Rathcoole commemorates 1921 martyr

RATHCOOLE delivered a fitting tribute to War of Independence volunteer Bernard Moynihan at an impressive commemoration close to the village last Sunday.

The occasion included the presence of guest speaker Labhrás Ó Murchú, historian and director general of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Bernard Moynihan was part of the Rathcoole Company from 1918 involved in diverse activities that caused adversity for the British armed forces. The Rathcoole Ambush on June 15, 1921 inflicted a great number of casualties and what transpired were a series of reprisals from the British side under the Black and Tans.

On the morning of Saturday, June 30, young Moynihan left his home in Shanakiel to travel a mile to the farm of Con Sylvestor Murphy to help save hay, as organising Chairman Dan Joe O’Keeffe recalled.

“After spending a number of hours in the blazing mid day sun, the haymakers were called to the Murphy home to enjoy a well earned rest, cup of tea and refreshments. It was now 4.30pm and shortly after, Bernard would lay dying, shot by a single bullet to the head, slain by the Black and Tans,” he said.

Guest speaker Labrás Ó Murchú hailed those involved in the fight for Irish freedom and the importance of acknowledging the forefathers of the struggle.

“The event is a community event, the coming together and showing an expression of solidarity. That the memory of Bernard Moynihan and other volunteers is maintained is so important and culturally displayed here in poetry, music and song in a dignified ceremony”, he said.

Proceedings opened with the celebration of Mass by Fr. Bertie Doherty at Rathcoole National School. A parade led by Millstreet Pipe Band and the Local Defence Force progressed to the nearby commemoration site for the unveiling of a monument by Bernard Morrison, a grand nephew of the deceased.

“Ironically, the large sandstone rock that stands at Murphy’s Cross was procured nearby on the edge of Rathcoole Wood which had sheltered the Volunteers as they prepared their attack on the British forces,” said Mr O’Keeffe.

Above: Pictured at the unveiling of a stone to remember War of Independence victim Bernard Moynihan in Rathcoole were Liam Buckley, Dan Joe O’Keeffe, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Labrás Ó Murchú, Tom Goffin, Con Sylvester Murphy, Jack Roche and Tom Meaney.

Photos: John Tarrant A scene from the Bernard Moynihan Commemoration in Rathcoole.

Right: A colour party from the Local Defence Force at the commemoration.

Breeda and Marie Moynihan performing at the Bernard Moynihan commemoration.

Labrás O Murchú delivers the keynote address in Rathcoole.

Tomás Cronin delivers a poetry recitation at the Rathcoole Commemoration.

Millstreet Pipe Band drum major Donie Moynihan at the Rathcoole commemoration of family relative Bernard Moynihan.

Former Junior Minister Tom Meaney in reflective mood at the commemoration.

John Dineen from Ballinagree delivers the last post at the Bernard Moynihan commemoration.