Communities across Ireland came together in a powerful display of unity and respect during Remembrance Sunday ceremonies, with political leaders from different traditions participating in events honouring those who died in conflict.
Belfast Ceremony Marks Historic Participation
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly led tributes at the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall, where hundreds gathered in the Garden of Remembrance and surrounding streets. Members of the armed forces and representatives from various organisations participated in the service to remember conflict victims.
Ms O'Neill's laurel wreath featured a card with a message that read: "Today, as First Minister, I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict." She emphasised that "through understanding and respect for our differences, we can build a stronger, more compassionate, and united society." This appearance marked her second year participating, having become the first senior Sinn Fein figure to take part in such an event in Northern Ireland last year.
Island-Wide Commemorations
Ireland's Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, also laid wreaths in Belfast. Ms McEntee stated she believes it's "really important that the government of Ireland is here," noting that the presence of members from different communities "is a sign of the society in the world that we live in, and I think it's a sign of respect from all communities."
She added that it's crucial "everybody comes together to show their respect to the many hundreds of thousands, millions, of people who've lost their lives over the years, but in particular, that we recognise and remember those from World War One."
Other events took place across the island, including in Dublin, to mark the 107th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Taoiseach Micheal Martin attended a service in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland where he laid a wreath at the town's war memorial bearing the words "in remembrance on behalf of the Irish Government."
Historical Significance and Personal Milestones
The UK's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn also attended as the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War was commemorated. The ceremonies held particular significance as Saturday marked the 38th anniversary of a bomb explosion before a Remembrance Day service in Enniskillen, which killed 11 people.
The tradition of the sitting taoiseach attending the Enniskillen memorial dates back to 2013 when Enda Kenny became the first to do so, representing greater recognition in the Republic of Ireland for Irishmen who fought and died serving in the British Army during the First World War.
In a poignant personal milestone, Irish President Michael D Higgins attended an evensong service at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on his second to last day in office. The cathedral's dean, the Very Reverend William Morton, expressed gratitude for the president's "generous support, friendship and encouragement" throughout his term.
