Fallen Republican honoured in Duhill

A broad family of Republicans gathered in Duhill Cemetery in south Tipperary last Sunday to honour the memory of Anti-Treaty IRA volunteer, John Mahony from Castlegrace.

Unwilling to accept a deal that meant partitioning the country and swearing an oath of allegiance to the King of England, John, along with the bulk of Republicans in Tipperary and Cork, took up arms against what was a fledgling Free State government. It did take time, however, Anti-Treaty Republicans led by Limerick man, Liam Lynch, were eventually ground down by vastly superior numbers. While the death of the Anglesboro native, Lynch, in April 1923 signalled the formal end of hostilities, the Free State, under the direction of W.T. Cosgrave and Richard Mulcahy, continued to ruthlessly supress its opponents.

By the summer of 1923, scores of Anti-Treaty IRA men were dead and thousands, including Cumann na mBan members, imprisoned - John Mahony among their number.

An active member of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade, who was involved in several engagements with RIC and Crown forces, John Mahony was badly treated in prison and died in Cashel Hospital on June 24th, 1923 - he was 32.

REMEMBERING A PATRIOT

Speaking at last Sunday's well attended commemoration, one of the event organisers, Thomas Hennessy, 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.

A comprehensive account of John's life and times was given by local historian, Kathleen Moloney, who undertook considerable research in advance of the commemoration. Lone piper, Tadhg Ryan led a parade to Duhill Cemetery, with musical accompaniment provided by Rebel Hearts member, Paudie Coen. MC for the event was Robert O'Keeffe.

A colour party was drawn from members of the group ' Tipperary Independent Republicans'. Other ' Independent Republican' groups in attendance travelled from Wexford and Dublin. Prior to the unveiling of a plaque to John Mahony, it was blessed by Fr John Nally.

Following formalities, attendees were treated to refreshments in the nearby community centre.

(Pic: John Ahern) Some of those who attended last Sunday’s commemoration for John O’Mahony in Duhill, l-r: Deputy Mattie McGrath, Kathleen Moloney, former Minister of State, Ned O’Keeffe, Thomas Hennessy, Mary Carolan and MC Robert O’Keeffe.

(Pic: John Ahern) L-r: Agnes Riordan, Una Crowe and Anne O’Donnell, who were at last Sunday’s John Mahony commemoration in Duhill.

(Pic: John Ahern) Christy O’Callaghan, from Mitchelstown (centre), in the company of Anne and Pat O’Donnell, at last Sunday’s commemoration in Duhill.