City Honours Those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice

14/07/2026

Cork City Council, in partnership with Óglaigh na hÉireann, organised the City’s National Day of Commemoration event in Fitzgerald’s Park on Sunday in honour of all those Irish men and Irish women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.

The day serves as a moment for reflection, honouring the sacrifices of Irish people in military service and peacekeeping roles, while fostering national unity and remembrance.

The Cork event, which was attended by Cllr Kieran McCarthy, deputising for the Lord Mayor, included an interfaith service with local religious leaders, a military honour guard, a wreath laying ceremony, a minute’s silence, the raising of the national flag and playing of the national anthem.

The National Day of Commemoration is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to July 11 marking the anniversary of the 1921 truce which brought an end to the Irish War of Independence.

The day was officially established in 1986 to provide a neutral and inclusive way to remember all who served, regardless of the conflict, religious affiliation, or political background.

The principal ceremony takes place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

Cork City was represented at the event on Sunday by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan.

It was also attended by the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach, members of the Government, the Council of State, Oireachtas members, the Diplomatic Corps, Judiciary, and Northern Ireland representatives.

Regional events were also held in Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford.