107 years since the First World War armistice, ceremonies in Enniskillen and Belfast highlight unity in remembrance.
🇮🇪 Taoiseach in Enniskillen
On November 9, 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended a solemn Remembrance Sunday service in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, laying a wreath at the town’s war memorial. The ceremony carried added poignancy, recalling not only the end of the First World War but also the 1987 IRA bombing that struck a Remembrance Day gathering in the town, killing 12 people. Martin stood alongside Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and local representatives as a two‑minute silence was observed at 11 a.m. RTÉ.
🌹 First Minister in Belfast
In Belfast, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill joined dignitaries and veterans at the Cenotaph at City Hall, laying a laurel wreath in her role as First Minister for the second consecutive year Belfast Telegraph Yahoo. O’Neill’s participation is seen as symbolically significant, continuing Sinn Féin’s recent efforts to engage in acts of remembrance. She was joined by Deputy First Minister Emma Little‑Pengelly, Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly, and members of the armed forces. The ceremony began with a two‑minute silence, followed by wreath‑laying on behalf of the city’s citizens Belfast Telegraph.
🕊️ Island‑Wide Services
Remembrance Sunday events were held across the island, including at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Dublin, where Defence Forces personnel and government representatives honoured those who died in conflict TheJournal.ie. Services in towns and villages across Northern Ireland also drew large crowds, reflecting the enduring resonance of remembrance in communities both north and south.
🔑 Significance
This year’s commemorations mark the 107th anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended the First World War. The ceremonies underscore remembrance as a shared act across traditions, bridging divides and honouring all lives lost in war. Leaders emphasized themes of unity, respect, and reflection, reinforcing remembrance as both historical and contemporary.
In summary: Remembrance Sunday services across Ireland brought together leaders, veterans, and citizens to honour the fallen. Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s presence in Enniskillen and First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s wreath‑laying in Belfast highlighted the importance of remembrance across communities, 107 years after the First World War armistice.
Sources:
- Limerick Leader – Remembrance Sunday marked in events across Ireland Limerick Leader
- Belfast Telegraph – Michelle O’Neill lays wreath at Belfast City Hall Belfast Telegraph
- Yahoo News – Remembrance Sunday marked across Northern Ireland Yahoo
- The Journal – Remembrance Sunday marked in events across Ireland TheJournal.ie
- RTÉ – Taoiseach lays wreath at Enniskillen ceremony RTÉ
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Hilary Benn at VE Remembrance ceremony in Enniskillen. Picture from Goverment press office
