Published on 

Somme Centenary Commemoration - 9th July 2016

The Somme Centenary Commemoration will take place in the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge, Dublin 8 on Saturday 9th July at 12 noon. The Ceremony to commemorate the Battle of the Somme, in which approximately 3,500 soldiers from the island of Ireland lost their lives, is being held in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.
The ceremony will be attended by the President, the Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor, the Government and the Council of State, as well as members of Oireachtas, representatives from Northern Ireland, the Diplomatic Corps and the Judiciary.
A wide cross-section of Veteran Organisations and the Royal British Legion are invited with guests travelling from all over Ireland and beyond to attend this historic event. Representatives of three local schools, St John of Gods, Gaelscoil Inchicore and Mount Sackville will also attend.
The Ceremony will involve a wreath-laying by the President of Ireland. Ambassadors of the eight countries that fought at the Somme, Representatives from Northern Ireland and the Presidents of the Royal British Legion (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) will also lay wreaths.

Music will be provided by the Army Band 1 Brigade. Mount Sackville and Scoil Mhuire Choir will also perform at the Ceremony.
Sign language interpretation will be provided at the event.
The Ceremony is open to the public and persons wishing to attend should arrive at Islandbridge before 11.15 a.m.