In a solemn ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at 11 a.m., the distinguished and time-honoured colours of the Royal Munster Fusiliers will find a new home within the walls of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick. The ceremonial event will be presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Deane, alongside the Select Vestry of St. Mary’s Cathedral, who will receive and safeguard these historic symbols.
The colours, resplendent in their old and revered hues, will be presented by Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Stopford, the commanding officer of the regiment. A guard of honour, under his charge, will accompany these cherished emblems as they make their way to the cathedral. The ceremony carries significant weight, as it symbolizes the enduring connection between the military history of the Royal Munster Fusiliers and the ecclesiastical significance of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Upon arrival at the cathedral, Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Stopford will officially hand over the colours to the Very Rev. Fr. Deane, who will accept the responsibility on behalf of the Select Vestry and himself. The Dean will, in turn, assign a place of honour within the venerable cathedral for the safekeeping and public display of the historic colours. This marks a poignant moment in the intersection of military history and religious significance in Limerick.
The ceremony will be imbued with a sense of tradition and dignity, reflecting the deep-rooted connections between the military and the local community. The Royal Munster Fusiliers, with a storied history dating back through the annals of time, have played a crucial role in the region’s military legacy. The decision to entrust their colours to the care of St. Mary’s Cathedral underlines the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations.
The presentation will be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Royal Munster Fusiliers, whose service has been indelibly etched in the annals of Limerick’s history. As the colours are received by the Very Rev. Fr. Deane on behalf of the Select Vestry and the cathedral, it signifies a commitment to honouring and safeguarding the memory of those who served under these banners.
Following the presentation, a shortened Morning Prayer will be observed, giving those in attendance a moment for reflection and gratitude for the history encapsulated in these colours. The ceremony will undoubtedly resonate within the community, bringing together military and religious traditions in a harmonious display of respect and commemoration.
This event not only highlights the historical ties between the military and the cathedral but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Limerick’s past. St. Mary’s Cathedral, already a venerable institution, now takes on the responsibility of being the custodian of these significant symbols of the Royal Munster Fusiliers’ legacy.
In receiving the colours, St. Mary’s Cathedral becomes a living testament to the intertwining of military history and local heritage. The assignment of a place of honour within the cathedral ensures that these colours will be accessible to the public, allowing for ongoing remembrance and education about the sacrifices made by those who served.
As Limerick prepares for this momentous occasion, the city stands united in acknowledging the historical resonance of the Royal Munster Fusiliers’ colours finding a new and sacred home within the hallowed halls of St. Mary’s Cathedral. The ceremony is a poignant reminder of the enduring connections that bind the past with the present, ensuring that the sacrifices made by the Royal Munster Fusiliers will continue to echo through the corridors of Limerick’s history.
Dublin Daily Express – Wednesday 30 July 1913