Family members attend Crimblin Big commemoration of National Army deaths in civil war

A plaque was unveiled at Crimblin Big, Moneygall, on April 30 to the memory of two members of the National Army, who died from wounds sustained in action at the spot just over 100 years ago.

Sgt Patrick Byrne and Pte John Gunning were wounded during an exchange between members of the north Tipperary anti-Treaty IRA and a National Army patrol operating out of Roscrea.

Patrick Byrne had been a member of the North Tipperary Flying Column during the War of Independence and had taken the Pro-Treaty side. John Gunning had joined the British army and fought during WWI. Byrne was a native of Roscrea and Gunning was a Laois man married in Birr.

The anti-Treaty fighters, under the command of Paddy Ryan (Lacken), had fled the Cureeny area on February 27, 1922, ahead of an extensive National Army infiltration of the area. Word reached Roscrea of their presence in Crimblin Big and a patrol was sent out to search the area.

The men were staying at the home of Timothy Ryan (Captain) and his family, when early on February 28 it was surrounded.

Fearing execution if captured with arms the IRA men decided to make a stand. Following a lengthy exchange of fire there was a lull during which Tim Ryan pleaded with the military to cease firing as there were children in the house.

Seizing the opportunity Denis “Sonny” O’Neill called on the men inside the house to follow him as he charged out. Firing as he ran, O’Neill was followed by Ryan (Lacken), John Leamy, Paddy Hughes and Jim Murphy.

O’Neil’s fire found its mark and three members of the National forces, including Sgt Byrne and Pte Gunning were hit as the men escaped.

Three men who remained in the house were captured and taken to Roscrea. John Gunning succumbed to his wounds the following day and Sgt Byrne died the next day.

In the wake of their deaths the families of both men, in common with almost all National Army casualties, were treated appallingly by the Government of the day. Both families were living in penury before eventually receiving meagre pensions from the Military Service Pensions Board.

Last Sunday week, family members from both sides who faced each other in combat that fateful day came together in a spirit of reconciliation to honour the men who died and to remember those terrible days and events of the Civil War.

A plaque was unveiled by Ann Crean, granddaughter of Patrick Byrne, assisted by her son Brendan.

Among the large attendance were four grandnephews of Sonny O’Neill, who travelled from West Cork for the occasion, as well as members of the Ryan “Lacken”, Ryan “Captain” and Hughes families.

The event was organised by local men Sean Kenny and Seamus Doherty, with the cooperation of the Coonan and Egan families.

The oration was delivered by local historian, John Flannery and a colour party was provided by members of North Tipperary ONE.

Lil Cleary, who was born in the house, and Sean Kenny - two of the oldest residents recounted reminiscences of the event which they heard growing up. John McLoughney, Moycarky Pipe Band, was piper for the ceremony.

- Report by John Flannery