Remembering Francisin2017

‘ THEN in the lull of midnight, gentle arms Lifted him slowly down the slopes of death Lest he should hear again the mad alarms Of battle, dying moans, and painful breath.

And where the earth was soft for flowers we made

A grave for him that he might better rest. So, Spring shall come and leave it seet arrayed,

And there the lark shall turn her dewy nest

The words of the Francis Ledwidge classic ‘A Soldier’s Grave’ echoed out around Mary Street on Saturday morning in recognition of the many from this region who perished in World War 1 and other conflicts around the world down the years.

The annual ecumenical act of remembrance at the Cenotaph was special this year as mention was made of the warrior poet from Slane whose 100th anniversary is being marked with a year long remembrance.

Mayor Pio Smith welcomed everyone to the morning, which also saw music from the Drogheda Brass Band and words from local poet Bridie Maxwell.

The annual Drogheda Remembrance Day ceremony at Mary Street.

Miriam Kilmurry at the annual Drogheda Remembrance Day

Frank, Ciara and Aoife Gogarty with Frances Watters, Garda Superintendent Andrews Watters and Marie Kelly

Frank Maher, Michael Holohan and Donnacha Mac Raghnaill

Mayor Pio Smith lays a wreath

Sean Norris with Scrappy the Dog at the annual Drogheda Remembrance Day