CANCELLED - The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at the Rue du Bois.
16 May

The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at the Rue du Bois.

 

By Gerry White.

On the 8 May 1915 the 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers were making their way up the Rue du Bois to the front lines to take part in the Battle of Aubers Ridge that was to take place the following morning. Before reaching the front line the unit chaplain, Fr. Francis Gleeson, administered General Absolution to the Munsters.

This incident was later captured on canvas by the war illustrator Fortunino Matania. His painting, entitled 'The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at the Rue du Bois'  first appeared as a print in the Sphere magazine and it is said that copies were displayed in many houses throughout Munster.

Gerry White, the chairman of the Cork Branch of the WFA will tell the story behind the painting, the artist who painted it, the men it depicted and the battle they fought.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.

Pearse Street Library, 138 – 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
16 May 2020 14:00