‘Irishmen and the First World War’ exhibition

WITH THE 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One looming this summer there has been growing interest in the county about the war and its influence on families around Kerry.

This week a new exhibition in Killarney will attempt to answer some of those questions and shed new light on what was for so long an overlooked part of Irish history.

The exhibitions ‘Gallant Sons: Irishmen and the First World War' was officially opened at Killarney library on Monday and will remain open until Saturday, June 29.

The National Library of Ireland exhibition uses documents to explore the experiences of some of the Irish soldiers who served in the First World War and tells the stories of some of the families who were left behind and their experiences during this difficult time in Irish history. The exhibition is designed to have broad appeal but will be of particular interest to second level students as it explores some of the themes covered in the Leaving Cert English and history courses as well as the Junior Certificate English course.

The price paid by hundreds of families from around the Killarney area during World War One has been kept in the spotlight by a range of events including the unveiling of a memorial to men from the town who died on the battlefields in Belgium, France and the Dardanelles during the period.

This memorial was unveiled by President Mary McAleese in 2009 and has proved an interesting addition to the tourist attractions and monuments in the town.

For further information on the visiting exhibition in Killarney library log on to www.nli.ie