A commemoration is being held in France to mark the centenary of the British army's 16th Irish Division's involvement in the Battle of the Somme.
The battle began on 1 July 1916 but the division rose to prominence on 3 September with fighting in the villages of Guillemont and Ginchy,.
Minister for Regional Development Heather Humphreys and the Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire will attend a service at the Celtic Cross in Guillemont.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Minister Humphreys said: "The 16th Irish Division of the British Army, which entered the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, comprised of men from all over Ireland.
"In the battles of Guillemont and Ginchy, the 16th suffered 4,330 casualties, of whom 1,200 were killed. Given that the 16th Irish included men from every province, these deaths would have impacted on communities the length and breadth of Ireland.
"Despite the sacrifices made and the casualties suffered, the story of these men was frequently overlooked over many decades. It has been incredibly important to me, during this centenary year, that we reflect on a complete view of Irish history.
"The 16th Irish Division entered the Battle of the Somme, fighting for the British Army, little over four months after the Easter Rising had unfolded at home. In 2016, this complex historical narrative is being fully explored.
"I would like to thank the Somme Association and the Mayor and people of Guillemont, who have done so much to ensure the memories of those Irish men who lost their lives here 100 years ago are not forgotten."
