Offaly men and women who sacrificed their lives for Irish freedom to be remembered at Easter commemoration

The ceremony will take place at the monument in memory of those who died during the War of Independence and Civil War periods at the front of the Courthouse in Cormac St.

Speaking at last year's ceremony, organiser Odran Condron said Offaly men and women who fought in the War of Independence and subsequent struggles had made life changing sacrifices.

“I was raised with pride to remember the people who shaped Irish history,” said Mr Condron who recalled with fondness the many Easter commemorations he attended with his family in his younger days.

Mr Condron paid tribute to local councillor Neil Feighery who ensured the commemoration could take place at the memorial at the courthouse.

Formalities commenced with the lowering of the flag and the reading of the 1916 Proclamation of the Republic by historian P.J. Goode.

Wreaths were laid at the monument by Grainne Kelly, in memory of her grandfather James Kelly who played a leading role in the War of Independence in Offaly, and by P.J. Goode on behalf of the people of Cloneygowan and Geashill.

A poem written by prisoners in Tullamore Jail during the War of Independence was read by Breda Condron immediately followed by the singing of “The Foggy Dew” by those in attendance.

The roll of honour of Offaly people who died in the War of Independence and Civil War was read by Tullamore based historian Dr Philip McConway.

He noted that a number of those on the roll were buried in unmarked graves at various locations in the county.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Last Post, the raising of the flag, Reville and Amhrán na bhFiann.