World War One serviceman remembered as rededication service held at Lanarkshire Paupers Cemetery
The Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery were honoured to host a moving and heartfelt rededication service for a World War One serviceman.
Organised in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the ceremony brought together the Depute Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, politicians, community members, veterans, and descendants of Private Patrick Tierney from his native County Kildare.
Through the tireless work of the volunteers at Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, Patrick's family has been reunited with the final resting place of their long-lost relative, who served his country with honour.
This rededication ensures his sacrifice will be remembered and respected for generations to come.
Lorna Docherty, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, said: 'This rededication reflects our enduring commitment to ensuring that every individual who served is remembered by name and honoured appropriately.
'The discovery and recognition of Private Tierney's grave is a testament to the dedication and persistence of everyone involved, and especially to Rhona, who never gave up.
'Through this journey, we have also been fortunate to make new friends from Kildare, brought together through the touching reunion of Patrick with his family. These connections remind us that remembering the past can build lasting friendships and strengthen the bonds between communities.'
John Tierney, great-great-nephew of Patrick, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.
He said: 'Patrick had been 'lost' from our family history for reasons unknown. Today, thanks to the kindness of strangers, he is no longer lost. We are deeply moved by the respect shown to him here in Hartwood.'
During the service, Depute Lord Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE spoke movingly about Patrick's life, his military service, and the hardships he endured, before laying a wreath in his honour.
The ceremony, led by Father Brady from St Patrick's Church in Shotts, included a moment of silence, the call of the bagpipes and bugle, and the community's collective act of remembrance.
The event came to a poignant close when Patrick's great-great-great niece Sine Tierney played a traditional Irish tune on her tin whistle.
It was a touching tribute, and we pray that Patrick could hear the beautiful sound.
Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: 'It was an honour to join the community and Patrick's family for such a poignant occasion.
'This service not only honoured Patrick's sacrifice but also highlighted the compassion and determination of those volunteers who worked so hard to restore dignity to his memory. The bond now formed between our community here and Patrick's family in Kildare is truly inspiring.'
Airdrie and Shotts MSP Neil Gray added: 'It was a true privilege to attend the rededication of Private Patrick Tierney's grave and to witness the heartfelt reunion with his family.
"The ceremony was a deeply moving reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and of the importance of ensuring that every individual who served is remembered. It was also an opportunity to recognise the outstanding dedication, persistence, and compassion of the volunteers whose tireless efforts made this reunion and rededication possible.'
Sehar Sardar, Commonwealth War Graves Commission Public Engagement Coordinator for Scotland, concluded: 'Seeing the dedication of Patrick's family and the local community come together to honour him was incredibly moving.
'Ensuring that those who served are never forgotten is at the heart of the CWGC's work, and today was a beautiful example of that commitment in action.'
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World War One serviceman remembered as rededication service held at Lanarkshire Paupers Cemetery
Organised in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the ceremony brought together the Depute Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, politicians, community members, veterans, and descendants of Private Patrick Tierney from his native County Kildare. The Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery were honoured to host a moving and heartfelt rededication service for a World War One serviceman. Organised in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the ceremony brought together the Depute Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, politicians, community members, veterans, and descendants of Private Patrick Tierney from his native County Kildare. Through the tireless work of the volunteers at Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, Patrick's family has been reunited with the final resting place of their long-lost relative, who served his country with honour. This rededication ensures his sacrifice will be remembered and respected for generations to come. Lorna Docherty, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, said: 'This rededication reflects our enduring commitment to ensuring that every individual who served is remembered by name and honoured appropriately. 'The discovery and recognition of Private Tierney's grave is a testament to the dedication and persistence of everyone involved, and especially to Rhona, who never gave up. 'Through this journey, we have also been fortunate to make new friends from Kildare, brought together through the touching reunion of Patrick with his family. These connections remind us that remembering the past can build lasting friendships and strengthen the bonds between communities.' John Tierney, great-great-nephew of Patrick, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family. He said: 'Patrick had been 'lost' from our family history for reasons unknown. Today, thanks to the kindness of strangers, he is no longer lost. We are deeply moved by the respect shown to him here in Hartwood.' During the service, Depute Lord Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE spoke movingly about Patrick's life, his military service, and the hardships he endured, before laying a wreath in his honour. The ceremony, led by Father Brady from St Patrick's Church in Shotts, included a moment of silence, the call of the bagpipes and bugle, and the community's collective act of remembrance. The event came to a poignant close when Patrick's great-great-great niece Sine Tierney played a traditional Irish tune on her tin whistle. It was a touching tribute, and we pray that Patrick could hear the beautiful sound. Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: 'It was an honour to join the community and Patrick's family for such a poignant occasion. 'This service not only honoured Patrick's sacrifice but also highlighted the compassion and determination of those volunteers who worked so hard to restore dignity to his memory. The bond now formed between our community here and Patrick's family in Kildare is truly inspiring.' Airdrie and Shotts MSP Neil Gray added: 'It was a true privilege to attend the rededication of Private Patrick Tierney's grave and to witness the heartfelt reunion with his family. "The ceremony was a deeply moving reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and of the importance of ensuring that every individual who served is remembered. It was also an opportunity to recognise the outstanding dedication, persistence, and compassion of the volunteers whose tireless efforts made this reunion and rededication possible.' Sehar Sardar, Commonwealth War Graves Commission Public Engagement Coordinator for Scotland, concluded: 'Seeing the dedication of Patrick's family and the local community come together to honour him was incredibly moving. 'Ensuring that those who served are never forgotten is at the heart of the CWGC's work, and today was a beautiful example of that commitment in action.'
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