Pictures: Irish people who died on peacekeeping missions remembered at event in Cork's Fitzgerald’s Park

The people of Cork marked the National Day of Commemoration with a ceremony at Fitzgerald’s Park last Sunday.

Ceremonies took place across Ireland, honouring Irish men and women who lost their lives in past conflicts and while serving on United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said: “We are incredibly proud of the Irish men and women who have served their country abroad,” adding that it was a “moving ceremony”.

Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer said: “As minister in department of rural and community development and the Gaeltacht I was privileged to attend the National Commemoration ceremony in Fitzgerald’s Park.

“It was a fitting honouring of her Irish men and women who died in past wars or are in service with United Nations.

“Thank you to all our veterans and to those who serve in Óglaigh na hÉireann.”

To commemorate the day, President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended the State ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, where a wreath was laid on behalf of the people of Ireland before a minute’s silence was observed.

The ceremony included a service by faith, belief, non-confessional and other communities, followed by the wreath laying.

The ceremony was concluded with an air corps flypast.

Cork-based representatives of the next-of-kin of those who died in past wars or on UN service, other international organisations in the service of peace, ex-servicemen’s organisations, as well as relatives of the 1916 Leaders, were invited to attend the ceremony.

Members of the Barrack Street Band performed at the event, with a spokesperson for the group saying: “It was a privilege to be part of such a moving and respectful occasion.”