Commonwealth Stone erected in Hartwood Cemetery to remember World War One soldier
In a moving moment of remembrance and reconnection, the volunteers of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery came together today to honour a World War One soldier who had long been forgotten.
Thanks to the dedication of the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, the persistence of Rhona Barr and the compassionate efforts of Scott Cumming and Sehar Sardar from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), Patrick Tierney's service and sacrifice have finally been recognised.
A 90kg granite headstone now stands proudly in the cemetery, bearing his name—a lasting tribute to a life once lost to history but now permanently etched in memory.
'Today was one of those rare moments that truly touch the soul,' said one of the volunteers from Friends of Hartwood.
'Though Patrick's journey ended long ago, this moment felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one of remembrance, reconnection, and the rediscovery of family.'
Patrick Tierney, believed to have lived out his final days within Hartwood Asylum, was previously buried without recognition in a paupers grave.
The installation of his headstone marks not just a correction of historical oversight but a restoration of dignity and honour.
In a powerful turn of fate, members of Patrick's family, previously unaware of their ancestor's story, will travel from Ireland to Hartwood this August for a special commemorative service being arranged by Sehar Sardar of the CWGC.
This emotional reunion will see Patrick Tierney finally acknowledged not only by the wider public, but by his own descendants.
'He is no longer forgotten. He is home in our hearts,' said the Friends group, reflecting on the journey that began with the discovery of one of their own family's descendants, Private Robbie MacDonald, Royal Scots, who was laid to rest in Villers Station Cemetery, France.
The upcoming August service will be open to the public, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
The community is invited to attend and bear witness as one family, and one village, bringing a once forgotten hero out from the cold.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Every Scots household told take these steps NOW ahead of ‘Flying Ant Day'
The start of summer marks the start of their mating season and they can all emerge at once to begin reproducing. PESKY CRITTERS Every Scots household told take these steps NOW ahead of 'Flying Ant Day' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS have been warned to take steps to protect their home as the country enters "flying ant day". The summer season is here and temperatures are set to be on the rise. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Scores of ants will emerge for their mating season Credit: Getty 3 Flying Ant Day is almost here Credit: Getty While sun-lovers get out and about they have been urged to remember this is the time of year the bugs enjoy most. There is one bug that enjoys this time of year more than the others, the flying ant. Ants are normally pesky little critters and can be annoying at the best of times. But the start of summer marks the start of their mating season and they can all emerge at once to begin reproducing. This is known as their "nuptual flight" or "Flying Ant Day". While most ants appear to be unable to fly, this is because they are wingless female ants that people most commonly see. Flying Ant Day sees the male and young Queen ants emerge and take flight. And the sheer number of the six-legged beasties can be a real pain. They can end up indoors by sneaking in through open and doors and windows and leave discarded wings, debris and even damage wooden structures. So Good Housekeeping has compiled a handy list for people to keep the randy insects out of your home. 'Killer' ants invading US as carnivorous insects attack humans with needle-like bite – and number will spike in weeks Sealing entry points Homeowners should check around their doors, windows and vents for any cracks. These can be an easy way for the flying ants to get indoors. One way to stop them getting indoors is to seal the cracks up with caulk or weather stripping. Insect screens Putting mesh screens over doors and windows allows for cool air to keep flowing through the home. But more importantly they are great for keeping the flying ants OUT! Storing food Ants go absolutely mad for anything with sugar. So Scots should make sure their sugary goods are kept stored away properly. Airtight containers and high up cupboards are an ideal way to keep the critters at bay. And people should make sure they clean up any crumbs or sticky spillages as soon as they can. Keep things clean Making sure the place is clean is a great way to prevent flying ants from getting in. Getting into the habit of regularly sweeping up floors, cleaning spills and and emptying bins will help get rid of things attracting ants. And pet owners should make sure they pick up their furry friend's food bowls as soon as they are done. Getting rid of damp Ants can be drawn to damp and moist surfaces. Any areas being damaged by damp should be fixed right away to avoid attracting ants.
The Herald Scotland
11 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
It's time we faced the truth: fear of first aid is costing lives
We recently took a closer look at this figure and discovered that 7% of Scots have witnessed a first aid emergency, but didn't step in to help. While this may seem a minute figure, the reality is worryingly different. That 7% held back by fear-driven inaction equates to over 200 lives lost in Scotland every single year. That's more than 200 partners, parents, colleagues, children, siblings and friends gone – not because help was unavailable, but because people stood by, paralysed by self-doubt. And that's just one factor. It doesn't include the wider incidents that occur in the everyday. Those people who have a fall, experience concussion, choking, a laceration or who live with a condition which may require urgent and immediate help without warning. As someone who has spent years advocating for greater first aid awareness, I've collected a variety of reasoning for bystander reluctance. Each one is collectively linked to one major factor: fear. We need to lay these fears bare, in order to take action and save lives. So, why are we as a nation scared to step up and help in a first aid emergency? Most Scots (61%) fear doing something wrong, while a further 58% worry about making the situation worse. Almost half admit they simply don't feel they have enough knowledge, and even among those who said they would step in, 38% said they'd hesitate first. These concerns are natural, but it doesn't make them acceptable when lives are on the line. In an emergency, hesitation and fear can have fatal consequences. Last month, we took to Buchanan Street with a mystery box. We dared passers-by to reach inside. While some simply refused, others openly hesitated before putting their hand inside. Those who were brave enough found nothing but an empty box. The simple gimmick symbolised the unfounded fears that often stop us in our tracks – just like those emergency moments when panic can spark an instant freeze reaction – when what's really needed is a quick burst of courage. Put simply, we need more fight and less flight. We must challenge our collective passivity head on. It's not enough to talk about the 'importance' of first aid training – that's just common sense. The truth is, the combination of our good intentions and lengthy discussions isn't going to save lives. The reality is this: being first aid-trained is no longer a nice-to-have. It's a civic responsibility. We need to treat first aid training as a public health priority, not a personal afterthought. Everyone should know the basics. More importantly, everyone should believe they can use them. We're taking the fear out of first aid by facing reality to make lasting change. Our intention isn't to guilt-trip the public, but to encourage proactive action and highlight that doing something is better than doing nothing. Because when someone's life hangs in the balance, hesitation kills. And silence, no matter how well-meaning, is deadly. Let's stop letting fear write the ending. Jim Dorman is Director of Operations and Community Engagement at St Andrew's First Aid Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
Belfast Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Royal superfan minister showcasing 40-year collection of memorabilia to raise cash for charity trip
A Co Armagh minister who is a Royal superfan is showcasing his remarkable 40-year collection of memorabilia. Rev Canon Derek Kerr, rector of St Vindic's Parish Church in Tynan, has items dating back to Queen Victoria's time.
