War Widows of Northern Ireland recently came together from across the region for a special lunch at the newly opened Ebrington Hotel in Londonderry.
The hotel occupies the former officers’ mess within the historic Ebrington Barracks, a site that saw many Navy, Army and Airforce regiments arrive and depart from the First World War through the years leading up to the peace process.
The surrounding area has since been transformed, including the construction of the iconic Peace Bridge linking the Waterside and Cityside of Londonderry. Those attending the gathering included Margaret Dimsdale-Bobby, Mary Moreland, Julie Moreland, Margaret McIlveen, Denise Blakely, Phylis Bell, and RO Tara Cunningham.
In Ebrington square, the sailor statue which looks out to sea stands as a memorial to the Merchant Navy, honouring the men who served at sea during the First and Second World Wars. It reflects the city’s vital role as a key Atlantic convoy base, particularly during the Second World War, when merchant sailors faced extreme danger to keep essential supply routes open. Positioned within a former military site now transformed into a shared civic space, the statue serves as a reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the often-overlooked contribution of civilian seafarers.
