Minister Flanagan to launch database of Irish serving in Australian forces in the First World War

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlie Flanagan, TD, will tomorrow morning [Friday 17 October] launch a database of Irish-born individuals who served with the Australian forces in the First World War. The database will be publicly available and will allow Irish and Australian people to trace the records of their relatives who served in the War, known today as “Anzacs”.

The project was compiled by the Australian University of New South Wales (UNSW) in partnership with UCD, and the ceremonial launch will be broadcast live from UCD to students in both universities. The database was funded through a grant from the Department’s Emigrant Support Programme and by the Global Irish Studies Centre of the University of New South Wales.

Speaking before the event, Minister Flanagan said:

“This pioneering work was made possible by the Global Irish Studies Centre of the University of New South Wales; the invaluable partnership of UCD; and a grant from the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. It is a true tribute to the Irish Anzacs and a gift to researchers, family members of Anzac participants, and all us who possess an abiding interest in our history.

“One third of the Australian population boasts Irish ancestry. Ongoing academic collaboration between UCD and UNSW, two superb institutions of learning, is representative of the strength of our people-to-people ties.

“This year is the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, which claimed more Irish lives than any other conflict. Irish and Australians stood shoulder to shoulder in Gallipoli and at the Somme, and I am delighted that today we continue to work together in more peaceful times.”

The event will take place at 8.30am. Media who wish to attend the opening should contact UCD at 01 716 1681 and [email protected]/* */

The database is available here: www.bit.ly/1rAOjK3