Clonmult commemoration in East Cork

One of the largest turnouts in many years attended the recent Clonmult commemoration at Midleton in East Cork.

It was at Clonmult, seven miles north of Midleton, that the Cork IRA suffered its greatest loss of life in the Tan War, when almost the entire East Cork Flying Column was wiped out in a single defensive action.

On Sunday, 20 February 1921, the East Cork Column, under Commandant Diarmuid O'Hurley, were planning an ambush in an old farmhouse close to the quiet village of Clonmult when it was surrounded by British soldiers.

Five Volunteers were killed in the ensuing gun battle and seven more were shot down by the Black and Tans after they surrendered. A further two were later executed.

The main oration was given by Kerry County Councillor Toiréasa Ferris. She admitted that "even though I have spent many years studying history, it is only recently that I have learnt of this particular engagement, in what Tom Barry referred to as 'the darkest 12 days of the Tan war'.

"Never once in my six years at secondary school and four years at university did my fellow students or I hear the names of Jack O'Connell, John Joe Joyce, and Michael Desmond. Never once were the events that transpired at Clonmult in February 1921 mentioned. Though it has to be appreciated that not every single incident in Irish history can be introduced into the curriculum, one would expect that the bravery of the core of the East Cork IRA Flying Column and their vicious murder by the Black and Tans following surrender should at least warrant mention.

"Irish students should be taught about the heroism of Hallahan, Hegarty and Aherne, who were shot down while trying to escape and summon assistance from another column. Irish students should learn of the executions of Moore and O'Sullivan following a dubious trial by a military court in May of the same year. Irish students should be able to rhyme the details of this incident in Clonmult as easily as they do those of the ambushes of Kilmichael and Crossbarry.

"Though the story of the Clonmult patriots is not as widely known as it deserves to be, it is heartening to see so many here today to commemorate those brave 14 Irish sons some 84 years after their murder. What is more encouraging still is the fact that you have come here today as proud Irish republicans at a time when our opponents are trying so hard to demonise us and to force us to hang our heads.

"While the rest of them run about like headless chickens trying to demonise us, let us concentrate on what we are best at — by representing our constituents and by building a more equal society. Sinn Féin will continue to oppose the development of a selfish society where the divisions grow ever greater.

"The martyrs of Clonmult walked out of the burning cottage as proud Irish republicans. The only real tribute we can pay them today is to leave here with our heads held high, confident to be part of a generation that will deliver what they died for.

"No amount of unfounded accusations will prevent the achievement of Irish unity and equality. Let their sacrifices be our inspiration over the coming months and let your contribution be as memorable as theirs."