Battle of the Somme remembered as County Antrim gathers at Knockagh War Memorial for poignant commemoration

Political, military and community representatives gathered at the Knockagh Monument on Sunday to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

(All photos: Steven McAuley / McAuley Multimedia)

The sacrifice of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during one of the First World War’s bloodiest battles was remembered on Sunday (June 28) as veterans, military personnel, civic leaders and community representatives gathered high above County Antrim for a poignant commemoration at Knockagh War Memorial.

The annual service, held at the iconic memorial overlooking Belfast Lough, marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and honoured those who served and died during the devastating campaign which remains deeply woven into the history and identity of communities across Northern Ireland.

Representatives from across County Antrim came together on Sunday 28 June to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the many local men who served with distinction during the conflict, particularly within the ranks of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

A county remembers one of the defining battles of the First World War

Scenes from Sunday’s event that seen Political, military and community representatives gathered at the Knockagh Monument to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

The Battle of the Somme, fought between July and November 1916, claimed the lives of thousands of soldiers during more than four months of intense fighting across northern France.

Among them were large numbers of men from County Antrim serving in various regiments, with the losses suffered by the 36th (Ulster) Division remaining one of the most significant chapters in local military history.

More than a century later, the events of the Somme continue to hold profound significance for families and communities throughout Northern Ireland, with annual commemorations ensuring that the stories of those who served are not forgotten.

Sunday’s service reflected that continuing commitment to remembrance and brought together generations united in respect for those who never returned home.

Military, civic and community leaders gather at Knockagh

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Tom Gordon represented the Borough during today’s poignant event.

His Majesty’s Vice Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon DL, attended the service alongside representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Civic representatives from councils across County Antrim also took part in the commemoration, joined by veterans, service organisations and community groups.

The service itself was led by Pastor Jonathan Grant, who guided those in attendance through an act of remembrance honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of those who fought during the Somme campaign.

Scenes from Sunday’s event that seen Political, military and community representatives gathered at the Knockagh Monument to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

The gathering formed part of the annual programme of commemorations held to coincide with the anniversary of one of the defining battles of the First World War.

Northern Ireland’s largest war memorial

The County Antrim War Memorial sits atop Knockagh Hill, overlooking Belfast Lough.

Standing prominently on Knockagh Hill above Greenisland and Carrickfergus, the County Antrim War Memorial remains the largest war memorial in Northern Ireland.

The monument was erected in memory of the men of County Antrim who lost their lives during the First World War.

Its foundation stone was laid in 1922 and the memorial itself was completed in 1936.

Following the Second World War, the monument was rededicated to also honour those from County Antrim who lost their lives during that conflict, further cementing its place as one of the province’s most important sites of remembrance.

For many families across County Antrim, the memorial continues to provide a visible and lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Shared commitment across local councils

Ulster Unionist Party representatives at today’s commemoration: (L-R) South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken, party leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, South Antrim MP Robin Swann, and Bannside councillor Jackson Minford.

The annual commemoration was organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on behalf of the County Antrim councils.

The event was supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

The joint approach reflects a shared commitment among councils across the county to preserving the memory of those who served and ensuring their sacrifice continues to be recognised by future generations.

As the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme is marked, Sunday’s gathering at Knockagh served as a reminder that while more than a century has passed since the guns fell silent, the legacy of those who served continues to be remembered across County Antrim and beyond.