THERE was a moment of history in Glasnevin Cemetery last Friday when Britain’s Prince Charles unveiled remembrance stones to Irish-born Victoria Cross recipients of World War I.
The heir to the British throne and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were joined by Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys for the historic ceremony.
The paving stones are in remembrance of Irish-born soldiers – Corporal John Cunningham, Company Sergeant Major Robert Hill Hanna, Lieutenant Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey and Private Michael James O’Rourke, who were awarded the Victoria Cross a century ago in 1917.
The royal couple also took part in a ceremony at a memorial marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising during their visit to the Northside cemetery.
The ceremony took place at the Necrology Wall, which bears the names of all who died in the rebellion, Irish and British, military, police and civilian.
The wall was only repaired recently after paint was thrown over it by vandals.
Prince Charles and Minister Humphreys laid wreaths at the wall and a minute’s silence was held to remember all those who died in the Rising.
The Prince of Wales and Camilla then took a stroll around the Botanic Gardens where they chatted with staff before heading off to Government buildings to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
