Leading columnist and social commentator Kevin Myers is to speak in Castlebar on Sunday at a special ceremony in the Mayo Peace Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I.
The ceremony takes place at 2.30pm and will remember all of the Mayo men and women who fought and died in conflicts around the world, and in particular, the more than 1,100 Mayo born soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses, and civilians who died in the Great War between 1914 and 1918.
Military historian Michael Feeney MBE, of the Mayo Peace Park committee, said Mr Myers is a very fitting keynote speaker for the ceremony because of his couragous campaign over many years to have those Irish men and women who served in the world wars properly recognised and remembered.
“For many years, Mr Myers was a lone voice crying out in the wilderness, as he campaigned for the proper commemoration of all the Irish soldiers who had served and died in the world wars,” explained Mr Feeney.
“During that time, Kevin Myers received all sorts of abuse and vilification and even some death threats. His only crime was that he highlighted our shared history with Great Britain, Europe, and the wider world.”
Mr Feeney, whose grandfather died in World War I, said he is grateful for the “more enlightened and understanding times” of today where the sacrifices that Irish combatants made to promote world peace can now be fully recognised and accepted.
Sunday’s ceremony will also include an ecumenical prayer service, a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen, and a wreath laying ceremony.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Damien Ryan and MEP Marian Harkin will also speak at the event and music will be provided by the Castlebar Town Marching Band.
