A MAKESHIFT MEMORIAL to Irish people who died in wars has been vandalised in Co Sligo.

Poppy wreaths were placed in Rosses Point ahead of Remembrance Day on 11 November – a memorial day observed in the UK and other countries to remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.

The wreaths were placed alongside a white cross, which is there to pay tribute to people who have lost their lives at sea. The cross was also damaged in the incident overnight.

Ocean FM Ocean FM

Ocean FM Ocean FM

The presence of the wreaths, which may have been placed in a private capacity, was highlighted on local radio station Ocean FM during the week. Listeners were divided as to the temporary memorial’s appropriateness.

Ocean FM’s Niall Delaney told TheJournal.ie many people in Sligo want to remember those who died in the line of duty, noting that hundreds of men from the area were killed in World War I.

However, he said the issue is a “divisive” one, with many listeners criticising the fact a symbol associated with the British armed forces was being displayed.
https://www.facebook.com/oceanfmireland/photos/a.394847173861296.99324.115071508505532/1744121738933826/?type=3&theater

Delaney said the white cross was “a permanent fixture” that had been present in the coastal village for several years “to remember those who died at sea”.

It’s understood local gardaí are investigating the incident.

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