Canadian World War II soldier’s daughter meets with Mayor

The daughter of a man who left Myroe and, along with eight brothers, joined the Canadian armed forces in WWII, has been treated to a reception by the mayor.
By Callum Watt
Published 13th Jun 2022, 15:42 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2022, 19:44 BST
The mayor with the Canadian visitorsThe mayor with the Canadian visitors
The mayor with the Canadian visitors

Cecilia Reilly was among Canadian visitors who met Richard Holmes, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Tuesday of last week.

Her father Robert was one of a family of 16 who emigrated from Myroe; with eight brothers he ended up joining the Canadian Forces and fighting in World War II, when they became known as The Fighting Reillys.

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The group also met with the Mayor to ascertain knowledge about their family origins.

After the meeting the Mayor said: “It is always fascinating to hear about people who left this area to start a new life, and the Reillys’ story is quite remarkable. Robert and his brothers clearly left a legacy through their military career in Canada.”

The Mayor also said he “hopes the group enjoyed this very special visit to the area to find out more about their familial homestead and the first place their much-loved father and uncle called ‘home’.

Cecilia was joined by Ben Broad, John Doddson and Johanann Broad.

Related topics:MayorGlens Borough Council

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