The 102nd anniversary of the execution of four men in Roscrea Castle during the War of Independence was marked at a commemorative ceremony in the heritage town on Sunday (Jan 26) organised by the Roscrea Treacy Cré Sinn Féin Cumann.
Despite very inclement weather the event attracted a crowd who braved the weather and marched through the town centre from the Lourdes Road carpark, along Main Street and ending for speeches at Roscrea Castle.
Guest speakers at the event were former Sinn Féin MEP, Martina Anderson who travelled from Derry to Roscrea for the event and Galway West Sinn Féin TD, Mairéad Farrell.
Pictured at the commemoration are Treacy Cré Sinn Féin Cumann members Michael Donovan and Wally Kirwan with former Sinn Féin MEP, Martina Anderson who travelled from Derry to Roscrea for the event and Galway West Sinn Féin TD, Mairéad Farrell
As in previous years the organisers again requested permission from the OPW to hold their commemoration event inside the grounds of Roscrea Castle for the 2025 commemoration, but were not facilitated.
Wally Kirwan from the Roscrea Cré Treacy Sinn Fein Cumann addresses the crowd
In her address on Castle Street Martina Anderson spoke at length about her close relationship with Óglack Ella O'Dwyer from Roscrea, who died last year.
A colour party from the Tipperary Republican Commemoration Committee led by a piper marched through the town to Roscrea Castle
She also spoke of Ella’s intellect and political commitment, which saw her earn a Doctorate in Philosophy while in prison, and later work for Sinn Féin following her release.
The Tipperary Roll of Honour was read by Peadar Donovan
In her speech on Castle Street during a heavy downpour Galway West Sinn Féin TD, Mairéad Farrell, stressed the importance of remembering the men executed in Roscrea and “continue the struggle that they fought for”.
Dan Harty read the Irish Proclamation beneath the commemorative plaque installed by the Treacy Cré Cumann.
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On Roscrea's Castle Street during a heavy downpour Galway West Sinn Féin TD, Mairéad Farrell, addressed the crowd. Photos: D. Keegan