Press Releases31 May 24

D–Day 80 Commemorations with the Church of Ireland

As the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings approaches next Thursday (6th June), this listing may be helpful for readers who would like to come and bring others to a special event – to recall a day that changed history.

Thursday, 6th June

Midnight – 85 Days Remembered in Rossorry Parish Church, Enniskillen

A service to mark 80th anniversary of D–Day at midnight in Rossorry Parish Church, Enniskillen, entitled ‘85 Days Remembered: recalling the events of the D–Day Landings’, will be conducted by the Rector of Rossorry, the Revd Stephen McWhirter.

7.00am – Early morning service at Magilligan World War Two pillbox

A short service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be conducted at the World War Two pillbox adjacent to the Ferry Terminal at Magilligan Point, led by the Revd Brian Robinson and the Revd Rhys Jones.

This short service of reflection and Act of Remembrance begins at 7.00am and is open to all.  The parish of Aghanloo, Balteagh, Carrick and Tamlaghtard would welcome anyone who wishes to join them and remember a generation of men and women who were like no other.

10.00am – Eucharist in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick

D–Day’s 80th anniversary will be marked at Down Cathedral at its midweek Eucharist, which takes place at 10am.  Special prayers will be read and a minute of silence held in remembrance of those who gave their lives. Hymns, readings and the short address will also reflect the anniversary. All are welcome to attend.

8.00pm – Commemoration service in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh

The Dean and Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, invite all to attend a service commemorating the 80th anniversary of D–Day, at 8.00pm followed by the International Tribute and the lighting of a beacon in the Cathedral grounds at 9.15pm.

8.00pm – Commemoration service in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen

A D–Day 80 Commemorative Service in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, at 8.00pm will be followed by the National Beacon Lighting Ceremony and Piper’s Tribute.  The service will be hosted by the RAF Association’s Fermanagh Branch.

Saturday, 8th June

Enniskillen Airport, formerly RAF St Angelo during World War Two, will host one of the largest community commemorations in Northern Ireland at 11am to mark D–Day 80 with something for all the family including World War Two displays, regimental bands and military village. 

Immediately before the event there will be a service at 10am in Trory Parish Church overlooking the airport conducted by the rector, the Revd Mark Gallagher, who is also airport chaplain. This will take the form of a Drumhead Service for the Royal Dragoon Guards with music from the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards and a special guest soloist.