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01/07/2010
Somme Battle Anniversary Marked
On the very day the bloody battle began in 1916, the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson has been representing the British Government at the annual Somme commemoration in France.
The solemn commemoration at the battlefield is taking place just days after a local ceremony - revived by the locally based Whiteabbey Royal British Legion over a decade ago - saw wreaths laid and the traditional two-minute silence observed at the picturesque setting high above Belfast Lough at the County Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh.
The salute was taken by the Queen's official representative, Joan Christie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, pictured here with John Read, who is the officer commanding the Glengormley Army Cadets - an organisation that enjoys the Lord Lieutenant's personal patronage.
Then, today, in France, the Conservative MP and NIO boss attended commemoration services at Thiepval and Ulster Tower and laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War - thousands of whom came from Irish regiments.
He said: "It is a deeply moving experience to remember the tens of thousands of men who died in this battle for their country and to see the war graves so meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
"Today I have the honour to lay wreaths at the memorials on behalf of the UK; it is with particular admiration that I reflect on the connection the people of Northern Ireland have with the Somme.
"I also admire the dedication of organisations such as the Somme Heritage Centre who work tirelessly to ensure future generations learn about the Battle of the Somme and help ensure that what happened here in 1916 is never forgotten."
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Hugo Swire represented the NIO at the Belfast wreath laying ceremony at the City Hall.
This was one of several events commemorating the thousands of WWI Irish Soldiers from the 36th (Ulster) Division and comrades from the 16th (Irish) Division who died fighting between 1 July and 13 November 1916 in the fateful battle.
See: Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
See: Younger Generation Recall The Somme
(BMcC/GK)
The solemn commemoration at the battlefield is taking place just days after a local ceremony - revived by the locally based Whiteabbey Royal British Legion over a decade ago - saw wreaths laid and the traditional two-minute silence observed at the picturesque setting high above Belfast Lough at the County Antrim War Memorial, Knockagh.
The salute was taken by the Queen's official representative, Joan Christie, the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, pictured here with John Read, who is the officer commanding the Glengormley Army Cadets - an organisation that enjoys the Lord Lieutenant's personal patronage.
Then, today, in France, the Conservative MP and NIO boss attended commemoration services at Thiepval and Ulster Tower and laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War - thousands of whom came from Irish regiments.
He said: "It is a deeply moving experience to remember the tens of thousands of men who died in this battle for their country and to see the war graves so meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
"Today I have the honour to lay wreaths at the memorials on behalf of the UK; it is with particular admiration that I reflect on the connection the people of Northern Ireland have with the Somme.
"I also admire the dedication of organisations such as the Somme Heritage Centre who work tirelessly to ensure future generations learn about the Battle of the Somme and help ensure that what happened here in 1916 is never forgotten."
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Hugo Swire represented the NIO at the Belfast wreath laying ceremony at the City Hall.
This was one of several events commemorating the thousands of WWI Irish Soldiers from the 36th (Ulster) Division and comrades from the 16th (Irish) Division who died fighting between 1 July and 13 November 1916 in the fateful battle.
See: Veterans Week Marks Past Sacrifices
See: Younger Generation Recall The Somme
(BMcC/GK)
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02 July 2003
Trimble welcomes Somme grant
The Northern Ireland Office has awarded a grant of £385,000 to the Somme Association to help pay for a small plot of land in France to commemorate those who died in the World War 1 battle. The 36th Ulster Division used Thiepval Wood, which is close to the site of the Battle of Somme, as it prepared for the start of the 1916 Somme Offensive.
Trimble welcomes Somme grant
The Northern Ireland Office has awarded a grant of £385,000 to the Somme Association to help pay for a small plot of land in France to commemorate those who died in the World War 1 battle. The 36th Ulster Division used Thiepval Wood, which is close to the site of the Battle of Somme, as it prepared for the start of the 1916 Somme Offensive.
01 July 2019
SF Mayor Lays Wreath At Somme Commemoration
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane has laid a wreath to commemorate all those killed in the Battle of the Somme. The Sinn Fein councillor attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph at City Hall early this morning, Monday 01 July.
SF Mayor Lays Wreath At Somme Commemoration
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane has laid a wreath to commemorate all those killed in the Battle of the Somme. The Sinn Fein councillor attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph at City Hall early this morning, Monday 01 July.
27 June 2019
Battle Of The Somme Commemoration Planned
A service to remember those who died during the Battle of the Somme is to take place in Carrickfergus this weekend. The Battle will be commemorated over 100 years later at the Knockagh Memorial on Sunday 30 June in an event organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Battle Of The Somme Commemoration Planned
A service to remember those who died during the Battle of the Somme is to take place in Carrickfergus this weekend. The Battle will be commemorated over 100 years later at the Knockagh Memorial on Sunday 30 June in an event organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
08 July 2016
Orange Order Unveils Mural In West Belfast
A mural, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, reminding people of their alcohol intake during the Twelfth July celebrations, has been unveiled in west Belfast. The canvas painting at Ainsworth Street in the Woodvale area includes the slogan 'It's about the Battle, not the Bottle'.
Orange Order Unveils Mural In West Belfast
A mural, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, reminding people of their alcohol intake during the Twelfth July celebrations, has been unveiled in west Belfast. The canvas painting at Ainsworth Street in the Woodvale area includes the slogan 'It's about the Battle, not the Bottle'.
01 July 2016
Battle Of The Somme: Overnight Vigils Held To Mark 100th Anniversary
A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme. The event took place at the Somme Museum and ended with a solemn ceremony.
Battle Of The Somme: Overnight Vigils Held To Mark 100th Anniversary
A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme. The event took place at the Somme Museum and ended with a solemn ceremony.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
