A stirring recruiting meeting in Limerick saw a substantial turnout on Saturday night, with Colonel Sir Charles B. Barrington, D.L., taking the helm as Chairman, supported by Mr James O’Grady Delmege, B.L. The event, orchestrated to rally support for the ongoing war efforts, resonated deeply with attendees as Sir Barrington, drawing from his own experiences at the Front, delivered a poignant call to arms.
Addressing the assembled crowd, Sir Barrington recounted the harrowing scenes witnessed during his service, painting a vivid picture of the devastation that has befallen the landscapes of France. He spoke of ruined churches, desolate farms, and shattered homes, each serving as a stark reminder of the toll exacted by the ongoing conflict. His impassioned plea struck a chord with the audience, prompting resounding expressions of support.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, a representative of Lord Wimborne, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, graced the gathering, underscoring the significance of unity in the face of adversity. Sir Barrington implored all present to heed the call to action, urging them to contribute to the collective effort aimed at securing victory for the Allies.
The fervour of the meeting was further fuelled by impassioned appeals from Sergeant Delaney of the Irish Guards and Private Harry Ward of the East Lancashire Regiment, both veterans who had served on the front lines. Their testimonials provided a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and served to galvanise the audience towards action.
Adding to the atmosphere of solemn determination, the band of the 5th Royal Munster Fusiliers lent their musical talents to the proceedings, setting the tone for an evening charged with patriotic fervour. The strains of their melodies served as a poignant backdrop to the calls for recruitment, reinforcing the gravity of the cause at hand.
As the meeting drew to a close, echoes of applause filled the air, testament to the unwavering commitment of the Limerick community to support their countrymen in the ongoing struggle. Sir Barrington, buoyed by the overwhelming display of solidarity, expressed his gratitude to all in attendance, emphasising the pivotal role each individual could play in shaping the course of history.
With the echoes of the meeting still resonating, Limerick stands poised to make its mark on the annals of wartime history, bolstered by the steadfast resolve of its citizens and the unwavering leadership of figures like Sir Charles Barrington. As the war rages on, the spirit of unity and determination exhibited on that fateful Saturday night serves as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times, illuminating the path towards a future secured through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause.
Dublin Daily Express – Monday 22 November 1915
