01.07.2016
Dublin Parish Remembers Locals who Fought and Died at the Somme
The men of Irishtown, Ringsend and Sandymount who fought and died in World War One were remembered at an Eve of the Battle of the Somme Service in St Matthew’s Church, Irishtown, last night (June 30). The service, which was supported by parishioners of the neighbouring St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, took place on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle which was one of the bloodiest in human history resulting in the loss of almost one million lives.
The service was led by the Revd John Marchant and during it, the names of all those from the area who died in the First World War were read out.
Parishioner and historian, Patrick Hugh Lynch, helped to coordinate the service. Addressing the congregation he observed that the identity of the Irish soldier had gained international respect over the last century with members of the defence forces playing their part in the advancement of conversation rather than conflict. However, he pointed out that those Irish people who fought in World War One did not always receive the same respect at home.
“Your presence here this evening, 100 years on from the horrors and destruction of the Somme, sends a clear message to those lost and wondering souls who for many years, lay beneath the furrows of the Somme and were forgotten in their native unforgiving land. Tonight, those brave Irish men and women will rest peacefully as we gather to remember them,” he said adding that those who survived should also not be forgotten. He paid tribute to the Royal British Legion who supported those who came home, physically and emotionally wounded.
“The very brave and great Irishmen and women who gave up their lives in the Great War were as good and as patriotic and as loyal Irishmen as those who did not. As a nation for too many years we failed miserably to give respectful admiration to the Irishmen and Irishwomen who went out to France and fought there and died there believing that by so doing they were serving the best interests of their country,” he added.
Mr Lynch stated that for many years Ireland’s part in the war was generally unknown. Ireland, with only 300,000 men in the trenches, lost an estimated 49,400 whereas America with over 700,000 men lost 40,000.
For more photographs by Patrick Hugh Lynch see our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DublinandGlendalough/posts/1043396622363048