Photos jbskilkenny
The WW1 monument at the Peace Park in Kilkenny, has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it was unveiled in 2018. Displaying over 800 names of Kilkenny men and women who took part in WW1, the memorial has been visited by locals and tourists alike. Many visit to remember a relative who fought and died, while others stop and offer a silent prayer for those who suffered in this most tragic war.
Last week, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper attended a memorial to remember Pte Michael Green. Among the eighty strong attendance, were descendants of Mr Green, who crossed the Atlantic to be present. They included Mrs Gerry Green, Meaghan Green-Newhall, Shawn Newhall and Gerry’s grandchildren Ava, Shamus and Maureen Newhall. Mrs Green spoke of the pride she felt representing her late husband John, who himself was an American Vietnam war veteran. “John was a man who was deeply proud of his roots and he was over the moon when he officially became an Irish citizen in 2018”, said Gerry. “That deep bond is what brought our extended family across to Ireland and Kilkenny in 2018 to attend the official unveiling ceremony of this magnificent memorial”, continued Mrs Green. She thanked friends from Piltown Martin Gordon and Maura Trainor Logan for the friendship and support. “John Green became a benefactor to the Kilkenny memorial because he knew what it meant to leave home for war and he felt a deep personal duty to ensure that Private Michael Green was never forgotten”, said Gerry. She thanked all involved for the ceremony to remember Michael and said the occasion was so very special.
Concluding her address Gerry said: “As America marks its historic 250th anniversary, this memorial reminds us that the fight for liberty is a shared global legacy and we as a family are proud that Pvt Michael Green’s name is etched in the soil of his home.
Candles lit
Following the lighting of a candle by Gerry Green, to remember Michael, Mary Anne Maher gave an overview of Michaels life and his army career. The research undertaken by Mary Anne was then presented to Gerry Green, while Donal Croghan presented her with a memorial scarf representing the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the United States.
Michael Green’s parents, James Green and Mary Phelan were married in Carrigbeg Church, Carrick on Suir, on the 28 October 1880.
Michael was born on the 13 September 1882, with an address registered as Ballygowan, parish of Fiddown.
Michael enlisted in Merthyr, Wales on the 7 September 1914 to the 6th Bn. Royal Munster Fusiliers (Service No: 3037). He transferred to the Royal Irish Regiment (Service No: 3100) on the 15 January 1915 .
His service record shows that on the 25/08/1915 he was recorded as Missing in Gallipoli on 16/08/1915.
*08/01/1916 reported as Missing 16/08/1915
*04/12/1916 regarded for official purposes as having died on or since 16 August 1915.
Michael has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial Addenda Panel 208, Turkey, where there are 63 Royal Irish Regiment Soldiers recorded on this memorial. The memorial also includes thirteen other Kilkenny soldiers from a number of different regiments.
The official notification from the War Office Cork Station was issued on the 9 December 1916 to Michael’s next of kin, noting that there was no further news since Michael had been reported missing and that the war office have concluded that he was dead and that his death took place on the 16 August 1915.
A privilege
The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Joe Malone, said it was a privilege to attend the ceremony for Pte Green. “This place is a quiet but powerful reminder of service and the long thread of history that binds generations together”, said Cllr Malone.
“As someone who spent many years in the Army, today’s event holds a particular meaning for me. I understand deeply, both the privilege of wearing a uniform and the sacrifice that often accompanies that life. It shapes you. It stays with you. It reminds you that every name carved in stone represents a real person and a real story”, said the Fianna Fáil Councillor.
Mr Malone spoke of the sacrifices and efforts of those who are commemorated on the memorial and how they helped shape the country we have today. Joe thanked the Green family for their attendance. “Your presence ensures that Private Green’s memory continues to live, not only in stone but in the hearts of the people of Kilkenny” said the Council chairman.
Junior Band
During the ceremony members of the St Patrick’s Brass and Reed junior band performed some tunes while member Sarah Somers played The Last Post and Reveille, complemented with a drum roll by Ciaran Dwyer. Renditions of Amazing Grace and Homeward bound in time were performed by Liz Kett, Aine Prendergast, Martina Carrigan and Tony Coy.
Ava Newhall read a prayer, while Shamus Newhall read the poem In Flanders Field by John McCrae. The Ode of remembrance was recited by Ann Marie Gleeson, secretary of the War memorial committee.
Wreaths
Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Cathaoirleach Joe Malone, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Mrs Gerry Green, Mr Donal Croghan, and Mary Anne Maher.
The raising of the National flag was performed by Paddy Horohan, the President of the Great War Memorial committee. It was noticeable that the ceremony went off smoothly, no doubt due to the volunteers present.
Bravery
The chair of the war memorial , Donal Croghan thanked all for attending and paid a special word of thanks to the extended Green family. Donal said it was essential that we reflect on Kilkenny’s connection to The Great War and that we remind ourselves of the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of fondly remembered family and friends whose actions still resonate. “The human spirit is resilient and families learned to cope. The country learned to cope and indeed the world learned to cope” said Mr Croghan.
Following the ceremony, the guests adjourned to The Home Rule club for tea and sandwiches.
