Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

Clonakilty memorial

Vol Tadhg Whooley, a young IRA Volunteer who died as a result of an accidental shooting near Shannonvale, Clonakilty on 22 March 1921, is to be commemorated this Sunday, 23 March.

Clonakilty Sinn Féin a few months ago decided to repair and redecorate the iron crosses erected to the memory of republicans who died in the 1920s period in the general area. A list of memorials was compiled and the Cumann agreed to commence work on restoring and repainting them where they had fallen into disrepair, and to hold simple ceremonies at them around the anniversary dates.

Next Sunday's commemoration will be the first of a series of such ceremonies over the coming year. Several years ago, the cumann repaired and re-erected the memorial to Vol Tadhg Whooley at the same spot after it was damaged in a traffic accident.

Clonakilty Sinn Féin says it is important that these crosses, and all republican monuments, are kept in a condition befitting the men to whom they are erected.

Sunday's ceremony is open to everyone.

People are asked to assemble at Phair's Car Park in Shannonvale at 3.45pm, from where a piper will lead the crowd the few hundred yards to the memorial.