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Mayo.ME

Mayo in Photos and Words

Ballina memorial to World War 1 dead

by Anthony Hickey 18 Comments

 Pictured at the unveiling of The Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015, with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, were Cllr Damian Ryan, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council, Dara Calleary TD, Paul Benson, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Mr Kenny, PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Johnny O'Malley, Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cllr Gerry Ginty, Cathaoirlach Ballina Municipal District, Michelle Mulherin TD, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons. Photo: Anthony Hickey

Pictured at the unveiling of The Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015, with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, were Cllr Damian Ryan, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council, Dara Calleary TD, Paul Benson, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Mr Kenny, PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Johnny O’Malley, Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cllr Gerry Ginty, Cathaoirlach Ballina Municipal District, Michelle Mulherin TD, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The unveiling of The Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, took place on Saturday, June 20th, 2015.

The monument was unveiled by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD before a large and representative gathering of local people, including public representatives, clergymen, relatives of some of those soldiers whose names are inscribed on the memorial, and representatives of the French and German embassies.

The ceremony got underway with the Ballina Brass Band Ensemble playing a Tribute to the Taoiseach on his arrival. Mr. Kenny was accompanied by his Aide de Camp, Commandant Kieran Carey; Peter Hynes, Mayo Chief Executive; PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, and Army Colour Piper, Sean Lavin.

 PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, stand in silence as the piper, Sean Lavin, played 'A Lament for the Dead', at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, stand in silence as the piper, Sean Lavin, played ‘A Lament for the Dead’, at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

Commemoration Day prayers were recited by Fr. Michael Harrison PP, Ballycastle (a nephew of Lance/Sergt., John Harison who died on the 1.4.1918). The second reader was Rev. Stephen McWhirter, St. Michael’s Church of Ireland, Ardnaree, Ballina.

The speakers included Cllr. Damian Ryan, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council; Cllr. Gerry Ginty, Cathaoirleach Ballina Municipal District; PJ Clarke, Chairman Ballina Comrades of Great War (1914-1919) andPeter Hynes, Mayo County Council CEO.

There were readings by Johnny O’Malley and Carmel Hughes, prime-movers behind the project.

Mr. Clarke spoke eloquently about the lives of many of the soldiers from Ballina who died in World War 1 and, in particular, mentioned those families who had lost more than one son in the conflict such as the Hamilton family from Castle Road, Ballina, whose three sons died in the war.

As a native of Castle Road, this writer found that story particularly poignant and it brought back memories of newspaper stories I had written as a young reporter in the 1970s about the few remaining Ballina survivors of World War 1.

In his address, the Taoiseach, Mr Kenny drew comparisons between the loss of life in the Great War and the continuing conflicts that afflict the world today, most notably the Syrian civil war which has forced of thousands of displaced people to seek refugee in Europe by making perilous crossings of the Mediterranean sea in overcrowded boats.

Mr Kenny recalled how thousands of Irish emigrants made similar journeys after the Great Famine of the 1840s in coffin ships and, he underlined that this shared history of seeking refuge from hunger and war in foreign lands, had helped the Irish nation empathize with the current day refugees.

It was in this historical context that we, as a nation, were proud that the naval vessel, the LE Eithne, was based in the Mediterranean to help rescue these desperate men, women, children, and infants, fleeing from the Middle East and North Africa, Mr. Kenny said.

Following the formal unveiling by Mr. Kenny, the Great War Remembrance Monument was blessed by Fr. Michael Harrison, Rev. Molloy Reathage, Presbyterian Minister Walsh Street Presbyterian Church, Ballina, and Rev. Stephen McWhirter, St. Michael’s Church, Ardnaree.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument by An Taoiseach, Isabelle Cohen, French Embassy, Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, and PJ Clarke.

Following a minute’s silence for the fallen, the piper, Sean Lavin played ‘A Lament for the Dead’.

The last post with dipping flags was played by Ballina Brass Band musicians, Jackie Graham, Liam Hughes and Eamon Mangan.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.

The MC for the Ballina commemoration day ceremony was Paul Benson, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Ballina.

Remembrance Sunday, 8th November, in Ballina

The Ballina Comrades of The Great War 1914-1919, held a wreath-laying ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday at the Monument in the Green Park, on Sunday, November 8th.

 

Painstaking research

 PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Isabelle Cohen, French Embassy Dublin, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons after laying wreaths at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Isabelle Cohen, French Embassy Dublin, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons after laying wreaths at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The story behind the erection of the Ballina Great War Memorial is a remarkable and personal crusade by Ballina native and well-known historian, PJ Clarke.

The 182 men from Ballina and surrounding areas who died in World War 1 are inscribed on the war memorial at Green Park, opposite the entrance to Leigue cemetery, Killala Road, Ballina.

 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD with his his Aide de Camp, Commandant Kieran Carey, after laying a wreath at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD with his Aide de Camp, Commandant Kieran Carey, after laying a wreath at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The marble monument, an obelisk, is a simple structure, but a lasting and fitting tribute to those brave men from different backgrounds who fought with the British Army in the First World War.

Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, was the prime mover and researcher behind the erection of the memorial, channelling his life-long interest in local history into a quiet campaign to ensure those who died on the battlefields of France and Belgium were not forgotten.

Along the way, he enlisted the help of other local historians, including Noel Gillard, Michael Moyles, Carmel Hughes, Dermot Hopkins, Paddy Gorman, Jim Henry, Jacqui Gilmartin and Paddy Tuffy, to help with fundraising, under the banner “Comrades of the Great War Ballina”.

Local politicians were called upon, including Johnny O’Malley and John O’Hara, to win the support of Mayo County Council who provided additional funding and a suitable place to erect the monument.

The memorial was designed by the Ballina-based Mayo County Council architect, Kevin Keegan, and the contract for its purchase, inscriptions, and erection, was undertaken by Ginty Headstones, Monumental Sculptors, Ballina.

PJ Clarke describes the memorial: “The names of the fallen are painted white to augment the colour of the granite stone and fit comfortably on the four sides.

“And instead of just putting Ballina beside each name, I researched each of the men’s home address, which makes the Ballina First World War Memorial unique in its own way.”

The first man to die in World War 1

The Great War Memorial in Ballina, Co Mayo, is inscribed with the names of the 182 men from the district who died in World War Co while serving with the British Army. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The Great War Memorial in Ballina, Co Mayo, is inscribed with the names of the 182 men from the district who died in World War Co while serving in the British Army. Photo: Anthony Hickey

There is an interesting story behind each of the 182 names inscribed on the monument.

For instance, both the first and last Irishman to die in World War 1 hailed from the Ballina area, according to Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Clarke explains: “The first Irishman to die in the First World War was Stephen Kennedy, 10691, 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers. He was the son of John and Bridget Kennedy, Ardoughan, Ballina, aged 35, and tragically one of three brothers who fought and fell in the Great War.

“By dying of wounds in Athis Mons Hospital, France, he became the first Connaught Ranger, Ballina man, Mayo man and Irishman to die. His death is officially recorded on his headstone in Athis Mons Communal Cemetery; The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and especially on his Enlistment Service Papers.

“Two of his other brothers also fell – John, No. 3811, 6th Battn. Connaught Rangers, aged 32, was killed in action on 21/3/1918, and William, No. 10164, 1st Battn. Connaught Rangers was killed in action on 21/1/1916.

“William was the recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It seems that the time around the 20th of the month was not a good time for this family (see dates). Another brother, Thomas, also fought, but returned home safely, and lived in Knockleagh.

Last Ballina soldier to die

“The last Ballina soldier to die in the timeline of the war was Captain William Walsh, M.R.C.V.S., son of Francis and Kate Walsh, Lower Bridge Street, Ballina, who contracted influenza on his way home on furlough from the Frontline and died of pneumonia in his parents’ home on 27th February 1919.

He was aged 26 and is buried in the Old Abbey, in the Cathedral Grounds, Ballina. (you can see his monument with the Celtic Cross just inside the railings).

 

The Ballina Brass Band Ensemble playing at the The Great War Remembrance Monument unveiling ceremony in Ballina on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey.

The Ballina Brass Band Ensemble playing at the The Great War Remembrance Monument unveiling ceremony in Ballina on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey.

The epigraphs at the foot of the monument are in Irish and English:

1914-1919

All that we had we gave
All that was ours to give
Freely surrendered All
That you in peace might live

Erected by the people of Ballina in honour and memory of those from the area who lost their lives in World War One

Let those who come after see to it that their names are not forgotten

The names of the soldiers from Ballina engraved on Ballina Great War 1914-1919 Monument are as follows:

Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, beside the First World War Memorial Monument in Ballina, Co Mayo, commemorating those soldiers from the town and district who died in the Great War. Photo: Anthony Hickey

Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, beside the First World War Memorial Monument in Ballina, Co Mayo, commemorating those soldiers from the town and district who died in the Great War. Photo: Anthony Hickey

Pte. John Anderson, Hill Street, Ballina
2nd Lieut. Mervyn K. Anderson, Ballina
Pte. Anthony Barrett, Ardnaree
Pte. John Barrett, Ardnaree
Pte. Patrick Barrett, Attymass
Pte. James Beavens, Knockmore
Pte. John Beckett, Bohernasop
Pte. Eugene Beirne, Garden Street
Pte. John Beirne, Garden Street
Pte. James Boland, Castleconnor
Pte. Henry Broderick, Hill Street
Gdsn. Michael Browne, Castleconnor
Pte. Patrick Cabry, The Brook, Ardnaree
L./Cpl. Patrick Caffrey/Cafferty, Hill Street
Gdsn. John Canavan, Workhouse Row
Pte. Peter Carr, Ardagh
Pte. John James Carroll, Bohernasup
Pte. William Carroll, Knockmore
Pte. Martin Casey, Ardnaree
Pte. Martin Cawley, Brook Street
Pte. John Clarke, Downhill Road
Pte. William Clarke, Corballa
Pte. Patrick Connelly, Corballa
Pte. Martin Connor, Workhouse Row
Pte. Patrick Connor, Workhouse Row
Pte. Michael Convey, Shambles Street
Pte. Michael Coppinger, Arran Street
Pte. James Corcoran, Ardnaree
Pte. Thomas Costello, Garden Street
Sgt. Patrick Craughwell, Garden Street
Lieut. John A. Cowell, Knox Street
Lieut. Charles Odell Creed, Knox Street
2nd. Lieut. Cecil A. Crowe, Ulster Bank
Pte. Patrick Cullen, Kilmoremoy
L./Cpl. Michael Deacy, Coolcronan
L./Cpl. Martin J. Dempsey, Abbey Street
S.S. Patrick Devlin, St. Patrick’s Terrace.
Pte. Anthony Doherty, Shanaghy
Pte. Patrick Doherty, Garden Street
Gdsn. William J. Doherty, Ballina
Pte. Michael Dolan, Ardnaree
L./Cpl. Edward Donnelly, Piper Hill
Pte. John Duffy, Knockmore
Pte. John J. Duffy, Rathbane, Knockmore
Pte. Martin J. Duffy, Ballina
Gdsn. Joseph Duggan, Hill Street
Pte. Patrick Ferguson, Hill Street
Pte. James Fitzgerald, Ballina
Pte. Robert M. Fitzgerald, Knox Street
Cpl. John Fleming, Ardnaree
Pte. Michael Fleming, Ardnaree
Pte. Albert Flynn, St. Muredach’s Tce.
Pte. Henry Forde, Ardnaree
L./Cpl. John Forde, Ardnaree
Pte. Michael Fury/Furey, Pawn Office Lane
2nd Cpl. John Gallagher, Bohernasop
Fireman Patrick Gallagher, Knockanillaun
Capt. Ivan Harold Garvey, M.C., Downhill
Pte. Patrick Gilboy, Bonnifinglas
Pte. Edward Grehan, Garden Street
Pte. Joseph Grehan, Garden Street
L./Cpl. John Guinan, Garden Street
2nd. Lieut. Cecil C. Hamilton, Castle Road
2nd Lieut. H. M. Hamilton, Castle Road
Lieut. William Hamilton, Castle Road
Lc.Cpl. John Hanley, Knockmore
Seaman John Harris, St. Muredach’s Tce.
L. Cpl. John Harrison, Church Road
Pte. Martin Harte, Ardnaree
Pte. Patrick Hegarty, Kilmoremoy
Gdsn. John Higgins, Ballina
Pte. Michael Higgins, Ballina
Pte. Martin Hopkins, Kilmoremoy
Pte. Patrick Hopkins, Ballina
L./Cpl. John Jamieson, Kilglass
Lieut. Gerald V. Woolcott-Joynt, Australia
Pte. Patrick Joyce, Kilmoremoy
Pte. Christopher Kelly, Ardnaree
Pte. Michael Kelly, Ardnaree
Pte. Michael Kelly, Ardnaree
Pte. Patrick W. Kelly, Cloghans
Pte. John Kennedy, Ardoughan
Pte. Stephen Kennedy, Ardoughan
Pte. William Kennedy, D.C.M., Ardoughan
Pte. James Kilgallon, Brook Street
Gdsn. Thomas Kilgallon, Breaffy
Gnr. John Knox, Ballina
Pte. Patrick Lackey, Hill Street
2nd. Lieut. St. Clair N. Laing, Knox St.
Pte. Frances Lavin, Ardoughan
Pte. Martin Lavin, Ardoughan
Pte. John J. Leighton, Church Road
Cpl. Francis Leonard, Knox Street
Cpl. Charles Lewis, Church Road
P.O. Stoker John Loughney, The Quay
Pte. Edward Lyons, Shamble Street
Cpl. John Lyons, Shamble Street
Pte. Michael Magee, Castle Road
Cpt. P. A. C. Maginn, Bank of Ireland
Gnr. Christopher Maloney, Ardnaree
Pte. William Maloney, Ardnaree
Pte. Samuel Marley, Kilmoremoy
Pte. Peter McAndrew, Knockmore
Pte. Phillip McAndrew, Ballina
Cpl. Thomas McAuley, Cloonkee
Pte./Sig. Michael McDonnell, Ballina
Pte. Anthony McGuigan, Hill Street
Pte. Anthony McHale, Tavanaghmore
Pte. James McHale, Lisaniska, Knockmore
Pte. Michael McHale, Hill Street
Pte. Michael McHale, Knockmore
Pte. Michael McHale, Workhouse Row
Q.M. Sgt. Thomas McHale, Kilmoremoy
Pte. James McKenna, Shambles Street
Pte. Martin McKenzie, Ballina
Pte. Thomas McLoughlin, Hill Street
Pte. John McManus, The Brook, Ardnaree
Pte. James McNulty, The Quay
Pte. Michael McNulty, Brook Street
Pte. Denis Millar, Station Road
Cpl. Patrick Mitchell, Brook Street
Sgt. James Henry Munnelly, Ardagh
2nd Lieut. John Ross Moore, Ulster Bank
Cpl. James Moyles, Shambles Street
Pte. Thomas Mulderrig, Ardagh
Seaman James Mulhern, Attymass East
Pte. Thomas Mullen, Ballina
Pte. Martin Munnally, Ardnaree
Pte. John Murphy, Garden Street
Pte. Christopher Murray, Ardnaree
Pte. D. W. Murray/McDonnell, Ballina
Pte. Martin Murray, Bohernasop
Pte. Thomas Murty, Ballina
Pte. Anthony Nealon, Downhill Road,
Pte. Andrew Neary, Attymass
Pte. William J. Neary, Ballina
Pte. Joseph O’Boyle, Kilmoremoy
Pioneer William O’Brien, Kilmoremoy
Pte. Frederick O’Donnell, Brook Street
Pte. Henry O’Hara, Knockmore
Pte. Edward O’Hara, Hill Street
L./Sgt. Patrick J. O’Malley, Ballina
Seaman John Patterson, Knockanillaun
Pte. Martin Quigley, Gallagher’s Lane
L./Cpl. John Rafter, Kilmoremoy
Sgt. Michael J. Rafter, Ardnaree
Pte. Anthony Reddington, Coolcronan
L/Cpl. Michael Reddington, Tullysleva
Pte. Thomas Regan, Kilmoremoy
Pte. William Reid, Ballina Gas Co.
L./Sgt. J. M. Rooney, D.C.M., M.M., Up. Garden St.
L./Cpl. William Rochford, Knockmore
Pte. William J. Rouse, Corimbla
Pte. Joseph Rhine/Ryan, Ballina
Pte. William Ryder, Hill Street
Pte. William Scott, Kilmoremoy
Capt. John J. Shannon, Cloona
Pte. Michael Shea, Slievenagark, Ardagh
Capt. William A. Smiles, MacHale’s Office
Pte. Francis Stokes, Garden Street
Pte. Robert Stokes Garden Street
Pte. Owen Sweeney, Workhouse Row
L./Cpl. James Tighe, The Quay
Pte. Anthony Tolan, Knockleagh
Pte. Michael Wallace, Coolcronan
Pte. John Walsh, Rathduff
Pte. Michael Walsh, Brook Street
Gdsn. Thomas Walsh, Culleens
Pte. Thomas Walsh, Ballina
Capt. William Walsh, Bridge Street
Pte. William Ward, Ardnaree
Lieut./Col. Arthur L. Wilford, D.S.O., Ballina
Rifleman Baskerville W. Wills, King St.
Pte. Henry C. Wills, King Street

French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen tribute

 The French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen at the the Great War Monument in Ballina on St. Patrick's Day. Also included are PJ Clarke, Chairman of Ballina Comrades of the Great War and John Brown, Ballina Brass Band.

The French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen at the Great War Monument in Ballina on St. Patrick’s Day. Also included are PJ Clarke, Chairman of Ballina Comrades of the Great War and John Brown, Ballina Brass Band.

The French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen paid a visit to the Great War Monument in Ballina on St. Patrick’s Day.

The historical re-enactors had earlier attended parades in Ballycastle and Killala before coming to Great War Monument for the ceremony that was attended by a large and representative gathering from Ballina and surrounding districts.

The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, France, who laid a wreath to the memory of those 182 men from Ballina and surrounding areas who fell in battle, especially though to the memory of Pte. Stephen Kennedy, Connaught Rangers, who died from wounds in Athis Mons Hospital and is buried in Cecile’s hometown, which, incidentally, is a twin town of Ballina.

PJ Clarke, Chairman of Ballina Comrades of the Great War, read The Exhortation to The Fallen which was translated into French by Ms. Dejardain.

Afterwards, the Re-Enactors fired a volley in remembrance and John Brown, Ballina Brass Band, played the Last Post. The Re-Enactors and Pikemen then left to join the Ballina St. Patrick’s Day parade where they proved to be very popular with the huge crowd who attended.

Minister Ring  and Deputy Mulherin visit War Memorial

 At the the Ballina First World War Memorial were (l-r): Cllr Seamus Weir (Independent), Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, PJ Clarke, Ballina historian, and Comrades of the Great War Ballina; Deputy Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael), and Cllr John O'Hara (Fine Gael).

At the Ballina First World War Memorial were (l-r): Cllr Seamus Weir (Independent), Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, PJ Clarke, Ballina historian, and Comrades of the Great War Ballina; Deputy Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael), and Cllr John O’Hara (Fine Gael).

Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, and Michelle Mulherin TD paid a visit to the Ballina First World War Memorial on Friday, May 1st, at the invitation of PJ Clarke, Comrades of the Great War Ballina. They were accompanied by Mayo County Councillors, Seamus Weir (Independent) and John O’Hara (Fine Gael).

Minister Ring said he was greatly impressed with the monument and Deputy Mulherin pointed out to him the name of one of her relatives inscribed on the monument – Deck Hand James Mulhern, HMS “Victory”, Royal Naval Reserve, who died at sea on 21/10/1918, aged 34.

Filed Under: Heritage, Home, News Tagged With: ballina, first world war memorial, world war 1

About Anthony Hickey

I am a writer with a love of landscape and seascape photographer living in Ballina, Co Mayo. I enjoy exploring my native county and writing about my travels.

Comments

  1. carol griffin says

    February 12, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Well done dad. All the hard work paid off. It looks fabulous.

    Reply
    • Anthony Hickey says

      February 13, 2015 at 10:50 am

      Carol, I have no doubt that the people of Ballina are very proud, and grateful to your father, PJ Clarke, for his tireless and selfless work and research, over many decades, on this project that has ensured the families and relatives of those young men who died in the Great War will never be forgotten in their hometown.
      No only did PJ research the names of the fallen – but he also discovered the contrasting family backgrounds of those men who who are remembered on the war memorial.
      Sadly, many of the family names are no longer associated with Ballina – but hopefully their far-flung descendants will be able to come to Ballina to see how their relatives have been honoured.

      Reply
  2. Avril Murphy says

    February 13, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    Does Killala not figure in the surrounding area? Many young men fought and fell from there also and it would have been nice to see them commemorated also.

    Reply
    • Anthony Hickey says

      February 13, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Avril, the Ballina memorial is dedicated to the soldiers from Ballina town and its environs.
      I cannot speak for PJ Clarke, but I do know it was a labour of love and he spent decades researching, in his own time and at his own expense, the names of the 182 men who died.
      It would have been an impossible task for one man to identify and verify all those soldiers from other towns in the county who died in the Great War.
      However, I’m sure PJ would be willing to give advice if someone from Killala, or indeed any other town in Mayo, decided to carry out similar research.

      Reply
    • P. J. Clarke says

      March 31, 2015 at 8:36 pm

      Avril: Killala will have its own memorial as a small committee is hard at work gathering the names of the fallen and the survivors. The same also is applying to Bonniconlon.

      Reply
  3. Frances Hendry says

    February 13, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Proud to be a Mayo woman, living in the UK.
    Well done. What a wonderful memorial!

    Reply
    • P. J. Clarke says

      March 31, 2015 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks Frances for the compliments. PJC

      Reply
  4. Andy says

    March 20, 2015 at 11:33 pm

    As an English/Scotsman living in Mayo I say well done to PJ for all his hard work. I’m sure the fallen will look down proudly from Heaven on him. Hopefully other towns will follow in his example. One thing I find strange living in Ireland is that I’ve not seen anyone wearing the Poppy to remember their war dead, I’ve heard it said that the Poppy symbolises ‘Imperialism’ which I find ludicrous, the poppies grew on the war zones by themselves. Keep up the good work PJ.

    Reply
    • P. J. Clarke says

      March 31, 2015 at 8:34 pm

      Appreciate your lovely comments. The Poppy was first worn by the American troops and then taken up by the British soldiers. See you on the 30th June at 1 o’clock when the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D., will unveil the monument to The Fallen. Thanks again. PJC.

      Reply
  5. Kerry Dempsey says

    April 3, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    I need some help. Could the Martin Joseph Dempsey whose name is inscribed on the memorial be my great-grandad? I would love to know some of my family background. Is there any picture of him?
    Thank you

    Reply
  6. P. J. Clarke says

    June 22, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    Hi Kerry
    Can you give me a little more detail about Martin J.
    All I know is that his father was from Attymass, and his mother, Elizabeth (nee O’Flynn from Ardnaree).
    I think they lived in Abbey Street, Ardnaree. Martin J. was 32 when he lost his life.

    Reply
  7. Kerry dempsey says

    June 22, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    I will need to look further back into the family to find this information out. I will try and find out and be back in touch.
    Thank you
    Kerry

    Reply
  8. Marty Walshe says

    November 14, 2015 at 10:59 pm

    Hi PJ and family. As a fellow musician in the Ballina Brass and Reed Band many years ago, you proved yourself then in the ranks under the baton of Jimmy O’Rourke. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into research for our local soldiers. Keep up the good work. Marty.

    Reply
  9. Rosemarie Arnold says

    April 16, 2016 at 11:24 pm

    My Mother’s first husband’s name is on this beautiful memorial. He was killed in Flanders.
    I hope to find out if both of the Private Lavin’s on the Memorial were brothers.
    I would appreciate any information you can research.
    Their names are also on the Memorial in Belgium.

    My cousin, Patrick O’Neil, lives in Ballina, (He might have worked on you car “Back in the day””)
    His brother Noel O’Neil lives in Castlebar.
    Their Aunty, my mother, Mary Agnes Kilgallon, was born in Ballina, of that I am very proud.
    Warm Regards,
    Rosemarie Arnold

    Reply
    • P. J. Clarke says

      April 17, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      Noel, my great old buddy was researching these men and he may have got some info. Noel and Pat lived at no. 23 and I lived at no. 5. I know Noel was anxious to know a little more about these soldiers. His uncle Joe suffered a war injury to his foot. Noel can be contacted at spud27@eircom.net. Nice to hear from you and keep in touch. PJC.

      Reply
    • Garry Lavin says

      April 26, 2017 at 11:52 am

      That’s funny, I’m researching the Lavins on the memorials in Littleborough, Lancashire, my home town and thought the Francis Lavin on the Menin Gate may have been from our family in Littleborough. I hear he was from Ballina, but enlisted at Preston…into the North Lancashire regiment. There are 3 Lavins on the cenotaph in Littleborough and one is Francis Lavin.

      Reply
  10. Diane Martin says

    May 21, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    My grandfather was Owen Jordan and he fought with the 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers. He was wounded in action in France June 1915.
    I have his certificate and photograph, of which I am extremely proud, on my wall in Solihull.
    My mother was Patricia (Margaret) and and I lost her in September last year.
    I visited Knockleigh, Ballina throughout my childhood and I have many good memories.
    My mother talked about the ‘big house’ in Ballina where her own mother, Mary, used to work as a cook.
    I understand it was owned by the ‘Clarkes’ and I would be very interested in any information forthcoming about my grandparents.
    Thank you

    Diane

    Reply
  11. Terri says

    March 10, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    Hi PJ

    What a wonderful memorial and a true labor of love…

    Is it possible to find the family history of Pvte. William J Neary?
    My Neary ancestors hail from Ballina, but I have hit a brick wall. My Grandfather, William Charles Osmond Neary (2nd son), b. 1896 in London, My GGrandfather, Patrick James Neary, b? (Married Honor Beirne 1883 in Ballina, (daughter of Michael Beirne and Jane (Hope) Beirne, shopkeepers of Ballina).
    Patrick and “Norah” left Ballina shortly after their marriage and went to Scotland, then London, then to Victoria, BC.
    Patrick and Norah lost their eldest son, John Michael “Tony” Neary in WW1 in British Columbia. He was a radio operator and a fatality in the Shipwreck of The Galiano.
    Patrick James Neary was son of Thomas Neary and Mary Durkin (m. 1848 in Achonry Parish)..searching for relatives in Ballina area of both Neary and Durkin.
    Many thanks- Terri

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MAYO VISITOR CENTRES

Distilling a dream in Ballina

Distilling a dream in Ballina

The making of fine whiskey is a craft as ancient as civilization itself. The skill and knowledge needed to distill something as common as barley and water into … [Read More...]

Moonset over Ballina

Moonset over Ballina

There was a most beautiful Moonset over Ballina this frosty, mid-winter morning, as the clear sky and the rising sun creeping above the horizon played their … [Read More...]

A visit to Michael Davitt Museum

A visit to Michael Davitt Museum

On arrival at the Michael Davitt Museum, you are greeted by the imposing bronze statue of the Land League founder in front of the restored 17th century Straide … [Read More...]

Ballycroy National Park is a portal to wild Mayo

Ballycroy National Park is a portal to wild Mayo

Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre is a portal that opens the door to all that is wild and wonderful about Mayo. The Visitor Centre is located in the … [Read More...]

An afternoon in Enniscoe House and Country Estate

An afternoon in Enniscoe House and Country Estate

I have been a regular visitor to Enniscoe House and Country Estate near Crossmolina for many years and it's one of my favourite places to visit in Mayo. Located … [Read More...]

How to find your Co Mayo roots

How to find your Co Mayo roots

Finding your Co Mayo roots has never been easier thanks to the genealogical services that are provided by a number of research centres and ancestry … [Read More...]

A visit to the Céide Fields rekindles interest in Mayo’s rich heritage

A visit to the Céide Fields rekindles interest in Mayo’s rich heritage

I visited the Céide Fields Visitor Centre near Ballycastle last week for the first time since it opened in 1994 and was delighted to rekindle my interest in … [Read More...]

guitar lessons in ballina
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BEST BEACHES IN MAYO

Surfing Enniscrone’s big wave

Surfing Enniscrone’s big wave

Before setting off for Enniscrone I had to use a spatula to scrape the layers of ice off the car windscreen. It was showing 1 degree Celsius on the car monitor … [Read More...]

Storms reveal Mayo’s ancient forest

Storms reveal Mayo’s ancient forest

The mists of time have once again briefly lifted on beautiful Doohoma beach to reveal the preserved remnants of a prehistoric forest that once covered Mayo. … [Read More...]

The night sky over Lacken

The night sky over Lacken

The strange upside-down V-shaped object in the night sky over North Mayo on Wednesday night had all the appearance of a UFO - but the truth is far less exciting … [Read More...]

Diving into Scotchport’s past

Diving into Scotchport’s past

Scotchport, a small and beautiful sheltered cove near Corclough on the Mullet, has an interesting history and today is a popular location for scuba diving in … [Read More...]

Walking in beautiful Doohoma

Walking in beautiful Doohoma

The idyllic scenery on the drive from Geesala to Doohoma along the winding road that skirts Tullaghan Bay never fails to impress no matter how many times we … [Read More...]

Where to pick cockles and mussels in Mayo

Where to pick cockles and mussels in Mayo

There is nothing better during the autumn and winter months than spending an hour or two picking cockles and mussels on one of Mayo's magnificent Wild Atlantic … [Read More...]

Glosh beach is full of surprises

Glosh beach is full of surprises

A visit to Glosh beach, at the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula, can sometimes turn up the most unexpected surprises - such as beach sculptures made from … [Read More...]

Why tourists keep returning to Old Head

Why tourists keep returning to Old Head

It's no surprise that Old Head near Louisburgh in Co Mayo has been popular with families from all over Ireland for generations. … [Read More...]

Ross Strand the perfect family beach

Ross Strand the perfect family beach

Ross beach near Killala in Co Mayo is the perfect location for a family day on the beach and a place where we have spent many an enjoyable afternoon. … [Read More...]

Lots to do on Lacken Strand and Kilcummin beach

Lots to do on Lacken Strand and Kilcummin beach

Lacken Strand in North Mayo is located about 8 kms north of Killala. Lacken Strand is a sheltered inlet, hidden from the wild Atlantic waves by a series of … [Read More...]

Wild and wonderful Elly Bay

Wild and wonderful Elly Bay

Elly Bay, a few miles beyond Binghamstown, is the best-known beach on the Mullet peninsula in North West Mayo. … [Read More...]

Doolough – one of the most scenic beaches in Mayo

Doolough – one of the most scenic beaches in Mayo

In the south west of the barony of Erris, you will find Doolough Strand, located near the pretty seaside village of Geesala, and the beach is one of the most … [Read More...]

Cross Beach overlooking fabled Inishglora

Cross Beach overlooking fabled Inishglora

Cross beach, only a few kilometres west of Binghamstown on the Mullet, is one of the hidden gems among Mayo's many beautiful beaches  - and a place we keep … [Read More...]

Carrowteige has one of prettiest beaches in Mayo

Carrowteige has one of prettiest beaches in Mayo

The lovely Gaeltacht Village of Carrowteige (Ceathrú Thaidhg) has one of the most beautiful little beaches in Co Mayo. … [Read More...]

Carrowniskey is Mayo’s surfing Mecca

Carrowniskey is Mayo’s surfing Mecca

Carrowniskey and Cross beaches are adjoining sandy beaches which stretch for miles, south of Louisburgh - and a Mecca for surfers from all over the world. … [Read More...]

A day on Aughleam beach

A day on Aughleam beach

Towards the most southerly end of the Mullet, you will come to the lovely village of Aughleam (Eachléim). The village is surrounded by beautiful white-sand … [Read More...]

Silver Strand among most beautiful beaches in Ireland

Silver Strand among most beautiful beaches in Ireland

Silver Stand is a beautiful, secluded beach, located about 15kms south-west of Louisburgh, alongside the R378, near Killadoon. … [Read More...]

One day in Mulranny

One day in Mulranny

It's amazing all you can do in just one day in Mulranny - and even more, if you decide to holiday in the Mayo seaside village. Mulranny (Mallaranny) is … [Read More...]

The best beaches in Mayo

The best beaches in Mayo

Summer is perfect for exploring and enjoying Mayo's wonderful coastline which is dotted with some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in … [Read More...]

MAYO WALKS

Time out at Drumleen Lake

Time out at Drumleen Lake

When the R312, linking Belmullet and the wider Erris region to Castlebar, makes the headlines it's usually to do with justifiable calls to upgrade the road that … [Read More...]

Timeless Blanemore Forest

Timeless Blanemore Forest

Blanemore Forest Archaeological Walk near Moygownagh is another gem in Mayo's treasure chest of extensive Neolithic sites - the best known of which is the Ceide … [Read More...]

A walk in McMahon Park, Claremorris

A walk in McMahon Park, Claremorris

The lovely aroma of Meadowsweet filled the air as I wandered through McMahon Park in Claremorris on a beautiful July Saturday. … [Read More...]

Walking the Ballina to Killala Greenway

Walking the Ballina to Killala Greenway

I took advantage of the lovely early June weather to travel the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway, the walking and cycling route that will link Ballina and … [Read More...]

Walking from Killeen to Killadoon

Walking from Killeen to Killadoon

The long drive from Ballina to the south-west corner of Mayo where the Mweelrea Mountains slope down to Killary Harbour is always a pleasure as we look forward … [Read More...]

Discovering the charms of Derryhick Lake

Discovering the charms of Derryhick Lake

Over the years, whenever I passed the road sign to Derryhick Lake near Pontoon, I made a mental note to check out this secluded lough at some stage. … [Read More...]

Walking the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway

Walking the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway

I finally got around to walking the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway in mid-April and I wasn't disappointed by the 7km trail that opens a door to the countryside … [Read More...]

A walk around lovely Lough Lannagh

A walk around lovely Lough Lannagh

My regular visits to Castlebar are never complete without a walk around beautiful Lough Lannagh - the urban park and walking trail that is a recreational oasis … [Read More...]

A walk in Drummin Wood

A walk in Drummin Wood

Drummin Wood near Pontoon has one of the most scenic forest walking trails in Mayo with lake and mountain views to complement the wonderful woodland scenes. … [Read More...]

Panoramic views on Ballycastle Loop Walk

Panoramic views on Ballycastle Loop Walk

Ballycastle, the gateway village to the wonderful, wild wilderness that is North Mayo, has one of the most scenic looped walks in Co Mayo. The Sralagagh … [Read More...]

An afternoon in Enniscoe House and Country Estate

An afternoon in Enniscoe House and Country Estate

I have been a regular visitor to Enniscoe House and Country Estate near Crossmolina for many years and it's one of my favourite places to visit in Mayo. Located … [Read More...]

Cross Loop Walk where scenery and legend meet

Cross Loop Walk where scenery and legend meet

There are very few looped walks that can rival The Cross Loop Walks on The Mullet in Co Mayo for such varied and magnificent seaside scenery.  From the moment … [Read More...]

One day in Mulranny

One day in Mulranny

It's amazing all you can do in just one day in Mulranny - and even more, if you decide to holiday in the Mayo seaside village. Mulranny (Mallaranny) is … [Read More...]

Legends and cliff tops on Carrowteige Loop Walk

Legends and cliff tops on Carrowteige Loop Walk

The Carrowteige Loop Walks in remote North West County Mayo are among the most spectacular coastal loop walks to be found anywhere in the world. … [Read More...]

A visit to beautiful Inishkea South

A visit to beautiful Inishkea South

The Inishkea Islands, off the Mullet, in North Mayo, are among the most rarely visited of County Mayo’s many island outposts. During the summer months from June … [Read More...]

Enchanting waterfall at heart of Tourmakeady Woodland Walk

Enchanting waterfall at heart of Tourmakeady Woodland Walk

Tourmakeady, on the shores of Lough Mask, has one of the most beautiful forest trails in County Mayo that leads the walker to an enchanting … [Read More...]

Derradda – a walker’s paradise

Derradda – a walker’s paradise

Derradda in South West Mayo, located just outside the pretty and historic town of Newport, is a walker's paradise. The Derradda Loop Walks are part of four … [Read More...]

Erris Head Loop walk is spectacular

Erris Head Loop walk is spectacular

Erris Head Loop Walk, located on the northern tip of the magnificent Mullet peninsula, is one of my favourite loop walks in County Mayo. The walk is 5km … [Read More...]

Cycling Mayo’s Great Western Greenway from Newport to Mulranny

Cycling Mayo’s Great Western Greenway from Newport to Mulranny

Mayo's Great Western Greenway is fast becoming one of the most successful tourism attractions in Ireland. And I found out why when I finally got around to … [Read More...]

Burrishoole Loop Walks lead you to wonderful views of Clew Bay

Burrishoole Loop Walks lead you to wonderful views of Clew Bay

Anyone lucky enough to take a ramble along one of Mayo's magnificent loop walks at the weekend would surely have had all the cobwebs of the winter blown away by … [Read More...]

BEST MAYO FOREST TRAILS

A Bluebell blanket in Belleek Wood

A Bluebell blanket in Belleek Wood

Just as the flowering daffodils signal the end of winter, the carpets of Bluebells that decorate Ballina's Belleek Wood in late April and early May are a sure … [Read More...]

Morning magic in Belleek Wood

Morning magic in Belleek Wood

'Fog’s rollin’ off the East River Bank' - the opening line of Bleecker Street, the lovely Paul Simon song - came to mind as I witnessed a rolling bank of fog … [Read More...]

Laughil Forest walk by the shores of Lough Conn

Laughil Forest walk by the shores of Lough Conn

Pontoon where the great lakes of North Mayo - Lough Conn and Lough Cullin meet - is one of Mayo's most famous beauty spots. It is also a walker's paradise with … [Read More...]

MAYO ISLANDS

Eagle Island was once home to lighthouse keepers’ families

Eagle Island was once home to lighthouse keepers’ families

Eagle Island, off the north end of the Mullet Peninsula in Erris, Co Mayo, was once home to the families of the island's two lighthouse keepers. The two … [Read More...]

Clare Island Community Action Plan launch

Clare Island Community Action Plan launch

The Clare Island Community Action Plan 2014-2019 has been launched by Michael Ring TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism, and … [Read More...]

Claggan Island on the Wild Atlantic Way

Claggan Island on the Wild Atlantic Way

A few hours walking on Claggan Island near Belmullet is an escape to a magical world of tranquility and wonderful coastal scenery on the Wild Atlantic coast of … [Read More...]

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