the seeds of national awareness were sown for Turkiye, the Anzacs and Ireland.”
“All those who fought, showed remarkable heroism, gallantry and human respect”, said Mehmet.
National Consciousness
James Hazell, Deputy Head of Missions at the Australian embassy, spoke of the enormous affect the Gallipoli campaign had on his country. “In Australia it marked a moment when a new kind of National consciousness came into being. It has always held special significance in commemorating those who took part, not only in the Great War, but in all the conflicts and Peacekeeping missions the followed”.
New Zealand
Mr Ernest Stokes , of the New Zealand Embassy spoke of the trauma that was inflicted on Europe during WW1. “ New Zealanders will forever have a place in their hearts for those who made up the Anzacs and they will be forever in our hearts. We will never forget them”, said Mr Stokes
A word of thanks
Chairman of the Kilkenny Great War memorial committee Mr Donal Croghan, thanked everyone who took part in the Anzac Day celebrations which now included bodies from the South East. Mr Croghan said that the amount of planning such events was enormous and his committee were very grateful to all who participated.
The hour long event which took place in glorious April sunshine was attended by close to 100 people. The commemoration was enhanced greatly by The Unity singers and John O’Neill, Finbarr McCarthy (piper)
Berni Egan (who read the prayer of remembrance), and John Joe Cullen who recited a poem ‘Our Nameless Dead’. ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ was read in English by Mr Tom Burke, and in Maori by Wendi O’Keeffe.
The Last Post and Reveille were played by Michael Furlong retired company sergeant U.N veterans and The Irish Flag raised to full mast by Michael Dawson.
Wreath Laying
The following Laid wreaths on the day: Michael Doyle (chair of Kilkenny County Council), James Hazell ( Australian Embassy), Ernest Stokes ( New Zealand Embassy) Mehmet Ege Ersen ( Turkish Embassy), Cllr. Joe Malone ( Mayor of Kilkenny) Cllr. Eugene McGuinness (Kilkenny County Council). Cllr Jody Power (Waterford County Council), Cmmt. Jim Murray, (James Stephens Barracks), John Collins (chief Fire Officer), Sergeant David Gorman (Kilkenny Gardaí), John Sheehan (Royal Dublin Fusileers) Kay Nagle (Reg’ of foot Royal Irish Regiment and South Irish horse association), Tony Cosgrave (O.N.E. South Tipperary), Brian Moroney (Royal Dublin Fusileers) Gus Hennessy (O.N.E) Jim Free (Nth Ireland) Paddy Horohan (Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee).
