Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (25 May 2015) welcomed the unveiling of a plaque in remembrance of Sergeant James Graham at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling this morning, Minister Harris said: "I am delighted that my Office, the OPW has arranged this memorial in honour of Sergeant Graham. A native of Clones, Co. Monaghan, Sergeant Graham was described by the Duke of Wellington as “The Bravest of the Brave” following his actions in closing the gates at Hougoumont Farm at the Battle of Waterloo”.

In the aftermath of Waterloo, Sergeant Graham continued his service with the British Army and was discharged from the Guards in 1821 but re-enlisted in the 12th Royal Lancers as a private. He saw service overseas and was discharged for ill health in July 1830, receiving a Chelsea Pension. Sergeant Graham died in 1845, at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. He was buried with military honours.

A memorial plaque was erected at the Hospital but was later transferred to St. Tiernach's Church in Clones.

The Minister concluded: "It is fitting that the memorial is displayed at this iconic heritage site on the bicentennial of the Battle of Waterloo. My Office is also organising further events in June to honour this anniversary, including an exhibition in the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre. Visitors can find further details of Sergeant Graham's life at “the Old Man's House Exhibition” located in the West Ground Galleries”.

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552, landline 01 647 6007/046 942 6128 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

 @opwireland

Notes to Editors:

The 'Old Man's House' Exhibition:

Exhibition created by the Office of Public Works is an exhibition which tells the story of one of the most iconic Dublin buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture - the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The history of the Kilmainham site has been brought to life through an exhibition bringing thousands of years of human activity to life including ancient burial grounds, early Christian monuments, a Viking settlement and a medieval monastery all of which form part of its heritage.

During the nearly 250 years that the Royal Hospital was open as a retirement home and Infirmary, generations of military veterans lived and died there (250 at any one time). The hospital’s legacy lives on through the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which was modelled on the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and is still home to British veterans today.

‘Old Man’s House’ explores the stories of these soldiers alongside those of the hospital staff and its historic environs, from the earliest beginnings, through to its restoration and the founding of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Visitors can step back in time to experience what the hospital was like for the characters such as the Veteran or In-Pensioner, Private Robert Moneypenny; the famous war-charger Vonolel; the doctors and nurses and many more. People can experience what day-to-day life was like for the veterans who were fed well and often better than those outside the walls; a November 1692 menu featured gruel for breakfast; a pound of beef or mutton for dinner; and three pints of beer daily.

Royal Hospital, Kilmainham is located at Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Information on opening times available on Heritage Ireland website.