100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

on to their farm that John Mahony’s mother, Alice and brother, David moved to after John’s death. This is not the first time I have had strange coincidences regarding the IRA men of those days and sometimes, I really do think they try to guide us from the grave.

Earlier this year on Sunday, 29th October, a broad family of Republicans gathered in Duhill Cemetery, south Tipperary to pay tribute to the ‘forgotton soldier’, John Mahony.

Several events took place, with those gathered following a lone piper (Tadhg Ryan) from outside the farm house that John was reared in, walking the short distance to Duhill Church and cemetery where a new plaque was unveiled, blessed by Fr John Nally.

MC for the occasion was Robert O’Keeffe and an account of John’s life was given by local historian, Kathleen Moloney. Musical accompaniment on the day was provided by Rebel Hearts member, Paudie Coen.

Speaking at the commemoration, Thomas Hennessy (joint organiser), said history had served John Mahony poorly and that 100 years on, it was time this ‘forgotten soldier’ be given the respect he deserved.

“John Mahony gave his life for Irish freedom, he wasn’t interested in politics, he wasn’t prepared to compromise on his principles. He had sworn to uphold the Republic declared on the steps of the GPO in 1916 and that’s what he did, he ended up paying the ultimate price, with those responsible being fellow Irish men,” he said.

Following

formalities, those present were treated to refreshments in the nearby community centre. Thanks are extended to Fr Nally for allowing this plaque to be erected in Duhill Cemetery.

The ‘forgotten soldier’ John Mahony will now be rightfully remembered and future generations will pause and read his name and honour the name of another Irish martyr, a Tipperary man who gave his all for a 32 county Irish Republic. Beir bua.

“No leader he, nor mighty chief, for whom a nation sheds its grief,

But one whose young heart knew no guile, a soldier of the rank and file,

Who grasped his pike when Ireland called, and fell a martyr true installed”.

SEAN HOGAN’S FLYING COLUMN: Back row: Seán Hogan, Ned Mulcahy, Jack Butler, Billeen Keating, Tom Taylor, Bill Mulloughney, Dave Moher and Jack Nagle. Middle: Dave Fitzgerald, Frank Lyons, Frank Pyne, Sean Morrissey, Maurice McGrath, John Fitzgerald and Mick Patterson. Front: Seán Hayes, Gabriel McGrath, Tom O’Gorman, Dick Dalton, Milly Mulcahy, Billeen Brien, Ned Dwyer and Jimmy Doherty.