Rathcoole Row on Row service honours those who paid the ultimate sacrifice

The well-attended event, organised by the RATH Community Group, brought together local residents, community and church representatives along with members of bands and youth organisations.

A solemn act of remembrance was observed, during which wreaths were laid in memory of those who fought in World War I, World War II and more recent conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the public also had the opportunity to place crosses in remembrance of loved ones.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, addressed those gathered.

"It is with great pride and a profound sense of respect that I stand before you today on the fifth year of Rathcoole’s Row on Row remembrance service to remember the sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life,” she said.

"Commemorative events such as this are important in paying respect that is due to the memory of those who suffered and provides us with an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who are no longer with us but whose sacrifice and valour will be honoured long after we are gone.

"Their sacrifice, their bravery and their dedication are the true foundation of all that we enjoy today. We will remember them.”

RATH member Rosemary Bell-McCracken thanked all those who attended and for their continued support.

"This community project was created during Covid by RATH Community Group and volunteers to recognise who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and has now developed into a permanent all year round memorial site,” she said.

George McKim, pastor of The People’s Church, Newtownabbey, also addressed the gathering.

The Rathcoole Row on Row service has been growing every year since it began in 2020.

What started as an empty area in Sir James Craig Park has now become a dedicated place of reflection and remembrance with plans in the pipeline for potential future development.

This year’s Row on Row service raised £335 for the Royal British Legion Northern Ireland Poppy Appeal.