A Hopefulness in Remembering: Ceremony for those who fight for peace held in Tipperary
The Remembrance Sunday mass and ceremony was held in Thurles on November 10, 2024
When we think about the remembrance of military personnel lost, we think of war and conflict.
How can one not when the end is so salient that you could easily forget the beginning and middle?
That is why Remembrance Sunday is so important.
At the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, there was more talk of peace and justice than war and violence.
Fr James Purcell said at mass that Remembrance Sunday is about courage, generosity and working toward a better world.
“There is a certain hopefulness in choosing to remember. Imagine a Remembrance Sunday where nobody had an experience of war.
“It is easier for people to remember when war is in the world.
“When we can see the suffering, the importance of remembering is at least clear in such times,” said Fr Purcell.
The presentation of the gifts at the Remembrance Sunday mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Picture by Paddy Loughnane
Twelve candles were lined up in front of the altar for those who have passed away in the parish in the past year.
A thirteenth candle represented those who were from Thurles but passed away and were laid to rest elsewhere.
“Remember that behind every news story, every statistic is a person,” said Fr Purcell.
Those gathered at the service prayed for not only the military personnel lost but also those still serving, especially Irish peacekeepers and civilians lost and left behind.
In attendance were Republic of Korea Deputy Head of Mission, Sung-Min Ko, Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Mohamed Al Mohamad and Malta Ambassador H.E. Giovanni Buttigieg.
The chairman of the Irish Lebanese Culture Foundation, Guy Jones was also in attendance.
Representing An Garda Síochána were Superintendent Eddie Golden and Inspector James White.
The Irish Defence Forces were represented by Lieutenant Colonel Joe Gleeson.
The Order of Malta was represented by Commander Aidan O’Brien, Assistant Commander Pj Ryan, Lieutenant Jim Keough, Lieutenant Bryan Crosby and Assistant Commander Michael Lawlor.
Cllr and General Election Candidate Jim Ryan did a reading at the mass.
PARADE AND GARDEN
Following the mass, guests formed a parade from the cathedral to St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance.
The parade was led by piper Tadhg Ryan.
CAPTION: Parade after mass. Picture by Shannon Sweeney
The Irish flag was raised, and the Lebanese flag was flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the Israeli attacks on the country.
The garden in Thurles is twinned with one in Tebnine, Lebanon and the ceremony was led by Guy Jones of the Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation.
Speakers on the day were the visiting ambassadors and the secretary of the Tipperary International Peace Committee.
Malta Ambassador Giovanni Buttigieg said Remembrance Sunday was an opportunity to “reflect on our responsibility to prevent the scourge of war for us and future generations.”
He said everyone has a part to play in peace. Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Mohamed A.L Mohamad thanked everyone who attended and participated.
He called on those in attendance to pray and fight for peace. Mr Jones said that in Tipperary, we celebrate peace with the work of the Tipperary International Peace Committee and convention.
He was introducing Mr Quinn, who spoke at the event and said remembering is a call for peace and reconciliation.
He said education was important for passing on the stories of a “connected history” and for “striving for a better future.”
And remembrance Sunday is about honouring those who fight for peace.
He said remembering is an “act of gratitude and purpose for a better future.”
“We have a collective responsibility to work for a world where conflict is resolved by talking,” said Mr Quinn.
The final speaker was Mr Sung-Min Ko, Republic of Korea Deputy Head of Mission, who said this was his first time in the Garden of Remembrance.
He acknowledged the work of International Peacekeepers, and he is proud of the veterans who made his country free.
“As we know, freedom does not come for free. It is something we fight for and it is only just that we remember,” said Mr Sung-Min Ko.
Blessings were given by representatives from both the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.
CAPTION: Republic of Korea Deputy Head of Mission Mr Sung-Min Ko and Chairman John Wort. Picture by Paddy Loughnane
The service concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony. Fourteen wreaths were laid at memorial plaques in the garden, including by the visiting ambassadors, the gardaí Order of Malta, the Cobh Branch of the ONE and Thurles Municipal District Council.
Chairman John Wort, on behalf of the The Dúrlas éile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who contributed to the event.
He thanked all those listed in the piece but would also like to extend his gratitude to Fr Paul Murphy, Chaplin of the Defense Forces and Order of Malta, Rev. Fr James Purcell, Canon Ian Coulter, Church of Ireland for leading the service.
The Cathedral Choir, Sacristan Jim Woodlock and readers are also thanked. The Colour Party, members of the band, Piper, An Garda Síochána, photographer Paddy Loughnane and the Committee Grounds and Design Team.
A special thanks is extended to sponsors Dr Martin and Joe Anne Semple, the Republic of Korea Embassy in Dublin and James Slattery of Monumental Sculptures.
The ceremony at the garden was followed by lunch at the Thurles Golf Club for “their kind hospitality, providing refreshments for our guests, especially those who travelled from afar.”