Irish fighters are remembered in Glasnevin on Bastille Day

FRENCH Ambassador to Ireland Stéphane Crouzat, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Cathleen Carney Boud and Chairman of Glasnevin Trust, John Green led proceedings at this year’s Bastille Day commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery.

The event on July 14 was marked by the laying of wreaths at the France-Ireland memorial to remember the Irish men and women who died fighting for France during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and WWI and WWII.

This was followed by the unveiling of a plaque of remembrance in honour of Michael MacWhite – recipient of the Legion d’Honneur and three-time recipient of the Croix de Guerre.

Reflecting on the event French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Stéphane Crouzat said: “One hundred years ago, over 200,000 Irish nationals enlisted to serve on the battlefields of the First World War.

“Among them was Michael MacWhite. Joining the French Foreign Legion, Michael fought in France and Gallipoli before being wounded.

“For his bravery, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d’Honneur. His war experience led him to become a strong advocate for peace, both personally and professionally as Ireland’s first Ambassador to the League of Nations.”

John Green, Chairman of Glasnevin Trust, opened the ceremony with a welcoming address.

“The Franco-Irish connection has deep historical ties to Glasnevin Cemetery, which makes us particularly proud to further forge this link commemorating the thousands of Irish men and women who fought so valiantly for so many causes across the fields of France,” he said.

“The France-Ireland memorial under which we laid these commemorative wreaths are lasting tributes to the Irish men and women who fought in France during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as well as WWI and WWII and the enormous sacrifices they made.”

The commemoration party then made their way to the grave of Michael MacWhite where Grace Neville, UCC Emeritus Professor in the French Department, spoke of the contributions MacWhite made to the foundation of the Irish State, his time with the French Foreign Legion, where he was awarded the Légion d’Honneur, and his work establishing the League of Nations.