Signature uncovered possibly that of Liam Lynch
Writing believed to be that of the late IRA Chief of Staff, Liam Lynch, has been uncovered on an internal wall of the building where Mellerick’s Pharmacy is currently located in Fermoy.
The building on Patrick Street, Fermoy once housed Barry’s Hardware where Liam Lynch worked between the years of 1915 and 1917, before taking up full-time active service with Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Volunteers.
The recently discoverd writing, details the ‘1917 Present Staff’ under which a list of signatures can be found alongside their positions, one of which is believed to be the signature of Liam Lynch.
Numerous signatures and scribblings can be found across the plasterwork of the building, with the third floor attic room, housing the signature in question.
A portrait sketch of an unknown person by an unidentified artist can also be found in this room, dated 1935 depicting a bearded man, with pouted lips in a collard shirt and tweed suit.
John Murphy, member of the National Liam Lynch Commemoration committee said “It’s most important that our history is recognised and carried on to the next generation. It wasn’t always easy going in the country, these people sacrificed a lot and gave their lives and dedication to the country, and we have the reward of it today.
“I think it is very important that the piece is retained, it’s part of our history, we just can’t abandon it. That section of the wall should be preserved, they should put Perspex or something over it, I’m sure Mr Gowen (the owner of the building) would be up for it,” he added.
Mr Murphy also said that he wanted to thank Bertie Gowen, who also works in construction, for the recent reparations made to another historical building, located in Kilcrumper graveyard.
‘SIGNIFICANCE’
Local historian Christy Roche, said that while there is no obligation to preserve the artefact, it essentially boils down to the owner of each building.
“There definitely would be significance there, it would have to be compared against other signatures of his,” Mr Roche added.
Liam Lynch was born on November 9, 1893 in the townland of Barnagurraha, Anglesboro, Co. Limerick and was educated in Angelsboro NS.
He had joined the volunteers on their formation in Mitchelstown in 1913 and on moving to Fermoy joined the company there and in 1917 he was elected 1st Lieutenant and shortly became adjutant of the Fermoy Battalion.
In January 1919, following the division of Cork county into three brigades, Lynch was appointed O/C Cork No. 2 Brigade which was made up of Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Mallow, Charleville, Newmarket, Kanturk and Millstreet battalions. He was later elected Chief of Staff of the IRA.
At 8.45pm on the night of April 10, 1923, Liam Lynch died after being shot by State troops following a meeting with senior anti-treaty officers to discuss a possible cessation of the ongoing struggle at the time.