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‘Bernard’ performed on Armistice
Day
21.11.08
Poignant performance at
Paschendale for war veteran’s grand-niece
by Simon McGeady, Inishowen
Independent
A DUNREE musician came face-to-face with her own
First World War family history last Monday when she
performed at a special commemoration of the Battle
of Paschendale.
Four-time all Ireland fiddle champion Tracey McRory
performed at the special service last Tuesday in
Ypres, Belgium, held on the eve of the 90th
anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.
On the outbreak of the war, Ms McRory’s grand-uncle,
Fr James McRory joined the British Army as a
Chaplain and served until he sustained injuries at
Paschendale on the 21st October 1917.
“I was so honoured to be asked to perform at
Paschendale. It was really memorable for me to be
there,” said Tracey, who plays annually at the
commemoration service in Dunree. |
The following day, the
11th of November, the musician performed at the main
commemoration in Ypres in front of a crowd of more
tan 4000.
The Last Post Association in Belgium commissioned
Tracey to compose a special piece of harp music for
the occasion.
“I was in Ypres last year, but this year was
different, there were thousands of people gathered
at the Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony. I was
invited to play by the Last Post Association.
“The piece I did is called ‘Bernard,’ was inspired
by Bernard McGeehan, a Donegal man, who was one of
the last |
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soldiers shot at dawn
on the 2nd of November. The 306 soldiers shot at
dawn by the British were given a pardon in August
2006.”
Tracey played violin and harp alongside the Royal
Navy Belgian Orchestra at a special concert in St
Martin’s Cathedral.
Later that evening she played alongside children’s
choirs from Cork and Tralee at the sounding ahead of
the sounding of the Last Post at the Menin Gate.
“It was just lovely for Ireland to be represented at
the Armistice commemorations. Minister of State
Martin Mansergh and Lord Mayor of Cork Donal
Counihan were just two high profile Irish
politicians present.
Buncrana Town mayor Dermot McLaughlin and
representatives of Inishowen Friends of Messines
were also in attendance.
Following on from ‘Bernard,’ Tracey intends to set
to work on a selection of musical pieces related to
the First World War, which may be release on compact
disc. |
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