Details of Irish soldiers are now available online

ANCESTRY, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, has conducted new research into Irish casualties in World War One.

The research was conducted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.

The Irish casualties in World War One record collection, available on Ancestry.ie, details the soldier’s name, where they were born, rank, regiment and how and when they died.

According to Irish government archives, nearly 80,000 men enlisted into the British army during the first 12 months of the war. 

They joined 50,000 Irishmen who were already serving in the army.

Although the exact number remains unclear, it is reported that up to 49,000 Irishmen died while fighting in World War One.

Ancestry spokesperson and pro-genealogist Joe Buggy said:

 ‘These records give a fascinating insight into the stories of those Irishmen who died during the war and allow us to bring them to life again to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One. 

‘The collection gives families a chance to add the ancestors who fought in World War One to their family tree and learn more about their stories.’

A spokesperson for Ancestry added: ‘The collection has allowed relatives to find information about family members that died in WWI that they had no knowledge of. Its allowed them to piece together the missing pieces of the puzzle.’

Accounts of casualties appear in the records, including:

Daniel O’Neill: born in Drimoleague. He joined the Royal Munster Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, and was ranked as a Private. 

He was killed in action in France on March 21st, 1918. 

Michael Donovan: born in Skibbereen. He joined The Welsh Regiment, 2nd Battalion, and was ranked as a Private. 

He was killed in action in France on January 12th, 1916.