In Europe and all over Europe and all over the world millions of people will be gathering to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One. Horrific battles were fought in many countries across Europe. Next weekend (1-4 August 2014) we are remembering all the Irish men and women who volunteered to serve and die for world peace in their time.

Well over 1,100 Mayo soldiers died in that war and countless thousands of others were disabled and damaged from the poison gases that were used. Many of those suffered and died later on as a result of those injuries.

Events
A World War One exhibition runs in the County Library in Castlebar, during August.

The exhibition will be launched by Dr Myles Dungan, on Friday the 1st of August. This will be followed by two excellent public lectures in the library at 5pm and at 6pm.

Those events will be followed with the return of the wonderful period play "March Away My Brothers" in the Linenhall Theatre, Castlebar, at 8.30pm, early booking is essential for this.

On Saturday there will be an open day at the Mayo Peace Park for the many visitors who are coming to Mayo to attend the events.

Sunday the 3rd of August.
Mayo Commemoration Day
This starts at 2.30pm, it is an open event, all are invited but please be seated well before 2.15 pm.

This will be an Ecumenical Ceremony to remember all who served and died in wars at home and away. There will be a special focus on World War One to mark the 100th anniversary of the war.

The Archbishop of Tuam Dr Michael Neary and the Church of Ireland, Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry will lead the prayer service.

Canon John Cosgrove, The Rev Andrea Wills, Father John Kneafsey, Pastor Cathal Duffy, and Minister Daniel Caldwell will read prayers on the day.

There will be fine singing and entertainment from James Kilbane and Francie McNicholas, and fantastic musical contributions from one of Donegal's greatest talents Tracey McRory who will play the evergreen Danny Boy and also a song she wrote in memory of all the religious chaplains who served on the battlefields ministering to the dying and wounded soldiers. Tracey's great uncle Fr James McRory was one of those who was wounded.

Castlebar Town Band will keep everyone on their toes with some lively marching music including the timeless "It's a Long Way to Tipperary".

Speeches will be given by the chairman of Mayo County Council, Cllr Damien Ryan, the Mayo County Manager, Mr Peter Hynes and MEP, Marian Harkin. The special guest speaker is the very famous author, journalist and columnist Mr Kevin Myers.

Wreaths will be laid in memory of the fallen and the event will conclude with the Last Post and The National Anthem.

The Lough Lannagh Road from the Tennis Club entrance to the Casey's Shop and Filling Station will be closed off from 2pm to 4pm and traffic diversions will be in operation.

Major Thomas Falcon Hazell

On Monday the 4th of August at 2.30pm, there will be special Grave re-dedication held in the very old Church of Ireland Cemetery, behind Sean Kelly's Butcher Shop, on Main Street in Newport Town.

The grave of one of the most distinguished and famous world war one flying aces, Major Thomas Falcon Hazell,was discovered there, some months ago. The grave had deteriorated with the years, but it has been renovated. Distinguished World War One Pilot Major Thomas Falcon Hazell, DSO.MC. DFC & BAR, will be remembered in Burrishoole, Church of Ireland, Cemetery in Newport, at 2.30 pm on Monday the 4th of August 2014. Major Thomas Falcon Hazell was a native of Roundstone, County Galway, born 7th of August 1892, he died 4th September 1946. He was a very highly decorated fighter pilot with the Royal Flying Corps, during First World War and said to be the 5th most successful ace, scoring 43 victories, and he was the 3rd most successful Irish pilot and the only one of those to actually survive the war.