Clonakilty 1798 battle remembered
PHOTO: Among the organisers and participants who attended the annual Battle of the Big Cross commemoration on Monday evening were front from left: Cionnaith Ó Súílleabháin, (flag-bearer); Ger O’ Driscoll, (trumpet player); Tim Feen, (Cathaoirleach Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage who organised the event); Mayor of Clonakilty, John Loughnan, (who laid the wreath); Mary and Neil O’ Loughlin, (relatives of Tadhg an Asna); Diarmuid Kingston, (who gave an account of the battle and it's context); Rachael Cronin and Traolach Ó Donnabháin, (flag-bearer).
Back: Dúchas members Cllr. Paul Hayes, MCC; Jerry O’ Leary; Noreen Minihan; Phil O’ Regan; Michael O’ Mahony; Marian O’ Leary; Clíodhna O’ Leary; Fachtna McCarthy; Eileen O’ Regan and Conor O’ Leary. (Photo: Anthony Brennan, Dúchas).
Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage remembered the 219th anniversary of the 1798 Battle of the Big Cross at Asna Square on Monday evening last (19th June). The non-political historical event commemorates the only rising in the whole of Munster during the historic year of 1798. The tricolour and Clonakilty 1798 bicentenary flags were held at each side of the monument as Cathaoirleach Tim Feen welcomed all and Mayor John Loughnan laid the wreath and addressed the gathering.
Diarmuid Kingston gave a detailed account of the years leading up to 1798 in West Cork, the battle itself and the aftermath for the people of the area. Included at the gathering were Niall and Mary McLoughlin who attend annually from England. Mary is a descendant of the O’ Donovan Asna’s of whom Tadhg of course was leader of the United Irishmen on the day of the battle on 19th June 1798.
The ceremony concluded with Ger O’ Driscoll playing "Amhrán na bhFiann" on trumpet. As well as locals there were also visitors from Scotland in attendance, and Jerry O’ Leary brought along his 110 years old “All for Ireland League” Darrara branch banner.
1798 "Battle of the Big Cross" to be remembered in Clonakilty
Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage, a local, non-political historical organisation in Clonakilty will remember "The Battle of the Big Cross" next Monday evening, 19th June at 8pm at Asna Square.
John Loughnan installed as new Clon Mayor
PHOTO: New Clonakilty Mayor John Loughnan, (centre), with his Mayoral Council colleagues, Anthony McDermott, Colette Twomey, Gretta O’ Donovan, (Deputy Mayor) and Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin at Asna Square last Thursday after the Mayoral Changeover ceremony. (Photo: Édaín Ní Dhomhnaill).
The flag of the Borough of Clonakilty fluttered at Asna Square last Thursday as John Loughnan was installed as Clonakilty's new voluntary, non-political, community Mayor at a pleasant ceremony witnessed by a large crowd, which included Jim Daly, TD, Michael Collins, TD; local County Councillors Paul Hayes and John O’ Sullivan; Mons. Aidan O’ Driscoll, PP and Rev. Kingsley Sutton. Earlier, the five members of the Mayoral Council, led by outgoing Mayor Anthony McDermott, met at O’ Donovan’s Hotel and marched from there to Asna Square for the 8pm Changeover Ceremony.