John coughlan

Born in Drumcliffe, Co. Clare, he was the son of Michael and Mary Coughlan. They lived in a Cottage in Circular rd. Ennis. We are unsure of the fathers occupation. Michael then dies when they are five years married. John's younger sibling also died. Mary and John move in with uncle Michael Higgins. He lived in Grey grove Glenmore, Co. Clare. The family was Roman Catholic and could all speak English and Irish. Michael Higgins was a farmer. Mary was a domestic Servant. John was a farm servant. All members of the family could read and write. John was also a scholar.

Military Information:

John was enlisted in Ennis. He was a private in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers. His Service number was 6359. He fought in Gallipoli before being transferred to the western front in France. This is where he met his demise. He died on the 9th of September 1916 in Ginchy, France. He was 26 years of age and earned three medals; British war medal, a victory medal and a 1915 star. This tells us he joined the war after August 1914, otherwise he would be entitled to a 1914 star. His memorial reference is I.G.2. He is buried in Delville Cemetery, Longueval, France.

John coughlan

Introduction:

Before I tell the tale of my fallen soldier; John Coughlan. I want to say is you will discover the sad tragic events which will lead to the destruction of an Irish family...it is the harsh realities of war that will hopefully inspire many to find alternatives to conflicts especially war. As the cost out ways the winnings in the end.

The research and credits:

Before I tell you my personal experience investigating the life of John Coughlan, I must thank several people who helped me vigorously during this research.To my mum, Anne Peer for always suggesting ways of getting information even taking out personal time to help me. To my history teacher Ms. O'Sullivan who continued to push me in many ways. Thanks to Anne the local librarian who showed a high interest and provided me with all the contacts I needed.

This project was something very special to me for the first time I would represent my county . I expected this project was going to be easy, I was wrong.From the start my soldiers background proved to be cloudy; and all the information discovered seemed to be the same.I was disappointed that was all I could find out and wished there was more.I was going to change soldier. But after thinking it over it made me realise that this soldier and the remains of his family's history IS BECAUSE OF WAR. so I hope what collected is insightful to you...The tragedy of John Coughlan.

"Those that make history; don't have a clue about history, you know this by the history they make."-G.K.Chesterton

ON THE TRIP:

This my summary of the trip itself; In the beginning it took time getting to know the other students on trip but as time proceeded it became more stress free we were all very excited as the trip kicked as there was so much to do in a short period of three days.

When I finally got to the grave of my soldier there was such a great emotional attachment to this place...The amount of graves were phenomenal and how many men buried beneath was a total eye opener.We got to see the trenches and had the golden experience of seeing it first hand.I thank Gerry Moore for doing this for us , it was a very poignant moment in my life.

Going home was the hardest...saying goodbye to a lovely bunch of young people was very difficult especially when you never may see them again.This project is now a very cherished moment in my life.I was honoured to be the representative of Co.Clare and to be apart of this project.

-N.S.C. Peer