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kilkennyobserver.ie
The Kilkenny Observer Friday 06 May 2022
Feature
Dawn gathering commemorates Anzac day with dignitiy and pride
Rehearsal time. Planning the ANZAC celebrations at the WW1 memorial Donal Croghan ( chair of the Great War memorial committee) and Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, chair of the Joint Policing committee
PHOTOS BY PAT SHORTALL
A
s settings go, this was picture perfect. Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) hoisted The Irish flag to full mast and Reveille echoed from the Great War memorial at The Peace Park in Kilkenny city. Representatives of the Army, O.N.E., and Gardai stood to attention and saluted the Tri-colour. Blowing gently in the dawn April breeze the flags of New Zealand and Australia waved in approval. The 0.600 gathering on John’s quay was to commemorate ANZAC
day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”. The thirty plus gathering saw representatives from Kilkenny County Council,(Fideles Doherty, Andrew McGuinness, Eugene McGuinness as well as Kilkenny Fire brigade( John Collins) , Kilkenny Gardaí,( Sgt David Gorman) Army Barracks, (Commandant Stephen McEoin) Scouting Ireland ( Aidan Brennan)
as well as guests from both the Australian and New Zealand diaspora. Guest of honour, and speaker on the day was Mr Daryl Owens representing the New Zealand Embassy in Ireland. Apologies were received from Mr Tim Millikan, deputy head of missions at the Australian embassy. A TIME TO REFLECT Speaking with the Kilkenny Observer , Daryl Owens said that it was a great privilege and honour for him to speak at the service organised to honour those who took part in the conflicts. Addressing the thirty plus attendance Mr Owens said: “Each Anzac Day we
Berni Egan from the Kilkenny Great War Memorial committee who read a prayer at the Anzac dawn celebrations
take time to reflect and remember the impact of conflict and war in our history. And although the name ANZAC Day specifically refers to the Kiwis / New Zealanders and Australians who landed in Gallipoli, it also serves as a day to remember those who fought and served in all conflicts, from all countries.
P.J Norton at the Anzac dawn celebrations
We acknowledge their service and honour their contribution, while not forgetting the huge amount of sacrifice and personal cost to these people and their families.” Turning to his fellow New Zealanders Mr. Owens said: “Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou” (We will remember them) The New Zealand representative went on
to specifically remember those Irish who fought and served together with the Anzacs. While people have often heard of the Anzacs, less known is the fact that as many Irish soldiers died at Gallipoli as Kiwis did. 3000 people - with 15,000 Irish soldiers serving there in total. Some of whom were from Kilkenny. This year in New Zealand
