ARMISTICE DAY IN KILDARE 1928
The Kildare Observer Saturday, 17 November 1928
ARMISTICE DAY IN KILDARE
THE NEWBRIDGE PARADE
The parade of ex-servicemen in Newbridge, under Capt. Rowley, was very large. Headed by the Ballyshannon Band, the men marched to the Protestant and Catholic Churches, after which they re-turned to the Legion Hall, where they were addressed by Captain Rowley, who urged the necessity for unity among the men.
The Committee received a letter from Colonel Mansfield regretting that owing to illness he was unable to attend. Major Williams was away on business in London, while Major Henry, who resides at Newbridge, was in Dublin with the Railway ex-Servicemen.
SERVICES IN ATHY
A good muster of ex-Servicemen, headed by their band, and accompanied by Col. Magann, Major Clements. Capts. Hosie and Minch, Dr. Kilbride and Mr. Youell, marched in parade through Athy. One section attended Divine Service in the Protestant Church and the other in the Catholic Church. Afterwards the two sections marched to the Square, where the two minutes’ silence was observed.
Captain Minch expressed his satisfaction at their fine attendance, and thanked Lady Weldon, the Rev. Mr. Dunlop, Miss Dunlop and Miss Baldwin for their services in connection with the sale of poppies.
THE CURRAGH PARADE
Armistice was most defittingly (sic) honoured and observed in the Curragh area on Sunday last. In the Protestant Churches of the Curragh and Ballysax the day opened with Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m., and parade at 10.30 a.m. at the former, and at the latter with Memorial Service at 12 o’clock. In the evening Service was again held at the Curragh at 6.30. Capt. the Rev. R. C. Madden. M.A., H.C.F., Curragh officiated at the different functions, all of which were attended by large and devout congregations. At the earlier services sermons suited entirely to the occasion were eloquently preached by Major the Rev. F. J. M’Manaway, M.A., M.C., Hon. S.C.F.
Following the Services a procession took place to the graves of Pte. Tinsley and Driver Smyth in the Church cemetery, headed by Sergt.-Major Brown. After placing wreaths on the graves, the “Last Post” was sounded.
The Service at Ballysax concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. It is gratifying to learn that the collection at the services in the Churches surpassed all expectations.
PARADE IN NAAS
The British Ex- Servicemen of Naas and district assembled at the Town Hall and marched to the chapel, and after Mass they re-formed and marched to the Memorial Hall where Mr. P. Gray (Chairman) addressed them and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased soldiers of Naas and district. Captain Barry Brown was in charge of the parade.
Re-typed by Riona Daly
Photo: British Legion Band, Moorefield, Newbridge, 1930
