Poignant events in Limerick mark 100 years since end of the First World War

SEVERAL events have been held across Limerick to mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice.

On November 11, 1918 the agreement was signed to mark the end of fighting on land, sea and air in World War One between the allies and their opponent, Germany.

Events were held across the city kicking off at dawn, where bells rang to mark the start of the day in Sarsfield Barracks.

Kilmallock saw a gun salute, followed by the raising of the tricolour ​to remember the 22 soldiers from the town who lost their lives in the First World War.

There were emotional scenes in Pery Square as around 100 people gathered at the memorial for the city’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

Poppy wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph in memory of the 1,300 Limerick men who died in the war.

Mayor James Collins represented Limerick City and County Council at the ceremony, while Jan O’Sullivan joined Senator Kieran O’Donnell and Cllrs Kieran O’Hanlon and Cathal Crowe there. The mayor paid a tribute to Coonagh’s Patrick Davis, who died on the eve of the Armistice.

“It was a conflict which cost millions of lives. Approximately 30,000 Irish people lost their lives in World War One, and at least 1,300 people from Limerick and its surrounds perished in the conflict. We remember today people like Patrick and Michael Davis from Coonagh. Patrick died the night before the Armistice was signed when his ship was sunk by a German submarine,” he said.

The commemoration was organised by the Limerick branch of the Royal British Legion and was attended by veterans of the armies of Ireland, Britain and the USA.

When the clock struck 11am, a minute-long silence was observed by the crowd. A lone bugler played the Last Post, while there was music from the St Mary’s Pipe Band.

Following the commemoration, Mass was held in St Joseph’s Church followed by a get-together of veterans in the officer’s mess at the Lord Edward Street barracks.

“The generation of World War One has now passed, but the British legion is still relevant in Limerick and nationwide. It’s through the Legion we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we all enjoy today. 

“We continue to remember, and we continue to commemorate,” Mayor Collins concluded.

The following day, Villiers School held a special service to mark Armistice Day.

The service commenced with full colours on parade.

The headmistress Jill Storey laid a wreath in memory of all past pupils who died in all wars.

They were accompanied by a lone piper playing Limerick laments.

Throughout the service staff members and students remembered those lost in war through poetry readings, music and a two minute silence held on the dot of 11am.

The school community was joined by representatives of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen Patrick Sarsfield Branch (O.N.E), the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (I.U.N.V.A) Post 6, Limerick Branch of the Royal British Legion, Irish Air Corps Veterans Association, Limerick.

The Great War lasted from 1914 to 1918, the conflict claiming 16 million lives in total.