Borrisoleigh to remember its Civic War dead

On Sunday January 15 next, the village of Borrisoleigh will recall one of the saddest chapters in its history, marking the centenary of the execution of three young men from the parish which took place in Roscrea 100 years ago during the very bleakest periods of the Civil War.

Following a mail-car hold-up outside the village, the three local men, Patrick Russell, Fredrick Bourke and Martin O’Shea were arrested by troops from the National Army at Ross Cottage, on the Nenagh side of the village.

On arrest, they were taken to Templemore military barracks where they were tried by court-martial for being in possession of weapons and ammunition at the time of their capture. Found guilty, the three young men were sentenced to death and, having been moved to the National Army base at Damer Castle, Roscrea, they were executed by firing squad at dawn on the morning of 15 January 1923.

To mark and remember this tragic event, an event is being hosted jointly by the “Tipperary in the Decade of Revolution” Historical Group, Borrisoleigh Historical Society and descendants of the families on the exact centenary of the executions – Sunday 15 January 1923.

The event will begin with a family Mass in the Church of Ileigh at 2.00 pm, followed by a ceremony at the plot in the adjoining graveyard where the men are buried. Later, refreshments will be provided at Borrisoleigh Community Centre where there will be a talk reflecting on the executions of the three young Borrisoleigh men and other relevant matters at that time.

This event is being run in accordance with the wishes of the families and the aim is to mark and remember these tragic executions in a non-political way in keeping with the principle that the voice of each person that was impacted in this very traumatic period of our history should be given the space to be heard.

Another booklet, in the series created by Tipperary in the Decade of Revolution, dealing with the Roscrea executions and the wider subject of executions/ summary justice in Tipperary during the period will be available on the day.
All are welcome.