Father Willie Doyle - A presentation by Patrick Kenny

Fr Willie Doyle was a Catholic priest from Dublin who served as a chaplain in the 16th Irish Division in World War I. Overcoming a nervous breakdown in his youth, he was renowned for his joyful courage as military chaplain. He served during some of the major battles of the Great War, including the Battle of the Somme, after which he was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. He was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele on 16th August 1917, while rushing to the aid of two wounded Anglican officers, one of whom was from Belfast. He was loved by all who knew him. Following his death the Daily Express said that his men "remember him as a saint, they speak his name with tears". The process to have Fr Doyle declared a saint of the Catholic Church was initiated in 2022.

Patrick Kenny is the President of the Father Willie Doyle Association and is the editor of "To Raise the Fallen: A selection of the war letters, prayers and spiritual writings of Fr Willie Doyle SJ". He will present an overview of Fr Doyle's life and the process involved in having him declared a saint. Some of Fr Doyle's personal belongings will be on display.

This is a free event, however places are limited and should be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mailing bWFyaWFuICEga2Vsc28gfCBtaWRhbmRlYXN0YW50cmltICEgZ292ICEgdWs=. Light refreshments provided.

You may also like the following events from Larne Museum and Arts Centre Official:

• This Thursday, 31st July, 02:00 pm, Launch of “Rapport” - Art Exhibition by Jo Going, Fiona Woods and Amanda Montgomery in Larne
• This Friday, 1st August, 10:00 am, "Rapport" - Art Exhibition by Jo Going, Fiona Woods and Amanda Montgomery in Larne
• Next Tuesday, 5th August, 10:00 am, Halifax Community Banking in Larne

Also check out other Arts events in Larne.