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Somme Centenary Commemoration

The Somme Centenary Commemoration took place today in the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge, Dublin 8. The Ceremony to commemorate the Battle of the Somme, in which approximately 3,500 soldiers from the island of Ireland lost their lives, was held in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.

The ceremony was attended by the President, the Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor, the Government and the Council of State, as well as members of Oireachtas, representatives from Northern Ireland, the Diplomatic Corps and the Judiciary.

You can view a gallery of images from the ceremony here: 


A wide cross-section of Veteran Organisations and the Royal British Legion are invited with guests travelling from all over Ireland and beyond to attend this historic event. Representatives of three local schools, St John of Gods, Gaelscoil Inchicore and Mount Sackville will also attend.


The Ceremony involved a wreath-laying by the President of Ireland. Ambassadors of the eight countries that fought at the Somme, Representatives from Northern Ireland and the Presidents of the Royal British Legion (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) also laid wreaths.

Music was by the Army Band 1 Brigade. Mount Sackville and Scoil Mhuire Choir also performed at the Ceremony.