Lyre Volunteer commemorated

The Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann held a simple and dignified commemoration at Lyre last Sunday in memory of IRA Volunteer Larry Cunningham, who was shot and mortally wounded there on 15 February 1923 by Free State forces. The cumann had earlier on the week painted up the iron cross that perpetuates his memory.

Cathaoirleach Paul Hayes said the cumann would be continuing its programme of restoring the roadside crosses erected in the 1930s to fallen Volunteers, and holding simple commemorations to mark their anniversaries.

Louis White, a cousin of Larry Cunningham, praised the initiative of the Sinn Féin cumann in restoring the crosses and raising awareness about who they represent.

Local Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin delivered a short oration during which he recounted Larry Cunningham's life as an IRA Volunteer. He had been very active during the Tan War, participating in many of the local engagements against the crown forces. These included attacks on Clonakilty and Rosscarbery RIC. Barracks and Ring Coastguard Station. After the Treaty, Larry Cunningham remained committed to the republican ideal and was forced to go on the run, a tragic period in Irish history.

In mid-February 1923, Larry Cunningham heard that a relative was ill in Clonakilty and decided to try to pay a visit. Accompanied by Spud Murphy, he travelled under the cover of darkness and they arrived at Lyre Bar on the night of 15 February, where they were welcomed in before the hot fire. While there, the Free Staters arrived and began to surround the building.

Spud Murphy escaped, but Larry Cunningham's rifle got caught in the banister of the stairs. These few vital seconds of delay proved disastrous, and when he ran out the back door he was shot. He died later of his wounds in Mercy Hospital; Cork at the age of 28 years.