The Fatima Group Memorial raised to the memory of the members of Nenagh Fianna Eireann was blessed and unveiled on Sunday (26th June 1960), before a large attendance, including representatives of local public bodies.
The group consists of Our Lady of Fatima, three children and their sheep, together with the commemorative plaque which reads: “To commemorate the Jubilee Year of Fianna Eireann, 1909-1959, and in memory of those members who gave their lives in the War of Independence.”
The memorial was designed by Neff Brothers, Sculptors, Cork. The site was provided by the Co. Manager, Mr. John P. Flynn, and the work of erecting the rockery was carried out by North Tipperary Co. Council workers.
The unveiling ceremony was performed by Mr. Eamon Martin, Dublin, formerly Chief of Staff of Fianna Eireann, who was introduced by Mr. Kevin Bradshaw, Limerick President of the Fianna Eireann Association, as a founder member of Fianna Eireann and former Chief of Staff.
The memorial is erected on a prominent site inside the County Hospital grounds and is a worthy one to the memory of the men, who gave their lives for Irish freedom.
Prior to the unveiling ceremony, a Colour Party from Limerick, Cork and Nenagh, together with a firing party and bugler formed at the church gates and later attended 12 o’clock Mass, which was celebrated for the deceased members of the Sluagh.
Rev. P. O’Connor, CC., Nenagh, was celebrant of the High Mass, assisted by Rev. T. Mullaly, C.C., and Rev. H. Kenny, C.C. Right Rev. Mons. Hamilton, P.P., V.F., presided.
At the celebration of the Mass the colour party dipped the colours and the trumpeter sounded the salute as the guard of honour presented arms. Following the High Mass, the colour party and firing party reformed at the Church Road and marched to the hospital grounds where they were drawn up beside the memorial. The memorial was blessed by Right Rev. Monsignor Hamilton and a decade of the Rosary was recited by Rev Brendan Heaslip, Nenagh, which was joined in by those present.
Prior to the unveiling ceremony the guard of honour presented arms and later fired three volleys over the memorial, an Army bugler sounding the salutes. The Order of Malta (Nenagh Unit) also participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony was watched by many patients and members of the hospital staff from the balcony, and it concluded with the playing of the National Anthem.
Mr. Martin said they “were here today to honour the dead, to remember them, and pay their homage. By paying a special tribute to these men and women who gave their lives in the name of their country’s freedom and by keeping their memories alive each succeeding generation of Irish men has bred new forces of resurgence, never allowing that spark to die entirely.
By their heroism and by the manner of their deaths, these men have given inspiration and new strength to those of whom had followed. It could be said, therefore, that their sacrifice had not been in vain. Sincerely, their attitude to these brave men was shown by this splendid memorial erected here by their comrades by the Nenagh Sluagh of Fianna Eireann.
Equally, their homage was theirs by devoting their lives to the ideals to which they fought and died, and only by adhering to these ideals were they justified in paying the tribute to these men who died believing that they who followed would carry out the final achievement of the task they set their hands to. They of Fianna Eireann were privileged to be the pioneers of what he may say was the greatest of all national resurgence in their country’s history. They would continue that tribute in no small measure until that amount of freedom they enjoy today was achieved.
They gave many of their comrades to this movement and those they came to honour today would join that galaxy of martyrs enshrined in their country’s history. They, others of Fianna Eireann, were very thankful to the Nenagh Sluagh for inviting them here today. They joined with them in this mark of gratitude to the valour of these immortal men today.”
Mr. Martin then unveiled the plaque and memorial to the memory of the Nenagh members of Fanna Eireann amidst applause.
Mr. George Hurley, Cork was in charge of the firing party and Mr. Paul Shinnors, Limerick, and Mr. P. Clifford, Chairman of the Nenagh Branch of Fianna Eireann, was in charge of the colour party.
Text: The Nenagh Guardian, Saturday, July 2, 1960.
Photograph: Eamon Murphy Fianna Archives ©
The History of Na Fianna Éireann 