‘Unwelcome’, unmasked group attend Mourneabbey commemoration
A GROUP of up to 20 unmasked and uninvited visitors to a small local commemorative event during the weekend to mark the centenary of the Mourneabbey ambush were told they were not welcome by local councillor, Liam Madden.
The event had been organised by the local Community Council, of which Cllr Madden is chairman since 2011, to mark the ambush by British forces of a local IRA unit, an engagement which left four IRA men dead.
The small event which went ahead saw a wreath being laid at the ambush memorial on Sunday afternoon and every house in the parish had a lit candle in the window.
Sunday’s event was by invitation only as the organisers were anxious to comply with pandemic restrictions.
As the event got underway, a group of between 15 and 20 people arrived at the location. They were unmasked and not observing social distancing rules. It was also very obvious that they had travelled from well beyond the 5km travel limit imposed during the Level 5 pandemic lockdown.
“I went to the group and told them they weren’t welcome at the event,” Cllr Madden. “In fairness to them they weren’t disrespectful or they didn’t give any cheek.”
While Cllr Madden got a hearing from the group, there was no budging them. One of the group was dressed in an Old IRA uniform and another sang a song in memory of the men who died, it is understood.
The men who died in the engagement were Patrick Flynn (25), Monee; Paddy Dorgan (22), Island and Edmond Creedon (20), ClogheenAnother man Michael Looney (30) Island; died days later from his wounds. Two men who were captured by the British were later court martialled and executed. They were Patrick Ronayne (24) of Grenhill and Tomas Mulcahy.
The local heritage group researched a book about the incident, The Mourneabbey Ambush, which received its launch on Sunday. A documentary film has also been produced locally to tell the story of what happened. Pupils at the local school had also done projects about the incident.
Cllr Madden explained that a much more ambitious programme of events had been planned to take place to mark the ambush.
“We had been in touch with the President and An Taoiseach and Minister for Defence about the event and there was a great deal planned - but that all had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.”
The incident has prompted fears that similar incursions might take place in the coming weeks as small, socially distanced commemorations are held by local committees to mark events which took place in ther areas 100 years ago during the War of Independence. Historic groups will be anxious to ensure their events aren’t visited in a similar fashion in the current climate.
THE chair of the newly re-established Mallow Sinn Féin cummann has said it hopes to build on the success of the party’s showing in last year’s general election.
James Curtis was speaking after last Friday’s virtual AGM, which saw the election of an officer board to the branch, which was mothballed in late 2016 through a combination of dwindling numbers and internal division within the party across the Cork East constituency.
The cumann will represent the Mallow Local Electoral Area (LEA), which incorporates Mallow Town, Buttevant, Churchtown, Liscarroll, Ballyclogh, Dromahane, Mourneabbey and Grenagh.
Mr Curtis said a renewal in interest in the party, sparked in no small measure by its showing in #GE2020 and not least in Cork East where Pat Buckley topped the poll, had prompted the decision to restart the branch.
“The creation of the cumann is due to renewed interest and increased party membership in Mallow and the surrounding areas. As a result, the party viewed it necessary to re-establish the branch to cater for demand,” said Mr Curtis.
It has been officially named the Andy O’Sullivan cumann, in honour of a soldier from the 5th Battalion, Cork Brigade (Mallow) IRA, who died on hunger strike in 1923 during the Civil War. He is buried in the Republican plot at St Gobnait’s Cemetery.
“We aim to build on the success of the party both nationally and in Cork East, advancing policies that will benefit everyone equally on the island of Ireland,” said Mr Curtis.
“Once the Covid-19 restrictions are eased, we intend to be out representing the interests and welfare of people locally in the Mallow LEA prioritising issues such as health, housing and cost of living,” he added.
Cumann vice-chair, former Cork County Councillor Melissa Mullane, said she was delighted to see a renewal in interest in the party at a local level.
“We were keen to build on this by bringing in young members with new ideas alongside more experienced party members, which gives the branch a solid platform moving forward,” she said.
THE news of the passing of a Mallow legend last Friday at Brookfield Care Centre in Leamara created many heart warming tributes from people young and old and from all walks of life in the community on social media platforms.
From Glenanaar, David Heaney, known widely as Mr.Music, entertained for almost 70 years, performing at many functions including dances, weddings, socials and so many major public events. As an accordion and organ player he launched in to the music business with fellow musicians and formed many bands with colleagues who have since died.
David was very much involved in senior citizens affairs and was a constant visitor to the Mallow Social Services Centre where he entertained at senior citizens Christmas parties and the like while also making appearances at local hospitals and nursing homes.
An acting Peace Commisioner, he was pivotal in the formation of the Neighbourhood Watch in the region.
In later years he played as a one man band and was a regular stage performer annually in Lisdoonvarna.
Mr. Music, who would have been 89 last weekend, was very proud to perform at Aras An Uactharan during a senior citizens visit to then president Mary MacAleese some years ago.
David will also be lovingly remembered as presenter of the hugely popular Sunday morning Hospital Request Show on North Cork Community Radio in the 1980s in which he recited a prayer at the end of each show.
David worked at the Borden Powder Milk plant at West End on its opening in the early 1960s where his duties included forklift driver, store keeper and finally office duties. In a statement from his home in Macroom, former Borden manager and Mitchelstown native Noel Curley said he will always remember Dave as a pure entertainer and a very funny man.
At his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church on Monday, his accordion was placed at the foot of the altar while the rosary beads he always carried was also on display. Live streamed viewers were also reminded of David’s dedication to the Church and his daily attendance at Mass. A recording of his radio prayer was played at the end of the ceremony.
Before burial, the Funeral cortege drove through Mallow and stopped briefly near his home in Glenanaar, where a round of applause by many neighbours and friends was given as a final farewell to a much loved character.
David is predeceased by his wife, Nell, brother Seamus and sister Pearl, and survived by his sons Michael, Noel, David, Seamus and Dominic, daughter Eileen, sister Joan (UK), relations, neighbours and many friends.
David Heaney has left the stage of life but the memory of the man will live on forever.