Somme remembered as installations at Republic museum unveiled

First Minister Arlene Foster and Republic of Ireland minister Heather Humphreys have jointly launched Battle of the Somme installations in Cavan County Museum to honour the victims of the July 1, 1916 slaughter in northern France.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2016, 07:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:48 BST
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, centre, Minister Heather Humphreys, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and Chairman of Cavan County Council, Cllr Fergal Curtin during speeches at the official opening of the Battle of the Somme Exhibition, which officially opened on Friday, July 29Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, centre, Minister Heather Humphreys, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and Chairman of Cavan County Council, Cllr Fergal Curtin during speeches at the official opening of the Battle of the Somme Exhibition, which officially opened on Friday, July 29
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, centre, Minister Heather Humphreys, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and Chairman of Cavan County Council, Cllr Fergal Curtin during speeches at the official opening of the Battle of the Somme Exhibition, which officially opened on Friday, July 29

Friday’s ceremony took place in the museum’s peace garden in Ballyjamesduff.

It was recalled that 19,000 British soldiers lost their lives on the first day of the Battle 100 years ago, including 28 from Co Cavan, whose names were read out – 14 by a Roman Catholic priest and 14 by a Church of Ireland bishop.

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The installations include a mile-long trench, based on the conditions the soldiers faced at the Somme, which lasted until November 18, 1916, and a memorial to the victims.

Around 300 – mainly local people – attended the ceremony and each was given a card containing the name of a victim of the battle and asked to reflect on the trauma and the horror of the First World War.

The main guests were introduced by local councillor Fergal Curtin.

Mrs Foster said she was privileged to help launch the installation.

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She added: “This is a tangible way to honour the memory of brave young men who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is right that we pause to reflect to remember this sacrifice so that future generations can understand the horrors of war.”

Ms Humphreys, the Republic’s Minister for Arts, Heritage, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, said: “Many young men from the border regions lost their lives fighting at the Somme, which had a profound effect right across this country. It is important to reflect on how it impacted in all our communities.

“The common experiences of young soldiers from all backgrounds shows that there is far more that unites us than divides us.”

The Battle of the Somme Exhibition sits alongside the 1916 Easter Rising exhibition in the Cavan County Museum and peace garden project.

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The organisers point out that it encourages all the people of Ireland to reflect on how historical events impacted on families and communities of the period.

They add that it focuses on “diverse aspects on conflicts and represents the museum’s inclusive approach to history from the viewpoint of all sides”.

A highlight of Friday’s ceremony was a performance by Cavan Rugby Male Voice Choir, which included the singing of ‘Danny Boy’ and the famed First World War song ‘Willie McBride’ which features the lyrics ‘Did they beat the drum slowly; did they play the fife lowly; did they play the ‘Death March’ as they lowered you down…?’

Related topics:Arlene FosterRepublic of IrelandFrance