Report Paul Murphy
Drogheda Civic Trust has announced that it is to commemorate the centenary of the Drogheda Cenotaph and World War 1 memorials. As part of the Festival of History, the trust is organising a seminar – The Drogheda Cenotaph 1925- 2025. The seminar will mark the 100 th anniversary of the unveiling of the Cenotaph, a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Great War (1914-18). The seminar is described as an educational event and will take place on Saturday 8 th November from 2pm-5pm at St Peter’s Church of Ireland Hall, Peter Street, Drogheda. The event will explore the history of the monument, the significance of the Great War and the ongoing remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives.
The patrons of the event are Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Pio Smith and Cllr Paddy McQuillan. The programme is as follows – 2pm Welcome address by the mayor; 2.10pm Recalling the Great War 1914-18 by Dr Brian Hanley, Trinity College; 2.45pm Remembering names on the Cenotaph by Cllr Pio Smith, Tom Reilly, Ged Nash TD, Dom Gradwell and screening of 1962 Armistice Parade film; 3.30pm The St Peter’s Memorial Plaque by Lunn McDonnell; 4pm The War Poet – Captain Francis Ledwidge; 4.45pm Musical conclusion by Michael Holohan and Susan Connolly.
BACKGROUND:
The Cenotaph was unveiled by Lord Fungal in November 1925 as part of a national campaign to commemorate the fallen of World War 1. The monument has stood as a symbol of remembrance ever since, with annual ceremonies held every November except during the Northern
Ireland conflict. In 1999 the event was revived by the mayor and remains a significant part of Drogheda’s civic calendar. The annual remembrance ceremony will take place at 11am on Saturday November 8 th at the cenotaph in Mary Street.
