VIDEOS: In a symbolic move, Taoiseach Enda Kenny remembers war dead at Enniskillen service

Rodney Edwards in Enniskillen • Published 12 Nov 2012 08:33 0 Comments

Irish Prime Minister also met with families of Enniskillen bomb victims

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has laid a wreath of green laurels during a symbolic visit to Enniskillen on Remembrance Day.

Mr Kenny stood head bowed during two minutes of silence before taking his turn to lay a wreath on the war memorial on behalf of the Irish government - the first time an Irish Prime Minister has taken part in a Remembrance Day services outside the Republic of Ireland.

He stood just yards from the spot where the IRA Poppy Day bomb exploded 25 years ago, killing 11 and injuring 63.

In the ceremony organised by the Enniskillen Branch of the Royal British Legion, the first wreath was laid by the new Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, Viscount Brookeborough on behalf of Her Majesty, The Queen.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Fermanagh District Council, along with a number of other organisations.

Ballyreagh Silver Band provided the music and lead the parade of standard bearers including those from the Royal British Legion.

Mr Kenny then attended a service of remembrance at St. Macartin's Cathedral, another historic move. The service was conducted by Dean Kenneth Hall and the Right Rev. Robin Eames, former Archbishop of Armagh, read the address.

Following the service, the taoiseach met with the families of Enniskillen bomb victims privately in the Deanery, just like The Queen did during her visit to the town earlier this year.

Other Remembrance Day events have taken place in Lisnaskea, Irvinestown, Ballinamallard, Brookeborough and Fivemiletown.

VIDEO: Taoiseach Enda Kenny laying a wreath at the war memorial in Enniskillen.

VIDEO: Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, Viscount Brookeborough arrives at the War Memorial in Enniskillen.

VIDEO: The sound of Ballyreagh Silver Band at this morning's Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen.

VIDEO: Fermanagh District Council Vice Chairman Harold Andrews lays a wreath at the War Memorial in Enniskillen.

VIDEO: Families of those killed in the Enniskillen bomb prepare to meet with Mr Kenny.

See this week's Impartial Reporter for full report and photographs from around the county.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Nov 12

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