Dawn breaks on poignant note over Ballykissane
RELATIVES OF THE FIRST CASUALTIES OF 1916 ATTEND COMMEMORATION
IT was a morning that started with a noticeable chill in the air for the people congregated at Ballykissane Pier who were remembering with dignity the first victims of the 1916 Rising.
The waters around the pier were calm yet broke gently against the grey bulk, seemingly in unison with the many watching on in respectful silence to the memory of Con Keating, Donal Sheehan and Charles Monahan.
It was a poignant tribute to the men who drowned 100 years ago on Good Friday, 1916, when driver Tommy McInerney - who would survive the ordeal - took a wrong turn, tragically plunging their vehicle into the water. The morning sky to the east tried hard to brighten the occasion as a band of pipers made their requiem cut through the ceremony with solemn potency.
Guests comprised of county councillors from the Municipal District, including family members of those who died and who laid wreaths in honour of their sacrifice and the aspiration of Irish freedom for which they died.
Also in attendance were local history and community groups from Killorglin who worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to make Killorglin’s story of 1916 a part of the national book. Con Keating’s grand-niece, Kay Keating, spoke of how fondly the victims are remembered and asked those present to pray for the four men involved in that night’s tragic event.
A big screen added a surreal feel to proceedings as speeches from various contributors, including Cllr Pat McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, addressed the crowd. Defence Force members provided a national colour party on the pier and the national flag officer was Killorglin native, Lieutenant Sean Coffey.