John Kennedy

The war years were some of the most turbulent in Ireland’s history. Those who returned to Ireland following the war did so to a country that was, in many ways, unrecognisable from that of 1914.

Each individual had their own way of dealing with the experience of war and all followed their own unique path. Some were left with constant reminders of 1914-1918 in the form of physical wounds; others were left with the psychological effects of the war. Most dealt with the war in an unassuming manner and talked little about their own involvement.

The story of Ireland in the years surrounding World War 1 is a complicated one and many of the stories of those buried in Glasnevin reflect that history. John Kennedy served with the South Wales Borderers during the First World War and with the Army of Occupation in Germany in 1919. Returning home following his discharge he joined the I.R.A. to fight in the War of Independence.