Blue plaque unveiled in Londonderry for Francis Ledwidge

Relatives of renowned soldier and poet, Francis Ledwidge gathered in Londonderry on Friday to witness the unveiling of a Blue Plaque dedicated to him at Ebrington Square.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2017, 10:31 BST
Updated 12th Sep 2017, 12:03 BST
Mayor Maoliosa McHugh  Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council with Catherine Diggett (on right) and Eileen Ledwidge-Wilson (on left)  great nieces at the unveiling of blue plaque to Francis Ledwidge at Ebrington Square. Also included are Professor Gerard Dawe, TCD and from right, Rosemary Yore and Chris Spurr, UHC. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)Mayor Maoliosa McHugh  Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council with Catherine Diggett (on right) and Eileen Ledwidge-Wilson (on left)  great nieces at the unveiling of blue plaque to Francis Ledwidge at Ebrington Square. Also included are Professor Gerard Dawe, TCD and from right, Rosemary Yore and Chris Spurr, UHC. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
Mayor Maoliosa McHugh  Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council with Catherine Diggett (on right) and Eileen Ledwidge-Wilson (on left)  great nieces at the unveiling of blue plaque to Francis Ledwidge at Ebrington Square. Also included are Professor Gerard Dawe, TCD and from right, Rosemary Yore and Chris Spurr, UHC. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Ledwidge, often referred to as the ‘Poet of the Blackbird’ was stationed at Ebrington Barracks in the city in 1916 during his time served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

He is thought to have written many of his most famous pieces of poetry there, alongside his patron and mentor, Lord Dunsany.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ledwidge was born in Slane, County Meath in 1887. Best remembered for his lament for Thomas McDonagh, June and Behind the Closed Eye, he had one book published during his lifetime - ‘Songs of the Fields’.

Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917
Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917

Lord Dunsany arranged that further collections of Ledwidge’s work be published after his death in 1917 in Belgium during the Battle of Passchendaele, including a book titled ‘Songs of Peace’ and ‘Last Songs’.

The new plaque, which marks the 100th anniversary of his death, was unveiled on Friday afternoon at Building 46 in Ebrington.

Mayor Maoliosa McHugh was joined at the event by Catherine Diggett and Eileen Ledwidge-Wilson, great nieces of the late poet.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Ulster History Circle and Derry City and Strabane District Council are currently working in partnership on a blue plaque programme to ensure the history and heritage of the city and district is remembered and that figures such as Francis Ledwidge are recognised for their positive contribution area.

Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917
Francis Ledwidge was killed at the Third Battle of Ypres on July 31, 1917

Speaking ahead of the launch Chris Spurr, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle meanwhile said: “Francis Ledwidge was both a published poet and a seasoned soldier when he arrived at Ebrington in 1916. Throughout his life and in his work, he displayed integrity towards all that he undertook, and he continues to be an inspiration to our age, and into the future.

The Ulster History Circle and Derry City and Strabane District Council will launch a further series of Blue Plaques throughout the city and district over the next five years dedicated to: Annie Russell Maunder (1868 - 1947), an Irish astronomer and mathematician; Mrs E.H. O’Doherty, founder of the Féis Dhoíre Cholmcílle; Brigadier General Ambrose Ricardo (1866 - 1923) and Dorothy Parke (1904 - 1990), a teacher and composer.

For further details on the Blue Plaque programme within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area visit www.derrystrabane.com.