Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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9419   Rifleman Patrick Sweeney
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 01/05/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 07/08/1891
Died: 09/05/1915 (Killed in Action)
Age: 23
Summary      
Patrick Sweeney was the son of James and Margaret Sweeney. Patrick and his twin brother James were born at Ballygillen, near Ballinderry Bridge, County Londonderry on 7th August 1891. Patrick was one of eight children, six surviving. The family moved around quiet a lot and children were born in both Maghera and Dungiven. By 1901 the family had moved to Antrim. Rifleman Sweeney served with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. He was killed in action on Sunday 9th May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge close to Festubert.
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Cemetery Details
Grave
Cemetery: Ploegsteert Memorial
  Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, 
Grave Ref: Panel 9
CWGC Casualty 869028
Summary      
The Ploegsteert Memorial stands in Berks Cemetery Extension, which is located 12.5 Kms south of Ieper town centre, on the N365 leading from Ieper to Mesen (Messines), Ploegsteert and on to Armentieres. From Ieper town centre the Rijselsestraat runs from the market square, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and directly over the crossroads with the Ieper ring road. The road name then changes to the Rijselseweg (N336). 3.5 Kms along the N336 lies a fork junction with the N365. The N365, which forms the right hand fork, leads to the town of Mesen. The Cemetery lies 3 Kms beyond Mesen on the right hand side of the N365, and opposite Hyde Park Corner Royal Berks Cemetery.
Local Memorial Details

No Memorial Name Townland
1 Coagh Soldiers and Sailors War Memorial 2013 - WW1- Panel 2 Coagh
Local Institute / Local Book Details

No Name Page
1 Cookstown War Dead Book WW1 45
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Sweeney family 1901 census lists Patrick as age 9 living with the family at house 73 in Shanoguestown, Antrim Rural, Antrim
2 1911 Census lists Sweeney family 1911 census does not list Patrick as living with the family at house 29 in Hardinge Street, Dock Ward, Antrim
3 Ballynure Presbyterian Church World War One Roll of Honour lists Rifleman Patrick Sweeney (pages 110-112)
4 FindAGrave.com Photo of Rifleman Patrick Sweeney's inscription
5 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Patrick Sweeney
6 National Archives UK Medal card can be purchased here
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023