Glasnevin Commemoration for members of 3rd Batallion: 3rd Tipperary Brigade

Ahead of a presentation to be made to Local Studies, County Tipperary Library, The Source, Thurles, on Tuesday, November 22nd of a very precious, handwritten document – by Volunteer Adjutant Phil Fitzgerald, 3rd Battalion 3rd Tipperary Brigade – members of the Fitzgerald family invited family relations and connections of the 3rd Battalion (comprising the Companies of Knockavilla; Annacarty; Hollyford and Rossmore) together with local historians to a very dignified event in Glasnevin Cemetery on Saturday, November 12th to mark the planned presentation.

Former Battalion Adjutant Phil and his wife Bridget Heffernan – former Captain Rossmore Company Cumann na mBan – are laid to rest in what can be identified as a truly Republican plot for the 3rd Tipperary Brigade in Glasnevin cemetery. Both Phil and Bridget were born and reared in Glenough, Rossmore, but later lived in Dublin.

Phil’s document tabulates in fine detail all the events undertaken by the 3rd Battalion with persons and places named on all counts.

Liam Ó’Donnchú presided over the ceremony in Glasnevin in a most proud and inspirational manner.

The National and Cumann na mBan flags were raised and lowered appropriately at suitable intervals.

A wreath was laid by Anne Lloyd – grandniece of Bridget – on behalf of families and friends of the 3rd Battalion men and women.

A second wreath was laid by Sally Ryan on behalf of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee.
Alicia O’Keeffe offered a Decade of the Rosary, as Gaeilge.

Colm Fitzgerald, Dublin – a grandson of Phil and Bridget read the 1916 Proclamation.

Phil’s great – grand – daughter Aisling Mc Namara – Castleconnell rendered “Inisheer” on the violin.
Further musical tributes were provided by Sheila O’Dwyer and Liam O’Neill.

Most moving was Joseph O’Keeffe’s roll-call of the Rossmore Company of Volunteers, during which the flags were lowered.
Eileen Ryan, Annacarty, gave an insightful account of Bridget Heffernan’s involvement with Cumann na mBan.

Úna Crowe spoke of events which possibly influenced Phil Fitzgerald and his Volunteers in their actions during the War of Independence and thereafter.

The poem “Sweet Lovely Rossmore” was delightfully sung by Oliver Ryan R - himself from Rossmore.

Siobhán Munnelly, grand-daughter of Phil and Bridget shared family memories and recollections of her grand-parents.
The lament “Táimse I mo chodladh is ná dúistear mé” was touchingly performed by the musicians and singers, and during which the flags were again lowered.

With Amhrán na bhFiann the ceremony concluded.