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Enniskillen hosts special events to mark the centenary of the ending of First World War

 

Enniskillen was the most westerly location in the United Kingdom to take part in “The Battle’s Over - A Nation’s Tribute” marking the centenary of the ending of the First World War over the past weekend.

Some of the events which took place in the town in 1918 were re-enacted. For example Enniskillen was the first place to hear of the Armistice and they announced this to townspeople with search lights, sky rockets and the peal of St Macartin’s Cathedral bells.

All these were re-created on Sunday as well as backlighting the clock face on the tower of the Cathedral. It will now shine as a sign of peace, hope and reconciliation in the community symbolising the light of Christ shining forth from our lives!

After a morning service for all denominations in St Macartin’s Cathedral, when the preacher was the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell, broadcast live on RTE television, the Cathedral bells rang out at 12.30pm to move from a mood of ‘remembrance’ to that of ‘celebration’ that the Great War had ended.

On Sunday evening the four main churches joined in a united service of ‘Hope, Peace, Light and Love’ as Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist congregations processed to St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church following lanterns of light, given to all four clergy at the 6.00am service at Enniskillen Castle by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Viscount Brookeborough for Co Fermanagh.
St Michael’s Church was filled to capacity with almost 1000 people and an estimated 1000 people gathered outside.


The service in St. Michael's Church on Remembrance Sunday.

After a moving service in St Michael’s Church, a flame of light led the way to St Macartin’s Cathedral grounds across the street where Lord Brookeborough lit a beacon. The crowds crossing the street were greeted by a massed band of 100 pipers and drummers drawn from all bands throughout the county who played hymns including “Abide With Me.”

At the same time as the beacon was lit, the Cathedral Clock was lit for the first time in its history, the Cathedral bells pealed again and sky rockets lit up the night sky.

Two beams of light, one from each side of the street crossed over each other symbolising two churches, two beams of light but one community united in love and respect of each other and for those who gave their lives 100 years ago.


The clock of St. Macartin's Cathedral is lit for the first time.