New Exhibition at County Museum Recalls the history of the irish soldiers who fought in the First World War
AN exhibition which tells the story of the Irish born soldiers who fought in the First World War is currently on show in the County Museum.
‘ Their Story’, which was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Dundalk, Cllr Mark Dearey last Thursday features artwork created by soldiers in the trenches from bullets and shell casings, a propeller from a German fighter plane, army uniforms, and a wall featuring the names of local war casualties
As well as displaying items from the war, the exhibition also delves into the social aspects of the conflict, exploring the reasons why soldiers signed up to fight in the Great War, as well as what happened to them when they returned home. It also features the documentary, ‘ The Battle of the Somme’, which was developed by the Imperial War Museum in London.
Curator Brian Walsh said: ‘One of the most unusual aspects of the exhibition is the collection of trench art which was fashioned by soldiers in trenches across Europe from ordnance such as bullets or shell casings. This trench art also offers insight into the emotional state of the soldiers who created it. We would like to thank all of those who either donated or lent items for this exhibtion, and indeed all of those who continually support the museum.’ ‘WORLD War 1 spanned from 1914 to 1918 – a time when Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom - and many, many Irish people fought and died in the war. In fact, we know of at least 820 people either from or associated with Louth who lost their lives in World War 1 and they are remembered in one of the most sobering elements of the collection, a 15ft by 6ft wall listing the names of those who fell. We are very grateful to local historian, Dr Donal Hall for providing us with that data.’
CLlr Dearey said it was fitting that the Louth people who died in the war were remembered locally in this exhibition which runs until Christmas.