PICTURES: Centenary of Roscrea Civil War executions

The 100th anniversary of the execution of four men in Roscrea Castle during the War of Independence was marked at a commemorative ceremony in the heritage town on Sunday.

Senior Republican Martin Ferris was scheduled to address the event held outside Roscrea Castle, but was unable to attend due to family circumstances. Tipperary Sinn Féin TD, Martin Browne, stepped in to give the main oration.

In his address Deputy Browne was scathing in his condemnation of the Office of Public Works (OPW) for again refusing access to the Castle grounds for a commemoration at the actual execution site. The importance of the centenary did not sway them, Deputy Browne said.

The OPW's refusal to facilitate the now annual event has caused some controversy over the years, as the organising committee repeatedly attempt to acquire the necessary permission to move the event from the street and into the Castle grounds.

Members of the Tipperary Colour Party with Deputy Martin Browne and the Treacy / Cré Cumann and Roscrea man Paddy Kiely at the commemoration event. Photo: PJ Wright

The event was preceded by a march led by a lone piper through the town, where Sinn Féin Cumann from across the Midlands assembled in the Lourdes Street carpark and were represented in the procession along Main Street and Market Square.

Roscrea poet and author Mary McNamara recited a piece of poetry inspired by the tragic events of the Civil War and local musician Miriam Neill performed a poignant rendition of the song 'Grace' and Amhrán na bhFiann.

A lone piper leads the march through Roscrea's Market Square. Photo: PJ Wright

Breandán Ó'Conchúir chaired the event and wreaths were laid by Chris Fitzgerald and Paul Delaney on behalf of the Treacy Cré Sinn Féin Cumann and by Johnny Delaney, a grand nephew of Martin O'Shea on behalf of the families.

The 1916 Proclamation was read by John Carty and the North Tipperary republican role of honour was read by Brian Kirwan and Maura Phelan.

Members of the Michael Larkin Sinn Féin Cumann from Birr at the event in Roscrea - Brendan Finnerty, Paul Kelly, John Carty, John McMahon, Peader Bergin, Con Gath, Speedy Harte and Sean Maher. Photo: PJ Wright

A colour party was provided by the Tipperary Republican Commemoration Committee for the march through the town centre..
Breandán Ó Conchúir said it is regrettable that the OPW continues to refuse to allow the commemoration to take place inside the grounds of Roscrea Castle, but the turnout at the commemoration “was a tribute” to the men executed in 1923.

Historical Significance

On January 15, 1923 four men were executed by firing squad for the illegal possession of arms and ammunition after they were arrested at Ross Cottage near Borrisoleigh, on December 23, 1923.

The four men were: Frederick Burke from Curnaboola, Ileigh, Borrisoleigh aged 28; Patrick Russell, from Summerhill, Borrisoleigh, aged 26; Martin O’Shea from Garrangrena, Borrisoleigh, aged 22 and Patrick McNamara from Killaloe, Co. Clare, aged 22.

All four were executed in Roscrea Castle Barracks.

Mary McNamara (above) recited a poem. Photo: PJ Wright

Miriam Neill (above) performed 'Grace' and Amhrán na bhFiann. Photo: PJ Wright

The executed men's remains were not returned to their families until the summer of 1924. When the remains were eventually returned it was cause for tense military displays at a time when weapons and gatherings were forbidden.

A presentation from Michael 'Chinny' Donovan from the Treacy / Cré Cumann to Deputy Martin Browne

The march ended at Roscrea Castle for the oration and performances. Photo: PJ Wright