PICTURES: American descendants unveil Staker Wallis plaque in Limerick village

TWO weeks after the County Fleadh, Kilfinane was alive again to the sound of music and dancing as it welcomed 30 American relatives of local hero, Staker Wallis (Wallace).

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Following the brutal execution of Staker Wallis in 1798 in the Square in Kilfinane, many members of his family went to America seeking freedom and a new life. Like most Irish Americans they take an interest in their family history and stories from the “old country”.

Gerry Raftery, of the Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society, said one direct descendant of Staker Wallis was Clare Elizabeth Wallace, born in Illinois, 100 years ago on June 2, 1924.

“She always knew about her south Limerick roots. When Clare Elizabeth died 10 years ago, she was survived by her seven children. To mark 100 years since her birth, the family decided to make a trip to Ireland in memory of their late mother,” said Gerry.

Kilfinane was included in their itinerary with 30 members of the family, representing three generations, deciding to travel.

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Clare Elizabeth Wallace’s married name is Etzkorn. Her daughter, Mary Etzkorn, began writing to the Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society seeking advice on the sites they should visit relating to Staker Wallis.

The visit combined with the society to unveil a plaque in the Square at the site

The visit combined with the society to unveil a plaque in the Square at the site where human remains were found in what is known as the “Croppy Hole”, or the burial place of rebels executed during the 1798 rebellion and afterwards.

in what is known as the “Croppy Hole”, or the burial place of rebels executed during the 1798 rebellion and afterwards.

An assemblage of bones of seven individuals were discovered in 2006 but due to uncertainty around the age of Staker Wallis, there is no conclusive proof that his remains were part of the find.

The American descendants of Staker Wallis assisted in the unveiling of the plaque, said Gerry.

“They were entertained with a variety of Irish music and dance provided by Liam and Ciara Flanagan and members of the Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltóirí. There was a moving rendition of the Staker Wallis lament from Conor Ryan. Paddy Ryan, who played the part of Staker in a recent video, sang the ballad Aghadoe with great passion. Local historian Angela Hennessy told the Staker Wallis story,” said Gerry.

The American guests were given replicas of the plaque to keep alive the memory of their visit to south Limerick and their connection with an Irish hero. The historical society also brought the visitors on a guided tour to places associated with their illustrious ancestor.