Official opening of birthplace of WW1 soldier
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Minister Niamh Smyth, TD cutting the ribbon to officially open the birthplace of Luke Delaney. From left: Luke Delaney Project committee (LDPC) member Colm Smith, Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive Cavan County Council; Tony Farrelly, Secretary LDPC; Thomas Fitzsimons LDPC, Niamh Smyth, Cllr Niall Smith, Vice Chairman of Cavan County Council, Paddy O’Reilly, Chairman LDPC, Wesley Henry and Ellen Doyle LDPC.Photos: Sean McMahonImage 2 of 3
The Luke Delaney homestead at Murmod, Virginia.Image 3 of 3
More than 100 people attended the official opening ceremony.More than 100 people attended the official opening of the restored birthplace of Rifleman Luke Delaney on Murmod Hill, Virginia. It was a commemoration not only of Luke, but of the 750 Cavan people who also perished in the Great War.
Chairman of the Luke Delaney home restoration committee Paddy O’Reilly highlighted the significance of the refurbished birthplace: “This is the only one I am aware of in Ireland.”
The cottage will be open for school tours and the public by request to encourage a new generation to engage with the history and put a human face to it. The cottage is a remembrance that behind the names on memorials were young men leaving their families and communities.
Minister Niamh Smyth who lay a wreath on behalf of the Irish Government congratulated Paddy and the committee for “preserving Luke Delaney’s birthplace and ensuring his story is remembered for generations to come”.
Lieutenant Scanlon, Director of ONE, laid a wreath on behalf of the Defence Forces, as did Superintendent Gavin O’Reilly on behalf of An Garda Síochána. Leas Cathaoirleach Niall Smith laid a wreath on behalf of the County Council.
Relatives of local WW1 veterans and soldiers Michael Brady, John James Byers, as well as brothers John, Samuel and Robert Chambers, James O’Donoghue, James Clarke and Johnny Doyle also placed wreaths. The late committee member John O’Donoghue was also remembered.
The ceremony was accompanied by Celtic Tenor Matthew Gilsenan, while an ecumenical service was held by Rev. Ian Berry and Very Rev. Dermot Prior PP.