Weekend will mark two special moments in Ardee’s history

EACH year, two very apecial occasions are marked in Ardee and this weekend, both will occur within 24 hours of each other.

On Saturday December 1 at 11am, the men of the Ardee area who died in action and are named on the war memorial at the Fair Green, will be honoured in fitting fashion.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the war and the day will see a colour party from the ONE as well as a concelebrated ceremony on behalf of the local clergy mark the moment.

The war memorial was something that came from the last stages of the former Town Council and is such a focal point for many in the community.

For years, relatives of those who died in action have attended the ceremony so Saturday will be very significant for them.

Then, on Sunday, after 12 mass, there will be the Old IRA commemoration at the soldier’s statue on the Drogheda Road. There will be a short walk to the location and comment about the significance of it.

It was erected in 1955 and recalls two young men shot by the Black and Tans on November 30th, 1920. Captain Sean O’Carroll was an Irish language teacher and a native of Belfast, and Quarter Master Sergeant Patsy Tierney, who lived at Tisdale Street (now Tierney Street). The event is non political and all are welcome.