Republican News · Thursday 13 March 2003

Tom Smith Commemoration

This Monday, St Patrick's Day, marks the 28th anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Tom Smith, who was shot dead by 26 County soldiers in 1975 during an escape attempt from Portlaoise Prison.

Tom was a native of Dublin, born and reared in Harold's Cross on the southside of the city.

He joined the IRA shortly after 1969 and was attached to the second Battalion of the Dublin Brigade.

A deeply committed volunteer, he worked tirelessly for the army. In November 1973, along with Volunteers Michael Fox and James Callaghan, he was convicted before the Special Court in Dublin, sentenced to imprisonment, and moved to Portlaoise Prison.

On St Patrick's Day 1975, the prisoners made an escape attempt. They blasted a hole through a door in the recreation room leading to the prison yard on the northern side of the prison. Soldiers, who opened fire on the escapees as they entered the yard, shot Tom in the head. He died instantly.

His body was removed to Dublin the following Thursday, escorted by a guard of honour from the IRA's Dublin Brigade. That Saturday, his funeral was attended by thousands of republicans. As the funeral procession moved from St Joseph's Church on Berkeley Road to Glasnevin Cemetery, it was harassed by over 1,000 gardai in riot gear, backed up by a company of heavily armed military.

As the front of the cortege entered Glasnevin, armed Special Branch men forcibly closed the cemetery gates. Wielding clubs and batons, they set upon the mourners, savagely beating men, women and children. The mourners, stewards and organisers exercised remarkable restraint during the fierce onslaught, in consideration of the mourning family and as a mark of respect for the dead volunteer.

Despite the attack, Tom Smith was buried with full military honours.

The annual Tom Smith commemoration will be held on Monday. The commemoration will follow the original funeral route and Sinn Féin speakers will be present.

Tom Smith was shot dead while trying to escape, 28 years ago this week.