Members of IUNVA Post 27 with guests and the Malva Ukrainian choir at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
On Sunday, November 9 events took place around the world to mark Remembrance Sunday, which commemorates those who fought and died in the two world wars and in subsequent conflicts.
In Portlaoise a Remembrance Service was held on Sunday morning in St Peter’s Church of Ireland.
This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial, Millview.
Reverand Alec Purser and Father Adriano both spoke about the importance of peace and the memories of those who have fought and died in an effort to maintain peace in the world.
Wreaths were laid by the following:
Charlie Ward, RBL (the Royal British legion ROI).
Michael Thompson, Midland Counties & Kildare RBL.
Eddie Brennan, Deputy Chairman IUNVA (Irish United Nations Volunteers Association) Post 27.
Rodger Hamilton, Leinster Regiment Association.
Representative of The Malva Ukrainian Choir.
Barry Walsh Cathaoirleach Laois County Council.
After the wreath laying, Thomas Mooney Chairman IUNVA post 27 read the poem ‘Flanders Field’, which was followed by the ‘Piper’s Lament’ played by piper Anto Byrne and the Last Post, which was played by Martin Rachev.
The keynote speaker was Honorary President of IUNVA Major General (Retd) Kieran Brennan who delivered a powerful speech touching on conflicts that are happening are currently happening around the world.
The Malva Ukrainian Choir performed a number of songs before the pipe played Amhrán na bhFiann to bring the event to a close.
Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan who acted as MC for the event said: “Laois Heritage Office is delighted to continue supporting this annual Remembrance event as it is so important to commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the hope of achieving peace.
“I have to acknowledge the work of the local branch of IUNVA (the Irish United Nations Veteran’s Association) Post 27 and in particular Michael Thompson who is responsible for organising the whole event every year.”
After the event, participants and members of the public were invited back to the IUNVA (the Irish United Nations Veteran’s Association) Post 27 headquarters for refreshments.
Photographer Alf Harvey was also present and captured some great images.
Check them out below:
The Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Members of IUNVA Post 27 with guests and the Malva Ukrainian choir at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Members of IUNVA Post 27 with guests at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Members of IUNVA Post 27 with Cllr Barry Walsh, cathaoirleach of Laois County Council at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.The Malva Ukrainian choir perform at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Some of the attendance at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Pam Hamilton, Denis Walsh, Roger Hamilton and Terri and Pat Fahey at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Noel O’Brien, Chris Callaghan, Noreen O’Brien and Noel O’Brien at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Oliver Walsh and Cecil Lewis at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Charlie Mott (secretary) from the IUNVA Post 27 at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Members of IUNVA Post 27 at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, cllr Barry Walsh lays a wreath at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Barney Flanagan at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.The Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.Martin Rachel from Band 2 Brigade, Athlone plays the last post at the Laois County Council Heritage Office Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9th November 2025 at the War Memorial Park in Portlaoise. Picture: Alf Harvey.
