NOVEMBER 2006

Inishowen Friends of Messine Group to host information night

The Inishowen Friends of Messine are a group of people committed to researching Inishowen's connection with the First World War and using that information as a tool for Peace and Reconciliation between the two main traditions on this island.

The Inishowen Friends of Messine formed as a committee three years ago following a visit by over 20 local people to the battlefields of France and Flanders and the Irish Round Tower and Peace Park in Messine Belgium. Since then, many more Inishowen people have visited Messine and taken part in Peace and Reconciliation programmes based at the International School for Peace Studies at Messine including students from Crana College who have taken part in the Schools Links Programme and young people taking part in the Border Horizons programmes.

In 2005 and 2006 the Inishowen Friends of Messine organised two remembrance ceremonies for the over 200 Inishowen people who died during WWI at Fort Dunree Military Museum. These events have been attended by over 800 people from Inishowen, Derry, Belfast, Dublin and overseas. Next year marks the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Messine, and preparations are already underway for next summer's events. It is envisaged that a permanent memorial will be established in Inishowen to the memory of these people and it is our hope over the next few months to put together the full list of Inishowen people who should be remembered for evermore in this way.

The Inishowen Friends of Messine committee want to make contact with everyone who has a family connection with, or an interest in, this period in our history. The information we have is still limited but we are building on it and learning all the time.

Perhaps you have some old medals or papers in the house that connect with that time? If so we would like to hear from you and even put you in touch with experts who can explain what they are and what they mean. If you would like to take part please come along to our information evening on Tuesday 12th December at 7.30 in the Youth Club Buncrana or contact one of our organisers Fearghal O Boyle or PJ Hallinan on 0749362218.

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