A solemn and dignified ceremony was hosted in the surrounds of the 1916 Centenary Garden in Burgess Park, Athlone, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the War of Independence truce.
The War of Independence, which lasted from 21 January 1919 to 11 July 1921, was a guerrilla war fought by the flying columns of the Irish Republican Army against the forces of the British Government.
As this conflict reached a stalemate, a truce came into effect on the 11 July 1921 and subsequent negotiations resulted in the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921.
This in turn led to the legal enactment of the 26-county Irish Free State in December 1922. The 100th anniversary of the enactment of this truce was commemorated at various locations throughout the country on Sunday last, July 11.
In Athlone, wreaths were ceremonially laid by both the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena and by Lt Col Oliver Clear of Custume Barracks.
This symbolic gesture was followed by a raising of the flag ceremony and the playing of the last post and our national anthem by members of the Defence Forces.
Due to public health restrictions attendees were kept to a minimum where the executive of Westmeath County Council was represented by Cathaldus Hartin, A/Director of Services.
Also present were Cllr Liam McDaniel, Mayor of Athlone Moate District and Cllr Aoife Davitt, Mayor of Mullingar Kinnegad District.
Cllr. Frankie Keena stated that it was an honour for him to lay a wreath on behalf of the citizens of Westmeath to mark this historic event. He thanked the Defence Forces for their attendance and indeed the ongoing support they provide to the Council and local communities.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Stepping Out project led by Neil Flannery and Jovana Cacic for their continuous upkeep of the 1916 proclamation signatory timber plaques and Athlone Tidy Towns and the Council for maintaining this Centenary Garden,” Cllr Keena asserted.
