Memorial to those who fought
A MEMORIAL PLAQUE dedicated to those from Gorey who gave their lives in the Great War and subsequent conflicts was unveiled by Rev Mark Hayden and Cllr Robbie Ireton at the annual Remembrance Service at Gorey’s Christ Church last week.
Rev Hayden said the service and wreath laying had been a huge success with a large crowd in attendance.
‘ The service went really well and it was very well supported,’ said Rev Hayden. ‘We had 18 wreaths laid which is the most we have had to date.’
Also in attendance was TD Brendan Howlin, Minister Michael D’Arcy, and TD James Browne, as well as Gorey Municipal District councillors including chairman Cllr John Hegarty.
Rev Hayden said a large number of families who had connections to those lost in the Great War came along to the service. Gorey Pipe Band and Arklow Shipping Silver Band also added to the service.
Gorey Choir members performed inside and outside, singing Silent Night both in English and German as it was a song the troops sang in 1914.
‘We laid the peace wreath at the memorial plaque at the end of the service,’ added Rev Hayden. ‘I would like to thank Peter Kavanagh for the lovely plaque.’
The readings were read by the parish clergy, while the Act of Commemoration was ready by Rev Hayden and his son Luke.
The wreaths were laid by the Army, Gardai, Fire Service, the Coastguard, the RNLI, Gorey Pipe Band, the French Embassy, the Boy’s Brigade, NWSPCA, Irish Great War Society, the Royal British Legion, members from the Gorey Municipal District, the Masonic Order, the UN Veterans, the Irish Guards Association, Oulart/Ballagh First Responders, and Second Battalion East Lancashire Regiment.