On Saturday, August 7, 2004 the Minister for Defence for Ireland dedicated the grave of Sgt Major Cornelius Coughlan, V.C. and unveiled a headstone for the previously unmarked grave.

His Excellency The British Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Stuart Eldon CMG, OBE and Mrs Eldon arrived at Aughavale Cemetery where they were met by Capt. Donal Buckley (Retd) and escorted to the VIP area.

The Minister for Defence for Ireland, Michael Smith, arrived at Aughavale Cemetery and was met by OC 18 Bn RDF (Reserve Defence Force) Commandant Peadar O'Maoláin and Acting GOC 4 Western Brigade Colonel Senan Downesand was invited to inspect a Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour, 50 strong, located 30 meters beyond the entrance to the cemetery, was commanded by 2/Lieutenant Kelly and was drawn from 'A' (Westport) Company, 18 Infantry Battalion RDF.

Father Kilcoyne R.C (Tuam, secretary to Archbishop Neary) and Rev Hastings Church of Ireland (Westport) conducted grave side prayers followed by a talk about Cornelius Coughlan, V.C. and military heritage by Capt Buckley (Ret'd).

Michael Smith, the Minister for Defence, then dedicated and unveiled the headstone followed by ONE organisation of National ex Servicemen and women Castlebar Branch and Roger Casement Air Corps Branch and various Regimental Associations including Royal British Legion (Republic of Ireland), Connaught Rangers Association, Royal Irish Rangers Belfast Branch (UK), Leinster Regiment, Mayo War Memorial Committe Mr P.J. Clarke, IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veterans Association), Royal Naval Association Northern Ireland Submariners Branch (UK), Irish National Services Association (UK) and Kings Rifle Brigade Royal Green Jackets (UK) Irish Lebanon Veterans who laid wreaths on the grave.

A volley was fired by the Connaught Rangers re-enactors and Last Post and Reveille were sounded by an Army bugler and drummer. The bugle is a Connaught Ranger bugle kindly loaned for the occasion by Mr. John Basquille.

Then the Colour Parties; drawn from the ONE, RBL, Disbanded Regiments Associations and other Regimental Associations.

The British Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Stuart Eldon CMG, OBE said "It symbolises the development of the relationship between Britain and Ireland, the new willingness to discuss things which were not so easily discussed at all and the willingness to think about the extent of our shared history".

A reception was held at the Tavern in Murrisk village, four miles west of Aughavale.

Military Heritage Tours Ltd.

Cornelius Coughlan's famly tree

Westport town event sign
Photo courtesy MHTL

Connaught Ranger re-enactors
Photo courtesy Capt Tony Martin RDF (Retd)