National Heritage Week

Restoration of the cottage in Murmod, Virginia, began 2019.

Commemoration of WWI Veteran Luke Delaney

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Restoration of the cottage in Murmod, Virginia, began 2019.

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Thorough research enabled the local committee to piece together the story of Luke Delaney and his homeplace.

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John Smith reflected on the situation of WW1-soldiers from Ireland.

National Heritage Week

Published: Thu 4 Sep 2025, 6:00 PM

National Heritage week provided a fitting opportunity for the Luke Delaney Restoration Committee to showcase the birthplace and commemorate World War I Veteran, Rifleman Luke Delaney from Murmod, Virginia.

Local historian John Smith spoke about Luke Delaney and the involvement of his regiment in WW1 - specifically why Luke and many others joined the army. He reflected on the political context of the time and the significance of “Redmond's call” for Irish men to join the British armed forces to accelerate Home Rule.

John Redmond, the leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party, had called on members of the Irish Volunteers to join the British Army, stating: “The interests of Ireland as a whole are at stake in this war. This war is undertaken in defence of the highest principles of religion, morality and right.”

Many soldiers enlisting at the time were as young as 13 years. They didn’t see any other way to provide for their families or didn’t even have a pair of boots to their name. If they returned, they faced the harsh reality of a changed political climate. Some being ostracised for their involvement, some facing unemployment, many struggling to adjust to normal life having experienced the trenches and ultimately suffering from PTSD.

Luke was killed in action in Belgium on November 8, 1914, aged 27, at the start of WWI. Today, he is remembered with honour, with his name inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, where the Last Post is sounded every evening at 8pm to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the First World War, who have no known grave.

In 2019, the Murmod committee began the restoration and refurbishment of the birthplace of WWI veteran Luke Delaney, returning it to its original state while preserving its historical character and maintaining its architectural style. Original features were meticulously retained during the renovation process, and the interior was fitted out with period furniture and utilities from the era of 1914.

“We would like to acknowledge the support of Cavan LEADER, Cavan County Council, and the Cavan LCDC PEACE IV Partnership,” said Secretary Tony Farrelly.

A major feature of the house includes mannequins depicting the residents on the day Luke Delaney departed for the battlefields of the Western Front. It is believed to be the only restored homestead of a WWI veteran in County Cavan. The carefully restored cottage will be open to the public soon.