Wreath laying ceremony to honour Irish soldiers who fought in France to take place in Glasnevin

To mark the occasion of France’s National Day, Ambassador of France to Ireland Vincent Guérend will host a wreath laying ceremony at the Glasnevin cemetery on Thursday 14^th of July, in honour of the people of Ireland who served in France during the War of 1870, the First and Second World Wars.

Wreaths will be laid first at the France-Irish monument erected in 2016 by H.E. Vincent Guérend and Colonel Nicolas Filser.

Homage will then be paid to Professor Édouard Cadic in front of his grave, where a wreath will be laid.

Prof. Édouard Cadic was Professor of French and Romance Philology at the National University in Ireland.

He was born in Guidel, Brittany in 1858 and was a well-known French language scholar who was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur in 1900.

Amongst his pupils were famous Irish figures such as Patrick Pearse and James Joyce whom he influenced.

He was also involved in humanitarian fundraising for France in Ireland following the great flood of Paris in 1910.

His story is indicative of the positive influence and legacy of French people who have settled in Ireland and made it their home.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Ambassador Vincent Guérend said: “I am pleased to be in Glasnevin for this commemoration so that France can pay tribute to the Irish people, with this France-Ireland Memorial.

“Today we pay tribute to all the Irish soldiers who fought on French soil, many of whom never returned during the great wars.

“France wishes to express its gratitude to these brave people who did not hesitate to enlist for freedom”.

Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Darcy Lornergan commented: “I am honoured to be in Glasnevin Cemetery to attend the French national day ceremony. Since 2016 the France Ireland Memorial allows us to highlight the courage of so many Irish soldiers who fought in France to give us a freer and more united world to face adversity.”