Wreath laid to mark centenary of executions in grounds of Offaly castle

SATURDAY last was the centenary of the execution of three young men in the grounds of Birr Castle, which at that time was occupied by the Free State army when they took control of Birr following the retreat of the Republican army after the burning of Crinkle Barracks.

To mark the day of the centenary i.e., January 23rd 1923, Cllr John Carroll placed a wreath at the “Gate House”, close to where they young men were executed, namely Vols Patrick Cunnigham, Colm Kelly and William Conroy.

They were from Tullamore, were arrested in possession of a firearm, and accused of other alleged offences, brought before a Military Court in Roscrea where they were sentenced to death and then brought to Birr to face a Free State firing party. They were then buried on the grounds of Birr Castle but reinterred in Clonminch Graveyard in 1924.

These Military Courts were established under emergency legislation namely the Public Safety Bill to crush Republican resistance to the recently established Free State. It was used to legitimise the execution of any person who was arrested in possession of firearm/s and seeking to uphold the Republic as proclaimed on Easter week 1916 and endorsed in 1918 Elections.

Fr Gaynor, who together with Fr Dineen was on hand before execution and after to administer them the final rites, spoke of the calmness and bravery of the men while being brought to face the firing party, one asking to be allowed stand and not be tied in a chair, a request that was refused.

Cllr John Carroll stated how important it was for him that this historic and sad event be marked on the day. He said he also believed that as the Cathaoirleach of Municipal Council he could in a non-partisan way represent all who wished the occasion be marked with respect.