Centenary commemoration of Tom Mackey on Sunday
At 6pm on Sunday next, 21st May, organisers and members of the public will gather in Fountain, Knockanore (just off of the road between Camphire Bridge and Tallow) at Tom Mackey’s monument to celebrate the centenary of his death, on May 25th, 1923.
Tom Mackey, a local Irish Volunteer was on his way home to Fountain, Knockanore, when he was murdered by a Free State soldier. He was unarmed and was shot dead as he climbed over a fence at a place called Booreen Fork.
While the Civil War ended on May 24th, 1923, the reprisal from the Free Staters was ongoing. All over the county volunteers were returning home and made the journeys in fear of their lives. One such man Paddy Curran, Glenmore, was travelling home when at a boreen known as Filnagcat, he rounded a bend and came upon a Free State solider. As the Free State solider was armed, Paddy fearing a patrol, shouted that he surrendered. The solider, a sergeant from Toor North, Grange, was also heading home on leave and instead of firing, both men had a conversation, shook hands and went on their separate ways.
Unfortunately, the same faith did not occur for Tom Mackey. He was unarmed when he was shot on the journey home. He was one of the last people in Co Waterford to be killed during the Civil War. Tom, aged 28, was a Quartermaster in the 3rd Company 2nd Cork Brigade of the Old IRA. In the 1921 Military Archives, Tom and his bothers Jack and Bill are listed in the Kilwatermoy Company 2nd Battalion Waterford No 2 Brigade. This battalion was later moved to the Cork Brigade.
Born in Fountain, Knockanore in November 1895, Tom is buried in the family plot in Knockanore Graveyard. The guard of honour at his graveside was by members of Cumann na mBan, as his comrades were unable to attend for fear of their lives.
Following his death, a monument was erected by his comrades and in 1973 a 50th commemoration ceremony was held at the site.
Next Sunday, 21st May at 6pm, we will again gather to remember him on the centenary of his death. David Cullinane TD, will be among the speakers and we hope you can join us. For further information contact Louise on 086-1832405.