Loughnane Brothers Commemoration - Sunday 28 November

On 26 November 1920, one of the most horrific incidents of the Tan War occurred in South Galway. Two young brothers from Shanaglish, Pat and Harry Loughnane, the President and Secretary of the local Sinn Féin cumann and full back and goalkeeper of the local hurling club, respectively, were kidnapped by the Auxiliaries while threshing their mother's corn. Their mutilated and badly burned bodies were discovered ten days later, dumped and concealed in a pond in Umbriste. No members of the British Crown Forces were ever made amenable for the crimes.

After their burial a committee was formed to raise funds to erect a memorial to the Loughnane Brothers. In 1927, Dr Madden of Westport unveiled a beautiful Celtic designed cross in the tree fringed cemetery of Shanaglish. Regular commemorations for the Loughnane brothers are being held to this day. A memorial was also erected at Moy O'Hynes Wood to the Loughnane brothers.

On Sunday 28 November, a memorial service will take place to commemorate the two brave brothers. Assembly will take place at 2.15pm at Fogarty's Cross, Ardrahan. It will be well signposted from Ardrahan. There will be a march to the memorial cross at Moy O'Hynes Woods. Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot Connolly will speak. An enjoyable and informative day is expected and everyone is welcome.