he Late James Duffy VC’s family pictured as the graveside for the Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday morning in Letterkenny.
BY Dionne Meehan
A FIRST World War hero from Donegal who was awarded the Victoria Cross has been honoured for his bravery and courage at a wreath laying ceremony in Letterkenny’s Conwal cemetery.
James Duffy was born in Crolly in West Donegal in 1889 but was later brought to Bonagee, Letterkenny as a young baby with his parents, Peter Duffy and Kate Doogan.
When the Great War broke out James joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Glasgow where he was working at the time.
He was a soldier and stretcher bearer during the war.
While serving in Palestine, James fought his way through heavy fire to bring his wounded colleagues to safety.
Recognised for his bravery, James was awarded a Victory Cross, Britain’s highest and most prestigious award for gallantry.
Still being honoured for his bravery to this day, the British Legion, the Northern Irish Regiment, family and friends gathered in Conwal cemetery to pay their respects to the war hero.
Speaking to the Donegal News, James Duffy’s grand-daughter, Evelyn Gallagher said it is fantastic there is so much recognition for her grandfather.
“It was a great day, the British Legion and the Northern Irish Regiment honoured him.
“He was honoured for his courage and bravery.
“It was a lovely celebration and there was a great turn out by the Duffy family and extended family.
“It was marvellous,” she said.
Buried beside James Duffy is his daughter Nellie O’Donnell.
With pride always gleaming off Nellie, her wish was to be buried beside her heroic father.
With multiple monuments erected around Letterkenny over the years to honour James, the first came 90 years after his death when a bench was unveiled by Cllr Ciaran Brogan in the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park.
A century later, the Ulster History Circle remembered him by erecting a Blue Plaque in Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter in his memory.
With ceremonies held across Europe and as far as India to commemorate the 18 Victoria Cross recipients in one unique moment in time, Letterkenny was proud to honour the only soldier in Donegal to receive one.
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