merrion street

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, will this evening (Monday) unveil a plaque in Stranoodan, Co. Monaghan to commemorate David Nelson, a recipient of the Victoria Cross in the First World War. Minister Humphreys is unveiling the plaque at Cahans Presbyterian Church, which Nelson’s family attended in the late nineteenth Century.

Minister Humphreys said: “It is fitting that the bravery of this Monaghan man is being commemorated exactly 100 years after the brave actions which led to Nelson being awarded a Victoria Cross.

“The Victoria Cross is the highest decoration for valour in the British forces, awarded to only 627 individuals of the many millions who served during the First World War.

“David Nelson was the first Ulsterman, and the second Irishman after Maurice Dease, to be awarded the Victoria Cross in that conflict. Nelson survived the wounds he received on 1st September 1914, only to be killed in action less than four years later.

“By reflecting on and remembering those who died 100 years ago, we can appreciate the true scale of suffering which was brought about as a result of the war. I would like to commend the Ulster History Council for their work on this project.”