Monthly Archives: April 2025

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 24 April 2025

Uncategorized

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 24 April 2025

Making an Irish Free State City – The Lest We Forget Inscription

On 17 March 1925 at the new Great War Memorial on Cork’s South Mall General Stanish Harrison, who was a former commanding officer of the Royal Munsters, having formerly served with the King’s Liverpool Regiment, unveiled the memorial. He was extended a very hearty welcome by the Independent Ex-Service Men’s Club who commissioned the memorial.

The Cork Examiner, the following day, after the unveiling outlined the event and the speeches given. General Harrison said he considered it a very great honour to be asked to come to Cork to unveil such a memorial to the comrades whom they had lost. He deemed the event as one of mourning and remembrance to those who sacrificed their lives;

“Their comrades had shown them the road – God bless them and God bless all those whom they had left behind and bring them happiness in the present life until the time came for them to join their former comrades. The monument was erected to the memories of some one thousand men, though that was not anything like the number of men who made the supreme sacrifice from the county of Cork. It was a very worthy monument, and I have great pleasure in unveiling it”.

General Harrison availed of the occasion to ask the Government of the country to see their way to help the families of those who had fallen and also to help many of whom who had connections to the war and who were now poor and hungry. He commented; “They deserve every help that the Government could give them, and I feel sure that such help would be forthcoming. God save the King and God save Ireland”.

At this stage General Harrison drew the Union Jack from the monument and the memorial was unveiled to the sounding of the Reveille by a party of massed buglers, directed by bands master Mr Deane of the Greenmount Industrial School Band.

Deputy Michael Egan TD, a Cumann na nGaedheal or government representative, then addressed the gathering and said it was his proud privilege to be associated with the ceremony of the unveiling of that beautiful monument to the men who went out and fought and died so that their fellow countrymen and women could live in peace. He noted his support of the unveiling; “I am glad to be associated with the body of men who came together and showed they had not forgotten their fallen comrades by erecting that memorial to their memory. It had for its motto appropriate words, Lest We Forget, because it was their duty not to forget the brave deeds of the men who went out and died on behalf of the small nations of the world”.

Deputy Egan continued that when a question was raised in connection with the erection of the monument some friends and himself stepped up because they saw no reason why Irishmen who died abroad could not be remembered by the people whom they served, and a memorial put up to their memory in their native city. He called upon the Irish Free State government to pursue their duty to see that the men who went out and fought, as well as the dependents of those who fell in the fight should be well catered for, and not be allowed to go into poverty and distress; “As far as I am concerned it is my duty to assist in every way in seeing that they would be well looked after…I promise that whatever I can do on their behalf would be readily done”.

            Cllr John Horgan said he was also delighted at the opportunity afforded him by the invitation of the ex-servicemen of being present and to speak at the unveiling of such a beautiful monument to the men, who in his opinion, did as much as any people in Ireland in order that the people of the country might be free. He continued; “They have contributed very largely to the measure of freedom that their country had obtained…I remember well when the rallying cry for the freedom of small nations rang out, how the men of Cork responded in order to achieve such an object, and particularly to prove the right of their own land to win its liberty. They fought on many fronts and willingly gave their lives for freedom that they believed every small nation was entitled to, and it was only fitting that their memories should be properly honoured. When application for the erection of that memorial was made to the Corporation I supported it, because I believed at the time that it was only fitting that a suitable memorial should be erected to such men in their native city”.

Cllr Horgan continued that the monument’s motto “Lest We Forget” typified friendship and comradeship of their fallen comrades, colleagues and proved that the memory of those who fell would always remain with them. He deemed that the “silent monument was a standing tribute of the affection of those who were left behind” and that they were all delighted at that opportunity of honouring the memory of their fallen comrades.

Fr Scannell then spoke. He commented that he was also delighted to be associated with the function and reflected upon the Lest We Forget inscribing; and the sacrifice and patriotism; “The monument bears the inscription ’Lest We Forget’. We cannot forget. I will never forget, and neither will any man who was out in France and on the other fronts with the Irish troops. We will never forget the bravery of the Irish soldiers who fought and died and the edification they gave to all who came in contact with them. We will never forget their edification in patriotism, and their sanctity in life and death. That religious edification, and patriotism should always be remembered for the Irish troops, and, therefore, it was fitting that such a monument should be erected”.

In addition Fr Scannell congratulated them on selecting that day, the feast of Ireland’s Patron Saint, St Patrick, for the unveiling of the monument, as it was, in his opinion, “a fitting day for such a ceremony”.

Next April Historical Walking Tours with Kieran, All tours free, 2 hours, no booking required

Saturday 26 April, The Cork City Workhouse Tour; learn about Cork City’s workhouse created for 2,000 impoverished people in 1841; meet just inside the gates of St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, 1pm.

Sunday 27 April, Fitzgerald’s Park: The People’s Park Tour, from stories on the Mardyke to the Cork International Exhibition, meet at the band stand, 1pm.

Caption:

1301a. Unveiling the Great War Memorial, South Mall, 17 March 1925 (source: Cork Public Museum).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 17 April 2025

Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, Uncategorized
1300a. Denis Sharkey’s original sketch for the First World Memorial, South Mall, c.1924 (source: Francis O’Connor & Cork Public Museum).
1300a. Denis Sharkey’s original sketch for the First World Memorial, South Mall, c.1924 (source: Francis O’Connor & Cork Public Museum).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 17 April 2025

Making an Irish Free State City – Unveiling the Great War Memorial

In the winter of 1924 to the spring of 1925 fundraising for the Great War memorial on Cork’s South Mall continued at pace. A design was also chosen by the Cork Independent Ex-Servicemen Club. Denis Sharkey, a Cork sculptor, was chosen. An Irish Examiner advertisement on 16 April 1898 denotes that Denis had just taken over his father’s business. The D Sharkey Marble and Monumental Works was originally based at High Street and then moved 102 Douglas Street. An advertisement for Denis on 17 April 1912 locates him at Blackpool Bridge and details that the business made crosses, headstones, chase and original designs.

A delay in the quarrying of stone at Ballinasloe in County Galway for the Great War memorial meant that the original plan for a November 1924 unveiling was missed. In a meeting of the Cork War Memorial Committee in early March 1925, committee member Mr P Byrne noted that it was great pity that they had to disappoint the public on Armistice Day. He outlined that the quarries in Ballinasloe were flooded due to heavy storms. However, since they received the stone, good progress had been made by the contractor on the execution of the work. Mr Byrne continues that he had been interviewed by several relatives of the fallen with reference to their names being inscribed on the stone. He noted that the charge for inscription was very reasonable and he hoped that many more would avail of the opportunity to have the names of their relatives inscribed on the monument.

Mr T O’Neill highlighted that there was no doubt that great credit was due to the committee in general. It was their first attempt in organising such a large project. He hoped that their Flag Day on 14 March 1925, which was entitled “Forget Me Not Day” would be generously supported.

On 17 March 1925, the unveiling of the Great War memorial took place at the South Mall, the ceremony being performed by General Standish Harrison, late commanding officer of Royal Munster Fusiliers’ Depot, who took the salute from the foot of the memorial. Many thousands of ex-servicemen, and widows and orphans of the men in whose honour the memorial was erected, were present at the ceremony.

The Cork Examiner describes that the day’s programme was an elaborate one and opened with parades of ex-Servicemen at eleven o’clock. The two organisations in Cork – the Cork Independent Ex-Servicemen and the Cork branch of the British Legion – participated. They were led by General Harrison and members of the Executive Committee of both parties, marched to the Cathedral, where they attended High Mass.

The High Mass at the North Cathedral was celebrated by Bishop Cohalan. A large number of the city’s clergy were present. There was an immense congregation in the church composed chiefly of those taking part in the subsequent procession and unveiling ceremony. At the conclusion of the Mass the Roman Catholic party was joined by the Protestant party, who had formed up on St Mary’s Road, and the procession to the South Mall then commenced.

The Cork Examiner describes that the procession included several thousand ex-servicemen wearing their military decorations and led by their old officers, a large number of ladies bearing beautiful wreaths, relatives of the fallen men, many children wearing the medals of their dead fathers, and a big number of the general public. Six bands were in attendance – these being the Independent Ex-servicemen’s Band, the Legion Band, the Parnell Guards, the Barrack Street Band, the Greenmount Industrial School Band, and the Lee Pipers’ Band.

Fr Scannell – also wearing his military decorations – walked at the head of the members of the Cork branch of the British Legion. Immediately preceding these in the procession was General Harrison’s carriage, in which were the General and Gerald Byrne, chairman of the Cork Independent Ex-servicemen, J R Connolly, chairman of the Cork branch of the British Legion, and J Lee, secretary of the War Memorial Committee.

The procession route followed was via Shandon Street and Pope’s Quay to Bridge Street, and then by MacCurtain Street, Brian Born Bridge, Merchant’s Quay, St Patrick’s Street, and the Grand Parade, to the Memorial at the western end of the South Mall. Thousands lined the streets through which the procession passed.

When the memorial was reached at 2.15pm, the executives of both organisations formed up on three sides of a square surrounding the baseof themonument, while relatives of the fallen men and public representatives were accommodated inside the railings of the little park in which the memorial stands.

Under the direction of Bandmaster Mr Deane, Greenmount Industrial School Band, buglers drawn from both of the ex-servicemen’s organisations sounded the Last Post, and immediately afterwards the ceremonies associated with the unveiling commenced.

The Chairman, Gerald Byrne, said there were assembled to unveil a monument to their comrades who fell on the different fronts fighting for the freedom of small nations. He desired to thank, on behalf of the Cork Independent Ex-Service Men, General Harrison for coming to the city to unveil the memorial. He also thanked for their attendance, Mr Michael Egan, Mr John Horgan and Mr D F Doyle, who had been their friends throughout the period of the erection of the monument, and in addition to Fr Scannell who was at their service at all times. 

Caption:

1300a. Denis Sharkey’s original sketch for the First World Memorial, South Mall, c.1924 (source: Francis O’Connor & Cork Public Museum).

Next April Historical Walking Tours with Kieran, All tours free, 2 hours, no booking required

Saturday 26 April, The Cork City Workhouse Tour; learn about Cork City’s workhouse created for 2,000 impoverished people in 1841; meet just inside the gates of St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, 1pm.

Sunday 27 April, Fitzgerald’s Park: The People’s Park Tour, from stories on the Mardyke to the Cork International Exhibition, meet at the band stand, 1pm.

Kieran’s Comments, Cork Luas Emerging Preferred Routeway, 14 April 2025

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Development

Cllr McCarthy: Douglas and Rochestown Deserve Better

At first read, it is welcome to hear that a further e1billion is to be invested in public transport in Cork. That is great news. But at first glance I am really disappointed by the emerging preference route and will be calling on the NTA for a complete revamp of the eastern section and for it to go back to the design board. The Douglas and Rochestown area have a combined population of 20,000. Why stop the tram at Mahon Point Shopping Centre area?

The ambition is really lacking in the eastern section. The city was expanded for good reason in 2019 to make the city one of scale where scale can support the release of funding and investment into public infrastructure. I cannot in good faith go back as a public rep to those 20,000 people I represent in Douglas and Rochestown and say that your area may be serviced by the second tranche of planning for a Luas line that may or may not come in decades to come in your lifetime or not. It is essential that the Luas takes in Douglas and Rochestown and not only that there should be mapping as well as far as Carrigaline. There is an enormous opportunity here that should not be missed. Douglas and Rochestown deserve better”.

Kieran’s Comments at Cork City Council meeting for Cork Docklands to City Centre Network Improvement Scheme, 14 April 2025

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Development

Read about the part 8 here: Cork Docklands to City Centre Road Network Improvement Scheme | Cork City Council’s Online Consultation Portal

I’d also like to welcome this part 8.

The investment in a historic area such as Albert Road and Hibernian Buildings is very worthy.

It is an important part of the ecosystem of Docklands and I have always felt that it is not spoken about enough. Even within the narrative of Docklands future planning, the story and spirit of the area remains limited in its story telling.

The story of the Cork Improved Dwellings Company, a company made up of employers in our city, who from 1860s through to the 1890s invested in over 400 employee houses. Hibernian Buildings being in their second phase and being infused very early on by Lithuanian refugee Jews, who found themselves in Cork.

Hibernian Buildings and its surrounds became known for its close-knit community and in very recent years, the demographic change is very clear, with many new individuals, couples and families moving into the warren of houses.

Clearly with the number of submissions – 83 in all – on this part 8, there has been a renewal of expectation on this historic neighbourhood

The last public investment into the area was the creation of Shalom Park and the National Sculpture Park, both from 1989; and in recent years, the renewal of the park in Kennedy Park.

But it has been several years since Albert Road area has seen substantial investment.

The slowing down measures are welcome as are the new trees, the keeping of the grotto.

The removal of the residential access link between Eastville and Kingston Avenue is welcome.

There is a welcome commitment to look at the lack of safety at Kennedy Quay and Victoria Road junction and the general pedestrian crossings in the area, Plus high quality landscaping

There are still larger issues that need to be tackled.

We need to grasp the nettle and to move large trucks moving through the area out of these residential roads.

The foundations of these historic buildings are shallow and the fabric not as strong as other nineteenth century buildings in Cork.

So these buildings shake. There may be commissioned studies out there on the damage from the shakiness.

There are certainly resident’s who have collected data through taking photographs and videos.

My understanding as well that funding in still needed from the NTA for this part 8. We need to get this funding in place.

And to work very carefully with residents as this project is being rolled out.
Ends

Kieran’s Comments at Cork City Council meeting on Scairt Cross Housing Project, 14 April 2025

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Development

Read about the project here: Part 8 Planning Notice – Scairt Cross Development | Cork City Council’s Online Consultation Portal

There has been a long process to get to this point, and I appreciate the work done on this project by our housing directorate and the partners on this project.

I’d also like to thank local residents for their journeying with this housing proposal; it has been a long and anxious two years.

There have been many comments by local residents concerning traffic, lack of public transport options, height, density, architecture, issues around place-making.

There have been significant amendments, which I am glad for especially taking down in height the tower element at the front of the building.

But for all the amendments, for me it still boils down to a development that just doesn’t fit in the area.

And this is where I am very torn on this development arising from long meetings with colleagues and local residents.

Indeed, my overall perspective on this development and what I can’t keep thinking about is that “Douglas Deserves Better”

I watch the overall development of new houses – public and private in the Donnybrook area – which is great but I watch with unease the “housing at all cost”unsustainable planning model.

And it’s not just one estate it is the myriad of them all together.

I really worry for the area from upper Donnybrook into the Castletreasure area.

There are no real ambitions around a proper public transport system, no ambition around new large public parks and playgrounds, no ambitions around neighbourhood building, and no ambitions around sustainable place making;

and I think one of the prime weaknesses in all of this is within our own City Development Plan, which doesn’t take into account enough the issues of sustainable planning in the outer suburbs of the city.

And so my gut and experience as a public rep for so many years now is to vote no to this proposal on the grounds of unsustainable planning.

It’s my call that Douglas deserves better scrutiny in how it is being planned for the future. Ultimately Douglas deserves better.

Kieran’s Questions to the CE and Motions, Cork City Council Meeting, 14 April 2025:

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Development

Question to the CE:

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on progress on Shandon’s historic Butter Exchange and the Recreate Shandon CLG project? (Cllr Kieran McCarthy)

Motions:

That speed reduction mechanisms be introduced coming into Blackrock Pier. From the Castle Road and Blackrock Road sides, cars travel at pace. In addition that a footpath be explored for the side of the Maple Leaf Bar (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

That the City Council review the traffic lights at the Old Blackrock Road / Infirmary Road junction. The traffic can be backed up to the entrance to the South Infirmary as there is no right turn arrow at the junction (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

That new trees be planted at the Japanese Gardens, Ballinlough to replace the ones recently cut down (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

To get an update at the south-east LEA on matters arising re emissions from and work in Gouldings and concerns from residents in Marina Park (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 10 April 2025

Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized
1299a. Close-up of the fallen soldier on the First World War memorial on the South Mall, Cork (picture: Kieran McCarthy)
1299a. Close-up of the fallen soldier on the First World War memorial on the South Mall, Cork (picture: Kieran McCarthy)

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 10 April 2025

Making an Irish Free State City – A Great War Memorial Council Deliberation

A week can be long time in politics. By the time the motion on allowing the First World memorial on the South Mall reached the full suite of Councillors of Cork Corporation – six weeks later following on from the Public Works Committee debate, public vote and public debate – the elected members were ready with their perspectives.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Seán French presided and he put the question to the full Council on the question of giving permission to erect a monument in Cork to the Irish soldiers who fell in the Great War. A similar debate to the Public Works Committee occurred with perspectives for and against the proposal.

Cllr Seán Nolan moved that permission for the erection of the monument be not granted. He did so not out of disrespect for the memory of the men it was intended to honour, but he believed that the time was not opportune for the erection of such a memorial. He argued that they had seen great heros belonging to the Corporation such as Lord Mayors’ MacCurtain and MacSwiney and Alderman Tadgh Barry, and many others who had fallen in Cork City and County, and “so far the nation had not seen fit to erect a memorial to those men”.

Cllr Nolan continued that he knew that the country would pay them a tribute when the time came. He also believed that the time and money associated with a Great War memorial would be better devoted in looking after the widows of those fallen soldiers and their dependents and the wounded.

Cllr Seán O’Leary seconded the rejection of the monument and said it was not to commemorate the men who fell that the proposed monument would be erected, but for the cause for which these men fell; “The monument would commemorate England’s war, with which they in Ireland had nothing to do with. Those men went out to fight, unconsciously, and so enabled to send troops here, which she could not otherwise have done”.

Cllr T O’Neil denoted himself for the motion and said the ex-service men of Cork and the other parts of Ireland went out to France in 1914 at the call of the Irish leaders at the time; “That call was given by the recognised leaders of the Irish nation at that time and they answered the call in Cork and all over Ireland. A great majority of the Cork men who went out fell in the fight and their comrades desired by erecting a suitable monument to honour their memory”.

Alderman E Coughlan said it was not the intention of any member opposing the erection of the monument to show any disrespect to the men who died. He regretted his opposition vote as he wished to keep the streets “pure and clean of symbols of Britain”. He noted; “I suggest that it be erected in one of the cemeteries, which was a more suitable place for a monument of the kind. It would not be suitable in the streets of Cork after what occurred in those streets in those streets during the last three or four years…I want to keep the streets of Cork free from any taint of Imperialism”.

Cllr G Byrne supported the proposal. He spoke regarding the fact that no monument had been erected to the martyred Lord Mayor’s memory. He desired to say that if any such project were started in the city that the ex-servicemen in Cork would be the first to come forward and support it; “The ex-servicemen and their friends believed that the time had arrived when they should erect a memorial in honour of their fallen comrades…their fallen dead deserved such an honour”.

Cllr J Allen supported the proposal noting that his own brother was killed in the streets of Cork by Irishmen and his mother put a monument over his grave to honour his memory, as did every other member of his family, and also his friends. He noted; “Why should the ex-servicemen of Cork be prevented from paying similar respect to their fallen comrades. They fought and died side by side and it would be unjust if men who had come back were not allowed to erect a memorial to their fallen comrades”. He further felt that any opposition to such a monument would only widen the gap between fellow-Irishmen and such a thing should be avoided.

Cllr John Horgan said that he asked those who offered opposition to the erection of the monument to waive that opposition. He noted that the monument was one merely for the purpose of reminding the relatives and others what the sacrifices of those fallen soldiers should not be forgotten.

Councillor Sir John Scott denoted that he yielded to no man in his respect for Lord Mayor MacCurtain nor were the citizens of Cork forgetful of his sacrifice and services. They had raised a valuable testimonial to his memory and over £12,000 or subscribed to his family. He continued to say that people of all the nominations joined in paying attribute to MacCurtain and a similar tribute was started in connection with Lord Mayor MacSwiney; “The man who fought for the freedom, not only of their own country, but of the world at large, were entitled to respect, and he would vote for giving a site for this monument as a matter of duty, another tribute to the bravery of fellow citizens”.

Cllr J Good argued that he had respect for the men to whom the monument was to be erected and he certainly said when “England did what was right by Ireland” he would be quite prepared to shake hands with England and be “friendly and neighbourly with her in every way”.  He continued to note; “But until that time comes, I will hold my own principles that I have always stuck by, am proud of”.

Cllr Sir Edward Fitzgerald noted that the men who went out to fight in the Great War did so out of the corner of their conscience, and they gave the greatest proof of their consistency when they died for their conviction. He noted; “Their memories deserve to be honoured and I would be a traitor to all belonging to me if I did not honour them to the best of my ability”.

After several more speakers of for and against the memorial a vote was taken of the full Council – the majority of which was in favour. Sixteen members were for with twelve members against the proposal for the monument.

To be continued…

Caption:

1299a. Close-up of the fallen soldier on the First World War memorial on the South Mall, Cork (picture: Kieran McCarthy)

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 3 April 2025

Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized
1298a. Muriel MacSwiney, Mary MacSwiney & Eitne /Annie MacSwiney, late 1920 (source: Cork City Library).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 3 April 2025

Making an Irish Free State City – Ms MacSwiney’s Letter to the Editor

The decision in mid-October 1924 by Cork Corporation’s Public Works committee to give permission to advance a Great War Memorial on the South Mall brought debate outside into the public realm. Much historical material survives on the opinions of those individuals for the memorial and on those individuals completely against the memorial, with all opinions made against the varied meanings of such a memorial in an evolving political landscape in Cork.

In particular on the against side and highlighting the evolving political context of the time is Eitne or Annie MacSwiney, sister of Lord Mayor Terence MacSwiney. She sent a letter to the Cork Examiner outlining her views. The letter was published on 21 October 1924 and signed “Eitne McSuibne, Ig Corcaighe, 20 October 1924”.

Opening her perspectives, Eitne alludes to the discussions where her brother’s name was brought into the debate on the war memorial. She notes that she had no desire to enter into discussion with people who wish to “erect memorials to England’s victories”, but neither had she any desire to see her brother’s name “dragged into the discussion”.

The first aspect, to which her attention was drawn to, was an argument by a member of Cork Corporation, who mentioned he had a right to speak and vote for such a memorial as he had walked in Terence MacSwiney’s funeral.

Eitne writes that the less said about those who walked in her brother’s Terence’s funeral the better. She points to the people of Cork and their memory of a “most impressive display” at the funeral – especially from the dignitaries of the Church – from archbishops to priests, who walked in all the mourning robes of the Church. In addition she writes that on the first anniversary of his death when the public bodies and citizens filled the Cathedral at a Solemn Requiem Mass, where the Bishop of Cork presided. However, Eitne contrasts all of that with his second anniversary after the passing of the Treaty when some priests refused to pray for Terence in Cork churches. She writes; “What had changed in the two years? Surely not the dead Terence MacSwiney, nor the ideals for which he lived and died. So I repeat, the less said about those who walked in his funeral, the better”.

The second aspect Eitne draws attention to is the question of what there was no statue to Terence erected in the city. She notes that a memorial was projected, but that the project was stopped by his family after the Treaty was signed and voted on. She noted: “They felt, as felt all those who stood true to the principles for which the dead died that, until Emmet’s epitaph can be written, no monument should be raised to any of his successors; and assuredly not in a land whoso false sons took the oppressor’s guns to fight, at his dictation, against the freedom of their own land, and against those who were defending it. The best memorial to any of them, from Wolfe Tone to Denny Barry, is earnestness in the completion of the work they left us to do”.

The third aspect Eitne addresses in her letter is on the proposal of a British war memorial for Cork. She stresses the fact that Cork people all know many people who served England in the European war. However she argues in her opinion that those who went out to fight were “misled by false propaganda and by the cry of Freedom for small nations including many too who were driven into the ranks by the unemployment created for the express purpose of forcing them to enlist in England’s service”. She further notes: “No one casts any aspersion on them for the mistake they made, but it was a mistake which cost them and Ireland dear, and certainly their mistake cannot be a reason for erecting a British War Memorial in Cork…They left their own country, unprotected, at the mercy of England’s soldiers, whom their going set free to carry on oppression and suppression of every kind here. If that half-million had remained at home, England’s soldiers would have had to leave his country to take their places in the trenches”.

Eitne in her letter reiterates her opinion that some soldiers undoubtedly believed they were going to the frontline for Ireland’s future and its place as a small nation. However, she argues that “their going left the wives and children of Ireland at the mercy of the English garrisons that Irishmen saved from the trenches”. She noted: “Armistice Day was the 11th November, 1918. Let us ask what English soldiers were doing there from 1916-1918 while he was ‘fighting for Ireland’ in France. The victory for small nations was won in 1918. Let him ask himself what the English soldiers were doing from 1918 to 1921. What particular brand of Freedom burns your cities to the ground, drags your citizens out of bed and murders them in the dead of night, shoots prisoners, and executes men who dare to stand for freedom”.

Eitne continues to argue in her letter that any memorial raised to British soldiers is a memorial to England and in her view the citizens of Cork want no monument to England here. She highlights that she did not have thought it possible that even the Free State members of the Corporation could produce six men in favour of such a proposal. She is angered that the proposal is to place the memorial next to the National Monument on the Grand Parade.

Eitne concludes her letter by commenting on the funding of the memorial denoting that friends of the men who fell in France have collected some thousands of pounds for this memorial. She calls for the collected funds to be put to a better use by giving it to the families of the Corkmen whom they wish to commemorate, to be spent on the education of their children.

Eitne notes in her letter; “The fallen men must have sons and daughters who would be glad to study for some profession, or be trained in some business. It ought to be possible to start many of them in good careers in life out of the money raised for a British war memorial, and such careers would be a nobler memorial to their dead than a monument which, if it were ever allowed to go up, would only commemorate the fact that their fathers fell fighting England’s battles in France when England was carrying on here all the atrocities of which she accused the Huns”.

To be continued…

Caption:

1298a. Muriel MacSwiney, Mary MacSwiney & Eitne /Annie MacSwiney, late 1920 (source: Cork City Library).

April 2025 Historical Walking Tours with Kieran, All tours free, 2 hours, no booking required

Saturday 5 April, The Friar’s Walk Tour; Discover Red Abbey, Elizabeth Fort, Barrack Street, Callanan’s Tower & Greenmount area; Meet at Red Abbey tower, off Douglas Street, 1pm in association with the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival.

Sunday 6 April, Shandon Tour; explore Cork’s most historic quarter; meet at North Main Street/ Adelaide Street Square, opp. Cork Volunteer Centre, 1pm, in association with the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival.

Saturday 26 April, The Cork City Workhouse Tour; learn about Cork City’s workhouse created for 2,000 impoverished people in 1841; meet just inside the gates of St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, 1pm.

Sunday 27 April, Fitzgerald’s Park: The People’s Park Tour, from stories on the Mardyke to the Cork International Exhibition, meet at the band stand, 1pm.