Ceremony honours two men killed by the Black and Tans

THE annual Sean O’Carroll/Patrick Tierney commemoration took place at the memorial to both men on the Drogheda Road, attended by local political figures from across the spectrum and menbers of ONE, made up of former members of the services.

It was another poignant occasion to recall two men who gave their lives at the hands of the Black and Tans almost 100 years ago.

The lone soldier figure was erected in their memory in 1955. The names of Tierney and O’Carroll are synonymous with Ardee, with both men having streets named after them.

Kildare man Sean O’Carroll was 25 when he was taken from his lodgings in Castle Street and shot dead by the Black and Tans nearby.

He was a Belfast man and taught Irish in Ardee and the spot where he was killed was to become known as Sean O’Carroll St. He was buried in Milltown.

Patrick Tierney (26) was a native of Ardee, was murdered the same night.

It is always said that but for sheer luck, many more would have been killed by the Tans on their rampage through Ardee on November 30, 1920.

The 100th anniversary of the commemoration is taking place in three years time and is likely to be marked accordingly.

Above, inset: Cllr Jim Tenanty, Fergus O Dowd TD, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cllr Liam Reilly , Madge Martin, Fintan Malone and Rose Higgins at the Sean O Carroll and Patrick Tierney annual commemoration

Jim Fay, I/C Flag Party, ONE Drogheda/Slane Branch at the Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll annual commemoration ceremony held in Ardee.

Madge Martin recites a decade of the Rosary at the Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll annual commemoration ceremony held in Ardee.

Members of the Drogheda/Slane ONE at the Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll annual commemoration ceremony held in Ardee.

Below: Cllr. Liam Reilly, Chairman of the Ardee Municipal District chats with Madge Martin and Rosie Higgins at the Patrick Tierney and Sean O’Carroll annual commemoration ceremony held in Ardee.