By Ger Cody
Photos: Pat Shortall
“And this is the end of it. In three hours the war will be over. It seems incredible even as I write it. I suppose I ought to be thrilled and cheering. Instead I am merely apathetic and incredulous. There is some cheering across the river—occasional bursts of it as the news is carried to the advanced lines. For the most part, though, we are in silence. With all is a feeling that it can’t be true. For months we have slept under the guns. We cannot comprehend the stillness.”
These poignant lines from Robert Casey were read at the opening ceremony at the Kilkenny Great War Memorial as over 60 people gathered to commemorate Armistice Day. Casey was a soldier from the 124th Field Artillery Regiment, 33rd Division and his lines were written on November 11th, 1918, now known as Armistice Day.
Welcoming the attendance, Donal Croghan, from the Kilkenny Great War committee, spoke of the importance of remembering the men and women worldwide who fought in the Great War. “Today we specifically remember the men and women from Kilkenny who were part of that very sad time in our history,” continued Donal.
The gathering in the aptly named Peace Park was attended by a cross section of the community and included military, Gardaí, members of O.N.E. and many politicians. Special guests included Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy, and Deputy Mayor, Joe Malone. On November 11, 1918, after more than four years of horrific fighting and the loss of millions of lives, the guns on the western front fell silent. Although fighting continued elsewhere, the armistice between Germany and the Allies was the first step to ending World War I. The global reaction was one of mixed emotions: relief, celebration, disbelief and a profound sense of loss.
The very dignified remembrance service held in Kilkenny was a wonderful overview that consisted of prayers, poetry, song and music that remembered those Kilkenny men and women who died in WWI. Over eight hundred of these soldiers died during the conflict. These numbers include representatives from almost every parish in county Kilkenny. Speakers at the event reminded those gathered of Kilkenny’s connection to the Great War and of the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of fondly remembered family and friends, whose actions still resonate.
During the Great War over three thousand men and women from Kilkenny city and county enlisted and filtered through the railway station to the great unknown. The young recruits going to war were filled with bravado, enthusiasm and excitement. At that time the small station, comprising of four lines, became a bustling mass of heaving humanity. Bands played, flags waved, as family and friends gathered. A cacophony of chaotic noise reverberated. But in the midst of the revelry, parents, siblings and sweethearts were in a quandary. Aware that this could be the last time they would ever see their loved ones, tears mingled with the parting hugs and kisses. For many there would not be a return journey. These young men and women were leaving to fight in foreign places.
The words of Falklands war veteran, Simon Weston, seem apt: “people must keep the
legacy of the First World War alive and remember those that fought didn’t just sacrifice their life – they sacrificed their future.”
Those taking part included Janette Carson, who laid the flame of remembrance, Donal Croghan who read the prayer of Commemoration, and John Joe Cullen who recited the John McCrea poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. Music on the day was supplied by Finbarr McCarthy (‘The Pipers Lament’ and the National Anthem) while Áine Prendergast and Martina Corrigan sang two hymns – ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee’. Musical accompaniment was provided by John Tully on guitar.
Possibly the most poignant part of the afternoon was the laying of the wreaths which was performed with great respect and dignity. During the wreath laying, John Tully performed the tune ‘Mac Dermot Roe’ by Irish Harpist, Turlough O’Carolan. A minute’s silence was observed on the day, which was followed by the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ by Fran O’Neill and the raising of the Irish flag to full mast by chair of the O.N.E. Bobby Kearney.
Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael McCarthy said it was a huge honour for him to be present. “Men and women from every parish in County Kilkenny left to fight in that war, and it is right and proper that we remember them,” said Michael.
Deputy Mayor Joe Malone, a former army man, said he felt great empathy with the commemoration and congratulated the organisers for the dignified manner in which they presented the ceremony.
The following took part in the wreath laying ceremony :
• Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy
• Deputy Mayor, Joe Malone
• Bernie Egan on behalf of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial
• Commandant James Ledingham, James Stephens Barracks
• Janette Carson on behalf of all women
• Edward Carson on behalf of his father-in -law in the Royal Navy
• Gus Hennessy representing O.N.E.
• Larry Scallan representing UN Veterans
• Representing the Royal Irish Regiment and South Irish Horse Association, Mary Anne Maher
