I photographed this War Memorial in August 2021 but upon processing the images I discovered that the inscriptions were unreadable. I now have a different workflow and the text should be readable but that may depend on your device.
At the South Mall is a memorial to those Irishmen who died in the First World War. It was erected in 1925, and is one of the few example Irish examples of its type. Carved in relief on a modest limestone obelisk, sitting on a plinth, is the profile of a Munster Fusiliers soldier in full military uniform, head down, gun at rest. Each November wreaths are laid here to mark the anniversary of the armistice of 1918 at the end of the War.
LEAST WE FORGET
erected by public subscription under the auspices of the cork independent ex-servicemens club, in memory of their comrades who fell in the great war fighting for the freedom of small nations
1914 – 1918
“Greater Deed Hath No Man Done
“They Shall Grow Not Old, As We That Are Left Grow Old. Age Shall Not Weary Them, Nor The Years Condemn. At The Going Down Of The Sun, And In The Morning We Will Remember Them.”
1939 – 1945
“When you go home, Tell them of us and say For your tomorrow we gave our today
This memorial commemorates the residents of Cork who were killed or missing in World War I and World War II. Many such memorials were erected after the First World War. After the Second World War, the names of those who died in that war were also added to the memorial.
The Royal Munster Fusiliers was a line infantry regiment of the British Army from 1881 to 1922. It traced its origins to the East India Company’s Bengal European Regiment raised in 1652, which later became the 101st Regiment of Foot (Royal Bengal Fusiliers). The Royal Munster Fusiliers were formed in 1881 by the merger of the 101st Regiment of Foot and the 104th Regiment of Foot (Bengal Fusiliers). One of eight Irish regiments raised largely in Ireland, it had its home depot in Tralee and served as the county regiment for Cork, Clare, Limerick and Kerry. At its formation the regiment comprised two regular and two militia battalions.
The Royal Munster Fusiliers served in India before the regiment fought in the Second Boer War. Prior to the First World War, the regiment’s three militia battalions were converted into reserve battalions, and a further six battalions were added to the regiment’s establishment during the war. The regiment fought with distinction throughout the Great War and won three Victoria Crosses by the conflict’s conclusion in 1918. Following establishment of the independent Irish Free State in 1922, the five regiments that had their traditional recruiting grounds in the counties of the new state were disbanded and the Royal Munster Fusiliers ceased to be as a regiment on 31 July 1922.
THE IRISH NATIONAL MEMORIAL GARDENS AT ISLANDBRIDGE
The sunken rose gardens at Islandbridge are a beautiful and tranquil spot in the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. They are located to the north of the gardens, and they are divided into two sections by a pergola.
The sunken rose gardens are home to a variety of roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. The roses are planted in beds that are surrounded by low walls, and they are arranged in a variety of patterns. The gardens are also home to a number of other flowers, including lavender, clematis, and hydrangeas.
The sunken rose gardens are a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. They are a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. The gardens are also a popular spot for weddings and photography.
Here are some additional information about the sunken rose gardens:
The gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the same architect who designed the rest of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. The gardens were planted in 1939, and they were officially opened in 1940. The gardens are open to the public free of charge. The gardens are open from 8am to 6pm, from April to September, and from 9am to 5pm, from October to March. If you are visiting the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, be sure to take some time to enjoy the sunken rose gardens. They are a beautiful and tranquil spot that is sure to please.