1916 36th Ulster Division

his mural commemorates the 36th (Ulster) Division and focuses on the events of 1916 during World War I, specifically the involvement of local men from the area in the Battle of the Somme on July 1st, 1916. The mural includes several significant elements:

Historical Illustration: The central part of the mural depicts soldiers in action, charging forward across a battlefield, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of the Somme. The artwork captures the intensity of trench warfare with soldiers holding rifles and looking determined amidst the chaos.

36th (Ulster) Division Roll Call: On the left side, there is a list of names under the heading "Local Men Lost on 1st July 1916." This includes men from various regiments, such as:

1st Royal Irish Rifles
9th Royal Irish Rifles
10th Royal Irish Rifles
14th Royal Irish Rifles
1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Royal Engineers
The list gives the names of the fallen along with their streets or towns, providing a local connection and emphasizing the personal impact on the community.

Narrative and Reflection: The mural includes text that reflects on the experience and sacrifice of the 36th (Ulster) Division. It describes the importance of the battle, mentioning how these local men showed bravery and faced the horrors of war. A quote from H.M. King George V commemorates the courage of the 36th Division.

Local Connections and Remembrance: Additional text, titled "Local Connections," discusses the lasting legacy of these soldiers and their impact on local heritage. It provides context for the participation of Irish soldiers in WWI, some of whom were later commemorated in memorials around the region. The poppy symbols in the title reinforce the theme of remembrance.

Poppy Trail: The title "The Poppy Trail" along with images of red poppies ties into the broader theme of remembrance and the honoring of fallen soldiers, a common symbol in memorials for World War I.

This mural serves as both an educational piece and a commemorative tribute, highlighting the sacrifices of the men from the 36th (Ulster) Division and their role in one of the most devastating battles of the First World War.