13 September 2007 Edition

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Tom Williams remembered

Paul Pierce with Williams’s prayer book that he wrote a message on the morning he was executed

Paul Pierce with Williams’s prayer book that he wrote a message on the morning he was executed

Last Sunday, 2 September saw the 65th anniversary of the execution of IRA Volunteer Tom Williams.
The 19-year-old was hanged in Crumlin Road jail in 1942 having been found guilty of killing on RUC member in Belfast’s Clonard District on Ester Sunday of that year.
To mark the anniversary of the execution the committee of the Irish Republican History Museum, based in Conway Mill in Belfast, commissioned an exhibition of Williams memorabilia. The exhibition, which is to run for the month of September, includes items that are of immense historical value as they were intimately associated with Williams.
One of the most important items in the exhibition is Williams’ prayer book, on loan to the museum from the Felon’s Club. The prayer book is that used by Williams as he awaited execution in Crumlin Road’s ‘Condemned Cell’.
On the morning of his death Williams wrote a message on the prayer book and handed it over to the Catholic prison officer who was appointed to carry out the ‘death watch’ on the condemned Williams.
The warder, named Michael McCabe, kept the book until eventually a member of his family made contact with Sinn Féin through a West Belfast based nun and the prayer book was handed over to the National Graves Association.
Among the other items of interest is a well thumbed novena book that Tom gave to John Oliver who was charged with Williams. Oliver was one of five others who were sentenced to death with Williams but had their sentences commuted to life.
The original headstone from Williams’s grave and empty AK 47 cartridges used by the IRA firing party when paying to tribute to Williams after his remains were released for burial in 2000, also form part of the exhibition.
Paul Pierce of the Museum’s Committee told An Phoblacht, “as it was Tom’s 65th anniversary we thought it fitting to put on a special exhibition.
“So we want to thank those who have lent us items for display. I would also like to invite republicans from across Ireland to visit the museum as its ethos is to educate young people in particular about the republican struggle. All republicans are welcome”, concluded Paul.
The Irish Republican History Museum is located in Conway Mill, Belfast and opens between 10am and 2pm through Tuesday to Saturday.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland