merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, will today (Sunday) lay a wreath on behalf of the Irish Government at the War Memorial, Armagh, in memory of the men of the 16th Irish Division and the 36th Ulster Division who fought side by side at the Battle of Messines Ridge in June 1917.

The service of commemoration is hosted by the City of Armagh Branch of the Royal British Legion. It follows the commemorations of the Battle of Messines Ridge at the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines on Wednesday of this week, which were jointly led by the Governments of Ireland and the UK, in partnership with the Mayor of Messines.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“The Battle of Messines marked the first time that the men of the 16th Irish Division and the 36th Ulster Division fought side by side during the First World War. During this campaign, unionists and nationalists set aside their differences to share a common endeavour of bravery and sacrifice. Although diametrically opposed at home, they set aside religious and ethnic differences to confront a common enemy.

“These commemorations of the Battle of Messines – on the island of Ireland and in Belgium – present a significant opportunity for furthering the processing of reconciliation and peace-building, as we reflect upon the spirit of kinship embodied by those men who fought and died side by side.

“As we continue to move through the Decade of Centenaries, my constant priority is to promote commemorations that are respectful, inclusive and appropriate and that seek to strengthen peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

“By engaging on an all-island basis to bring forward authentic commemorations, we promote a deeper understanding of differing perspectives on our shared history. We have developed a mature understanding of the context of the time, which is respectful of alternative perspectives and, in doing so, we have continued our journey towards a society which is more at ease with our past.

“Today's commemoration is set in the context of significant State commemorations this year at home and abroad to mark the key events of the First World War in 1917 and to reflect upon the complex narratives surrounding Ireland's participation in that War. Almost every community on the island of Ireland was affected by these events and the Decade of Centenaries has provided a new opportunity to remember those who fought and died and their complex and interwoven histories.”



Note for Editors:

Below are details of forthcoming commemorative events to mark key events of World War I in 1917, which are supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs:

- The life and legacy of Major Willie Redmond MP will be marked with a programme of events between 8th and 11th June, including an exhibition, a seminar and a commemorative ceremony in Redmond Park on Sunday, 11th June.
- On 17th June, Leopardstown Park Hospital celebrates the centenary of its establishment as a hospital for the care of soldiers who were disabled or injured in the British Armed Forces
- On 24th June, the State will mark the centenary of the death of the poet, Irish Volunteer and soldier, Francis Ledwidge, with a moving ceremony in Slane, County Meath.
Further information in relation to all of the above events can be found at: http://www.decadeofcentenaries.com/