Death of Coagh war hero to be remembered

Private Robert Sands from Coagh
9th Battalion Royal Innskilling Fusiliers ("C" company)
Killed In Action: 8th May 1916
Age: 23
Authuille Military Cemetery, France, Grave D 45 — Private Robert Sands from Coagh 9th Battalion Royal Innskilling Fusiliers ("C" company) Killed In Action: 8th May 1916 Age: 23 Authuille Military Cemetery, France, Grave D 45

The 100th anniversary of the death of Private Robert Sands from Coagh, Co Tyrone in the Great War is set to be marked by his great nephew Alan Day and Cookstown Friends of the Somme.

A talk on Private Sands and other men from Coagh who perished is set to be held in the town’s Masonic Hall on Wednesday at 8pm.

“The freedom`s and civil & religious liberties we cherish should never be taken for granted. 100 years ago one of my forebears, Robert Sands, made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Alan Day.

“Our family cherishes the memorabilia we have including a portrait, a hand made stick carved by Robert Sands, his medals, his will and enlistment certificates for both Robert & his brother David Sands issued by the authorities in Ireland from Dublin Castle.”