The Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Helen Ogbu, and Elected Members of Galway City Council participated in a moving remembrance ceremony to honour the Irish men and women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations Peacekeeping, at the Galway City ceremony for the National Day of Commemoration in the University of Galway on Sunday 12 July 2026. This ceremony marks the 16th time Galway City Council has hosted this Remembrance Ceremony, which took place in conjunction with the Defence Forces and University of Galway.
The Ceremony was attended by members of the Defence Forces, ex-servicemen’s organisations, religious leaders, community representatives, next-of-kin of those who died in past wars or on UN service, and members of the community.
The Ceremony commenced with Defence Forces taking up position, and the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, the Elected Members of Galway City Council, Director of Corporate Development, Galway City Council Helen Kilroy, Former President of Ireland, Micheal D Higgins and wife Sabina , TD Sean Kyne and the officiating representatives of the Faith Traditions entering in procession.
Ailish Rohan, Senior Executive Officer, Galway City Council, opened the Ceremony with an invitation to remember all those who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. Multi-faith prayers and readings of commemoration were then led by Right Reverend Monsignor Peter Rabbitte, Mr Obey Shanya Elders, United Church Galway, Shelia Garrity, Humanist Celebrant; Very Rev’d Lynda Peilow, Provost of Tuam, and Iman Ibrahim Michéal Noonan, Galway Islamic Society.
Mayor Ogbu laid a wreath at a commemorative plaque to honour those who died in past wars or on service at home or abroad. James Larkin on behalf of Galway Great War Memorial laid a wreath for the Galway men and women who lost their lives and Mr John Coyle, Honorary Consul of Belgium laid a wreath. This was followed by a minute’s silence.
The National Flag was hoisted to full mast by LT Conor O’ Brein accompanied by a roll of drums.
The Ceremony concluded with Mr. Frank Naughton, Soloist, singing a poignant rendition of the national anthem, accompanied by St. Patrick’s Brass Band and conducted by Mr. Ken O'Connor.
Similar ceremonies took place nationwide.