University uncovers Republic's war death toll

COMPELLING new statistics have unearthed the shocking numbers of Irish fighters killed in the Second World War.

More than 3,600 people from the south of Ireland – now the Republic of Ireland – were killed during the conflict, despite the country being officially neutral.

Thanks to the research by University of Edinburgh historians, thousands of forgotten war dead were added to the Roll of Honour unveiled yesterday.

They joined nearly 4,000 killed in action from Northern Ireland who were also honoured at the ceremony in Dublin.