European Affairs Minister to lead Ledwidge Centenary event
On Saturday, the Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, will lead the official representation at a special State commemoration of the centenary of the death of Lance Corporal Francis Ledwidge, the poet, Irish Volunteer and soldier, who died in the Battle of Passchendaele on 31st July 1917.
The event has been arranged in partnership with Meath County Council and the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee and comprises a significant cultural element, incorporating poetry, music and readings. The ceremony will culminate in the formal State commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony, with participation by members of the Defence Forces.
Ms McEntee is standing in for Minister for Arts and Heritage, Heather Humpheries, who was originally scheduled to lead the national commemoration.
Schedule
From 1.55pm: Arrival of Dignitaries and VIP Guests (including Francis Ledwidge’s nephew, Joseph, and his grand-nephew, Frank)
2.45pm: Poetry Recital of Ledwidge poems:
• Stanley Hill (Kathryn Yore)
• A Little Boy in the Morning (Fiona O’Malley)
• June (James Doherty)
2.50pm: Mary Clarke performs a violin solo of two pieces of music:
• The Blackbird
• The Wounded Hussar
2.55pm: Reading of two letters from Francis Ledwidge:
• Letter to Matty McGoona, 9th March 1915 (read by Bob McMahon)
• Extract from Letter to Katherine Tynan, 20th July 1917 (read by Rosemary Yore)
3pm: Reading of the Drogheda Argus Death Notice:
Frank Ledwidge will read Francis Ledwidge’s Death Notice, published in the Drogheda Argus on 11th August 1917.
3.05pm: Musical interlude from the Irish Defence Forces Piper
3.10pm: Formal State commemoration begins with the Ministerial address
Wreaths will be laid by:
• Minister (wreath presented by MP wreath-bearer) on behalf of the Irish Government
• Cathaoirleach (wreath presented by local child Cillian Brady) on behalf of the people of County Meath
• Colonel Max Walker (wreath presented by local child Cliodhna Brady) on behalf of the British Ambassador
• Joseph Ledwidge, assisted by Frank (wreath presented by Cillian Brady) on behalf of the Ledwidge family
The wreath laying will be followed by:
• A Minute’s silence
• Piper’s Lament