Service to mark £10,000 restoration of Brookeborough War Memorial

As part of a £10,000 restoration project, the names of all the servicemen from the Brookeborough area who were killed in the First and Second World Wars have been added to the historic monument, first erected during the Boer War in 1901.

A new bronze plaque at the base of the memorial, containing the names of almost 60 soldiers, was officially unveiled by Viscount Brookeborough and his wife.

Among those in attendance for the service of thanksgiving and rededication of the renovated monument were local families with connections to people named on the plaque, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLAs Arlene Foster and Rosemary Barton and former MP, Tom Elliott.

Prior to the event, a parade had formed up outside the Station House in Brookeborough.

Ex-servicemen and members of the Girls’ Friendly Society were on the march, led by Maguiresbridge Silver Band.

The service of thanksgiving was officiated by four local clergymen, Canon Maurice Armstrong, Canon Laurence Dawson, Rev John McClenaghan and Rev Colin Milligan.

Four wreaths were laid at the memorial during the ceremony on behalf of various regimental associations.

Meanwhile, a book that has been produced by the Brookeborough War Memorial Project Committee was launched in the Station House two days before the rededication.

The book, written by Enniskillen man Clive Johnston, lists the 47 soldiers from within a five-mile radius of Brookeborough who were killed in World War I and a further 12 who died in World War II.

It also contains biographical details on each of the soldiers, as well as some pictures.

Around 120 guests were at the launch event, which was introduced by the book’s author Mr. Johnston.

The programme for the evening included readings of two poems featured in the book, a short speech from Lord Brookeborough and music from Brookeborough Flute Band.

Copies of the book are available from RA McClung and Co or McClave’s grocery store in Brookeborough.