Ballydesmond remembers - in a blaze of colour

“EVERY day for the past week, I’m thinking more and more that Danny and Michael Healy Rae are right in saying that God is in charge of the weather because it’s an outstanding day,”

So said master of ceremonies Johnny Walsh at the Ballydesmond 1916 Commemoration event last weekend. “The Healy Rae’s remarked that several of their constituents come to Mass in Ballydesmond and so they guaranteed that God would send a fine day today,” he added to much applause.

Indeed, the entire sun-drenched weekend saw crowds flock to enjoy the diverse array of events on offer as parishioners honoured those who engaged the enemy in 1916, and indeed in subsequent years.

A tour to the site of the ambush at Tureengarbh Glen accompanied by a historical talk by Johnny Walsh on Saturday afternoon was hugely popular while renditions of poems and songs from locals all added to the 1916 themed flavour.

Later on at the community centre former Irish Examiner journalist and Ballydesmond native Ray Ryan spoke about the aftermath of the ambush, and local author Joan O’Connell talked about her recently published book ‘Simplified History - The 1916 Rising’.

On Sunday following 11am Mass, a monument was unveiled by Ballydesmond’s most senior citizen, Mary Lane. The National Flag was raised by Lieutenant Donnacha Dennehy, Sergeant Donal O’ Brien, and Sergeant Ger McAuliffe of D Company, Mallow. Jack Roche gave the keynote speech and local musicians and singers performed.

On Sunday afternoon a parade through the village led by Cullen Pipe Band saw locals putting on a fantastic display with period costumes and hairstyles, complimented by props such as vintage spectacles and hats, and old lamps, bicycles, and carts.

The Proclamation was read at the Chapel Cross by Danny O’Connor assisted by his small son, Diarmuid, while further readings took place outside the three premises which were burned by the Black and Tans as reprisals for the Tureengarbh ambush.

Both handball courts featured a display of historical artefacts and live music by the Kelts and entertainment for children rounded off what turned out to be a superb weekend in Ballydesmond.

Local Historian Johnny Walsh giving a talk at the site of the Tureengarbh Ambush on Saturday as part of the Ballydesmond 1916 Commemoration event. Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald

Above: Mary Kelly, Breda Murphy, Bernie O’ Sullivan, Mairead Brosnan, and Margaret Kerins ready to set off on the 1916 Commemoration Parade.

Right: Ballydesmond’s most senior citizen, Mary Lane, unveiling the 1916 Memorial assisted by her son, Sean, during the Commemoration Ceremony in the Village on Sunday.

Group of locals getting ready to set off in the Ballydesmond 1916 Commemoration Parade.

Eilish, Shannon, and Darragh Brosnan, Kay and Billy Keane, and Jessica and Saskia Hughes looking the part at the Ballydesmond 1916 Commemoration Parade

Danny O’Connor, assisted by his son Diarmuid, read the Proclamation at the Chapel Cross.