Two commemoration events are to be held in Sologhead on Sunday next, January 19th to mark the anniversary of the Solohead ambush on January 21st 1919. The ambush is accepted as the beginning of the Irish War of Independence. Two local policemen, James McDonnell and Patrick O’Connell, died in the ambush as they were guarding a load of gelignite on their way to a local quarry.
The Tipperary Independent Republican Association is to hold a commemoration beginning at noon. Those attending are asked to gather at Jimmy Whites pub (E34 DA27) a short distance from the Soloheadbeg ambush before marching to the ambush site. The Tipperary Independent Republican Association says the event is non-political and is delighted that ‘The Rebel Hearts’ band will also be attending. The oration will be given by Paddy Fox from county Tyrone.
A later event on Sunday is being organised by the Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee starting with an assembly at 2pm at Coffey’s Forge. The Sean Treacy pipe band for Moycarkey will lead the procession to the ambush site. At 2.30pm the Chairman of the committee, Cllr Pat English will give a welcome to the attendance. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths. Pat Hogan will recite a decade of the rosary as Gaeilge and Robert O’Keefe will read the 1916 Proclamation of Independence. Historian & Author Tom O’Neill from Middleton, Cork will give the Oration. The event will conclude with the Sounding of the Last Post and Amhrán na bhFiann performed by the Séan Treacy Moycarkey Pipe Band. Ultan Moran of Jimmy White’s pub has generously offered to provide food and music after the commemoration. He will also be providing a night of rebel music in Jimmy Whites on Saturday night 18th January.
An added feature is that Ger Riordan has offered, to bring anyone who wishes, to see Sean Treacy’s house (subject to weather and conditions- the house is accessed across fields) – Sean Treacy was one of the eight Volunteers involved alongside Dan Breen, Sean Hogan, Seamus Robinson, Tadgh Crowe, Patrick McCormack, Michael Ryan and Paddy O Dwyer