My inspiration for this project came from a man called
John McDermott who I was privileged to meet in the Seven Oaks Hotel in August 2001 on one of my
many visits to Carlow.
I also have to mention a fantastic
book written by Paul Maguire entitled 'Follow them up from Carlow'.
This book gives a fascinating insight to some of the men and women from
the County of Carlow (and their families) who, in the main, joined the
British Army and who fought in the Great War of 1914-1918.
This article appeared in the Carlow
Nationalist in September 2002:
"COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL: Carlow is the only county in the country with a
‘County War Memorial’. The memorial was recently unveiled in
Leighlinbridge during Carlow’s floral festival. John Kenna carried out
research of the 500 names that appear on the memorial. The memorial is a
very important step in recognising hundreds of men who fought and took
part in World War One from Carlow town and county"
Carlow recipient of the Victoria Cross