John Balkin born Donaguile Castle comer, Co. Kilkenny 1880. Was still in castle comer in the 1911 sensus, joined the Royal Irish Regiment between 1911 and 1914. He lost his right arm in the first world war. He was honourably discharged in 1920, and came home to live with his sister Mrs Molly Quinn until his death in 1950. The attached image of the discharge papers hung on his nephews wall Jimmy Quinn until it was passed on to Jack Balkin, a cousin of John Balkin. || An image of the hourably discharge papers of private John Balkin. || || In memory || Honourable Discharge papers 1920 || Photograph

My uncle, Edward Busher was a reservist and he re-joined when the war broke out, joining the Royal Irish Regiment. He is buried at Corbie cemetery near Amiens, having died on Wednesday, 7 June 1916 aged 20. He was from King Street in Wexford town Ireland. Thirty six young men from that area joined up and were killed in the war. Those young men were naïve, eager for adventure and needing a few bob that they didn't have at home. I went to see his grave and felt proud to be there. I brought a pouch of soil from our family plot and I scattered it on his grave. Then I brought home some soil from his grave and scattered it here. Edward had been home on furlough immediately before he returned to the battlefield and was killed by shrapnel. The photograph of him is a large one that's been on display for as long as I can remember. || Photograph of Edward Busher; CWG record of Edward Busher || || Photograph || Private Edward Busher, Royal Irish Regiment || Edward Busher || || Edward Busher || Commonwealth Graves Record - Edward Busher || Official document

John/Jack McCarthy standing in uniform with buildings in background.