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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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The annual commemoration follows a march through the town from the town centre carpark to Castle Street. Photo: PJ Wright
The annual commemoration held at Roscrea Castle marking the anniversary of the execution of four men in the grounds of the historic site which was planned for January has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 25.
The event is organised by the Roscrea Sean Treacy Sinn Féin Cumann and welcomed Sinn Féin party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, to the heritage town for an address at the 2022 commemoration.
On January 15, 1923 four men were executed by firing squad for the illegal possession of arms and ammunition after they were arrested at Ross Cottage near Borrisoleigh, on December 23, 1923. The four men were: Frederick Burke from Curnaboola, Ileigh, Borrisoleigh aged 28; Patrick Russell, from Summerhill, Borrisoleigh, aged 26; Martin O’Shea from Garrangrena, Borrisoleigh, aged 22 and Patrick McNamara from Killaloe, Co. Clare, aged 22. All four were executed in Roscrea Castle Barracks.
The executed men's remains were not returned to their families until the summer of 1924, causing for tense military displays at a time when weapons and gatherings were forbidden.
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