Glowing tribute to Ardee’s two heroes
ARDEE paid a very different tribute to two men who gave their lives for Ireland 100 years ago.
The murder of Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll are synonymous with the town’s past and commemoration organisers had planned a major event to mark the centenary.
But instead, they held a socially-distant and COVID restricted ceremony on Sunday morning.
The attendance included a niece of Patrick Tierney, Deirdre Spillane, who proudly wore his medal for the occasion.
Backed by a colour party from the ONE, Fintan Malone thanked evertbody for their part in the ceremony and said a book in planned in the new year.
Cllr John Sheridan, as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, in particular, welcomed the families of Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll, 100 years on from their brutal murder by Crown Forces.
‘I pay tribute to Fintan and all involved in organising today, this year as with every year. Along with members of O.N.E for their attendance as colour party as always. Indeed the recent refurbishment of the memorial is most timely given the centenary.
‘As Patrick Tierney was being removed from his home by the Crown forces, his family were told to stay inside and that if they came out they would be shot and that their roof would be burned over their heads. How can any of us begin to imagine the worry and anxiety in those hours as their son lay dying on the street beside their home as they stayed inside for fear of their own home and lives,’ he stated.
‘ The next morning empty bottles of drink from the Black and Tans were found around the town who had been seen celebrating. Later that day at Ardee Castle an enquiry was held to whitewash what had happened. Despite witness
statements, the testimony of the District RIC Inspector was accepted and that both men were killed by “Persons unknown”.
‘A chairde, we must remember what Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll were fighting for and not just who they were fighting against. They were fighting for an Irish republic of equality of the whole island and its constituent parts as defined by the Proclamation and the First Dáil,’ he told those in attendance.
‘By any measure, We have not
achieved the ideals of sought in 1916 and 1920. While I’m sure many of the norms of equality today were simply not conceivable 100 years ago, all of us in positions of power and public life should never cease to further the cause of equality for all, in whatever form that may take.
‘Republicanism and the ideals of those 100 years ago, is about so much more than the removal of the border on this island. It’s about respect, equality and a new shared Ireland for all.