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.
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.
