McAleese tribute to Gallipoli victims

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese has paid tribute to thousands of Irish soldiers killed at the battle of Gallipoli while they fought for the British army.

The President’s visit to a memorial site during a state trip to Turkey was the first official recognition of the huge loss of Irish lives in the First World War.

It is estimated nearly 4,000 Irish troops died in the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.