Donegal County Museum has revealed that Defence Force Ireland has donated one of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medals (An Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916) to the Museum.
The medal is now on display at the Museum on the High Road, Letterkenny. Captain Bridget Clarke, Adjutant, 28 Infantry Battalion attended on this occasion.
Lt Colonel J Whittaker, Defence Forces Headquarters said “Given the role played by members of Óglaigh na hÉireann at local level, I would like to provide Donegal County Museum with the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal.”
The medal serves to honour the legacy of continuous service by Óglaigh na hÉireann to the State since its foundation and to acknowledge the prominent and special role of Óglaigh na hÉireann in the centenary commemorations throughout 2016.
It was designed to reflect the tradition of the original 1916 medals but was made respectfully different in deference to the men and women of 1916 who were originally awarded the medal.
“Donegal County Museum has a longstanding collaborative relationship with the Defence Forces, particularly the 28 Infantry Battalion and we are delighted to have the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal for our collection”, Judith McCarthy, Curator, Donegal County Museum.
