Killyleagh Remembers the Great War

A local group of enthusiasts, in the villages of Killyleagh and Shrigley, came together on Thursday 25 July to launch an exciting programme of events to mark the Centenary of the end of the First World War.

For the past 5 years the group, known locally as ‘Killyleagh Remembers the Great War’, have been involved in cross-community projects aimed at educating all generations and religious backgrounds, particularly schoolchildren and young people, on our shared history from the Great War.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillor Harry Harvey, Chair of Rowallane District Electoral Area Fora said, “I am delighted to launch this programme of events which marks such an important time in our history. I must commend the community group within the area who are fully committed to cross-community work which ensures that everyone remembers our shared past and pays tribute to those who took part in the Great War. Primary objectives of the project include the promotion of positive relations characterised by respect, where cultural diversity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance.”

Cllr Harvey added, “Newry Mourne and Down District Council is delighted that the group could avail of Peace IV funding in order to deliver this fantastic project. I am especially pleased that funding was made available through the Councils Good Relations action plan to procure the beacon for event on the evening of 11 November 2018.”

Commencing in July 2018 through to November 2018 the group is marking the End of the Great War with a programme of Events and workshops entitled ‘Battle’s Over’. Events include a photographic exhibition, lecture by Philip Orr, a walking history trail, Great War road show and an exhibition of war art. The Centerpiece event on Sunday 11 November 2018 will involve ‘The Walk of Peace’; a lantern led walk from Shrigley to Killyleagh concluding with the lighting of a WW1 Beacon of Light to join beacons lit across the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man at exactly 7pm; the time the guns finally fell silent.

The full programme of events and workshops will be available in Killyleagh Library and updates will also be available via the project groups Facebook page ‘Killyleagh Remembers the Great War’.

This project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.