Wreaths laid to commemorate Battle of the Somme in Cork dumped in river

First World War remembrance groups have expressed their disappointment after wreaths laid at a memorial in Cork to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme were dumped into the city’s river.

Gardaí confirmed they are trawling CCTV footage in the city centre to help trace the culprit who struck after wreaths had been placed at the memorial in Grand Parade.

Gerry White, a company quartermaster sergeant in the Irish Army and military historian, said he was saddened by the act. Mr White is chairman of the Western Front Association, members of which laid wreaths at the memorial along with representatives from the Leinster Regiment Association and Royal Munster Fusiliers Association.