Plaque dedicated to VC hero Martin Doyle
A PLAQUE has been dedicated to World War I hero Martin Doyle in the Tholsel council building in New Ross.
One of the most decorated Irish soldiers in World War I, with a Victoria Cross, a Military Medal and a War of Independence medal to his name, Doyle was born in Gusserane on October 25, 1894.
He grew up on Mary Street in New w Ross. Having lied about his age to o join the British army on St Stephen’s s Day 1909, when he was barely 15, on n September 2 of that fateful year at Riencourt in France, Doyle demonstrated the ‘conspicuous bravery’ for which he would be awarded the Victoria Cross. All senior officers being wounded, command had fallen to Doyle, who extricated a party of his men who were surrounded by the enemy, and carried back, under heavy fire, a wounded officer. Later r he went forward under intense fire e to the assistance of a tank and when n an enemy machine-gun opened fire, he captured it single-handedly and took three prisoners. He repelled a counter-attack, taking many more prisoners.
The official announcement concluded: ‘ Throughout the whole of these operations, Doyle set the very highest example to all ranks by his courage and total disregard of danger.’
Doyle is one of 24 Irish holders of the Victoria Cross.
Speaking in The Tholsel council chamber two days before the centenary of the Armistice, Myles Courtney from the New Ross Street Focus said: ‘It is pleasing to see that the history and heritage of the town of New Ross continues to be acknowledged in such a visible and tangible manner with the installation of another blue plaque which we will include in the next addition of our free walking guide. A number of New Ross historical figures of note are already commemorated with plaquesplaques, not least on this buildingbuilding.’ ’
Mr Courtney said: ‘It is indeed fitting that particularly in this year that a plaque to commemorate Martin Doyle – who was awarded a Victoria Cross for his acts of bravery and a Military Medal – is unveiled. I know we are commemorating one unique individual, but in doing so we should also remember all those Ross men who followed the urgings of their political masters and economic necessities and marched eastwards to the green fields of France from 1914 onwards. In contemplating their decisions and sacrifice it is most important that we, who stand here today with the benefit of comfortable hindsight, consider that it is best we learn from history, rather than dwell on it.’
Speaking on behalf of the Doyle family, Martin’s great-grandnephew Leighton Thomas thanked the council for funding the plaque and New Ross Street Focus for their supportsupport.
‘ This means a lot to the family to have Martin recognised after 100 years. After everything he achieved, there have been a lot of untruths written about him online. They want to get his true story out there. My granny used to have a picture of Martin up on the wall receiving his medal from the king and queen.’
Leighton said Martin’s daughters would have loved to attended the event, but they are either too elderly or living abroad.
‘His daughter Bridget, who lives in the UK, is 98. She is proud of what is going on. Unfortunately she is too old to travel. Gemma is not able to be here, Mary is in a nursing home and Charlotte is in her 80s and living in the US.’
Leighton revealed that Lord Ashcroft is sending a representative to meet members of the Doyle family in January.
New Ross MunicipMunicipal district manager Sinead Casey welcomed the members of the Doyle family, saying it was very important to remember the contributions of soldiers like Martin Doyle in his hometown.
Cllr Michael Sheehan praised everyone involved in organising the plaque.
He said: ‘It’s not every day that we get to unveil another part of our history. His story is the story of hundreds of families throughout the county. More and more of these stories are going to come out over the coming months. I appreciate all the work Sinead has done on this. From a municipal point of view I don’t think we can be prouder.’
One of the people behind getting the plaque said Martin Doyle should be a name that should always be synonymous with New Ross.
ABOVE: Martin Doyle meeting Queen Mary in June 1920.