On Sunday, June 8, a commemoration was held in Tyone graveyard, Nenagh, to mark the 75th anniversary of the passing of Denis ‘Sonny’ O’Neill. A large crowd attended, including members of his native Kilbrittain Historical Society. READ MORE: I DO! Tipperary club junior player marries Cloneen woman followed by lively reception! Sonny’s family was represented by a fine contingent of the extended O’Neill clan who had travelled from Cork and elsewhere to be present for the occasion. Also present were members of the Rohan family of Barnagore, Dolla, Sonny’s wife having been Mary Anne Rohan. Neill Collins-Powell from Cork represented the family of Gen. Michael Collins Proceedings were chaired by MC, John Sheehy, who had delivered the oration at a previous commemoration for the 50th anniversary in 2000. John is the only surviving member of the committee which had organised that event. Having welcomed everyone and thanked those who had travelled considerable distances to be present the MC introduced John Connors member of Tipperary in the Decade of Revolution, organisers of the event, who described the aims and work of the group of historians. John Sheehy then called local historian and TiDR member, John Flannery, who delivered the oration. John described how Denis O’Neill had been born in Kilbrittain in 1888, one of a family of nine children. He went on to describe how O’Neill had served in the RIC, British Army and IRA and how he had come to Tipperary during the Civil War in 1922. He then outlined O’Neill’s life as a local representative on both the Urban and County Councils.. Following the Oration John Sheehy introduced Tim Crowley, who with his family, runs the Michael Collins Centre, Castleview, Clonakilty. Tim spoke about how Tom Barry and others had strived to mend the divide and heal the bitterness left by the Civil War. READ MORE: 'I need to get a job' - Tipperary's Rachael Blackmore reveals all in hilarious social media post This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. A floral
PICTURES: Sonny O'Neill commemoration held in Tipperary to mark 75-year anniversary
