Downpatrick remembers at cenotaph

Downpatrick remembers at cenotaph

12 November 2025

ALMOST 100 years to the day since it was unveiled, Downpatrick War Memorial was once again the focus of the town’s Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

The memorial, depicting a soldier from the First World War, was shown to the public for the first time on November 5, 1925.

One hundred years on, those who gave their lives in both world wars and subsequent conflicts were remembered in time honoured fashion.

The parade of Royal British Legion members, ex-service personnel and representatives of other organisations and youth groups from The Mall to the cenotaph in New Bridge Street was one of the largest in recent years.

The parade marshal was Mr Jack McIlheron and the parade was led by Dunmore Silver Band.

The religious ceremony was conducted by Dean Henry Blair, Rev Owen Patterson, Rev Roderic West, Rev Peter Booth, Rev Rosalind Taggart and Fr. Eugene O’Neill, the town’s recently appointed parish priest.

Following the sounding of The Last Post, Mr Keith Straney, chairman of the Downpatrick branch of the Royal British Legion, recited Binyon’s Lines, after which there was a two minutes’ silence. Mr Straney also recited the Kohima Epitaph after Reveille.

A total of 22 wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph.

The Royal British Legion wreath was laid by Mr Raymond Martin, president of the Downpatrick branch, who was escorted by Mr Ronnie Steele and Mr Richard Rooney.

A wreath on behalf of the Royal Naval Association was led by Mr Robert Leahy, while Mr Jim Smyth laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Air Force Association and Mr Brian Alexander laid a wreath on behalf of the Merchant Navy Association.

A wreath on behalf of UDR Private James Cochrane, who died in an IRA landmine attack outside Castlewellan in January 1980, was laid by his nephew, Mr Jim Cochrane.

Mr David Moreland laid a wreath in memory of his brother, UDR Private John Moreland, who was shot dead by the IRA while delivering coal in Downpatrick in December 1988.

Other wreaths were laid by the following:

PSNI – Inspector Paul Moore, escorted by Constable Alice Armstrong.

NI Fire and Rescue Service – Firefighter Kevin Hanna.

DUP – Mrs Claire Lewis, escorted by her son, Louis.

UUP – Mr John Hanna.

Downpatrick Women’s Institute – Mrs Edwina Marr, escorted by Mrs Margaret Orr.

Inch Scouts – Mrs Dawn Stocking, escorted by Tristan Stocking and Richard Gawith.

Bells Hill Apprentice Boys of Derry – Mr Nigel Bloomer, escorted by Mr Alex Stevenson.

William Johnston Memorial Accordion Band Ballykilbeg – Ronnie Rooney, escorted by Nicola Edgar and Ellie Edgar.

Downpatrick Red Hand Defenders Flute Band – Matthew Crangle, escorted by Laura Cranston and Kyle Strain.

Lecale District LOL No 2 – Mr Andrew Watson, escorted by Mr Gordon McMullan and Mr Michael Hill.

Lecale District Royal Black Chapter No 2 – Mr James McKibbin, escorted by Mr Sammy Barratt.

Inch LOL – Mr Trevor McKibben, escorted by Mr Jonny Lennon and Mr Robert Lennon.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Ulster Defence Regiment Conspicuous Gallantry Cross Association, the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade and Down High School.

The standard bearers were Mr Stephen Strain, for the Royal British Legion, and Mr Andy Conn, for the Royal Air Force Association.

The commemoration ended with a march past the cenotaph where Mr Martin took the salute.