Easter Sunday commemoration for Offaly veterans at Tullamore Courthouse

A commemorative event took place recently to remember locals who participated in any way in the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War. This was the first time in 40 years that the event was held at the memorial.

The event was held on the steps of Tullamore courthouse in front of the Offaly Veterans Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9 and was organised by Odran and Breda Condron. Breda's father was Sean O Kelly was OC of the Offaly IRA Brigade.

It was a commemoration organised by locals to remember their parents, grandparents or family members who fought for Ireland's independence. Odran said: “We hope that this will become an annual event and we can include more families every year going forward. I was MC on the day, Grainne Kelly laid a wreath at the memorial, Grainne is the granddaughter of Seamus Kelly from Mucklagh who fought in the battle of Ashbourne with Tom Ashe. The event was a huge success and we look forward to next year.”

Breda read a poem about Tullamore Jail written by some of the prisoners in 1921. PJ Goode read the proclamation and Phillip McConway read out the Offaly roll of honour.

Speaking at the event, Odran stated: “I have very happy memories of my mam bringing us as kids to attend the easter ceremonies here at the courthouse many years ago along with my granny, Julia O Kelly who was the wife of Sean O Kelly OC of the Offaly brigade. They came here to commemorate men like my grandad Sean, Seamus Kelly, the Killeaveys, Peadar Bracken and all the Offaly volunteers so it's really fantastic to be back here again to carry on the tradition that they started.

“Offaly itself played a major role in Irish history, the Tullamore incident being one of the more notable with Peadar Bracken, Joe Wrafter and Seamus Brennan. Many frequently refer to this as the first shots of the rising. We also have men like Seamus Kelly who fought in the battle of Ashbourne under Thomas Ashe. Jimmy is represented here today by his granddaughter Grainne.”

Some of those who attended dressed in period costume. Special thanks was given to Breda Costello of Tullamore Courthouse, Eoin Manning of the Irish Courts Services and Neil Feighery who all helped in facilitating the commemoration.