The Tipperary Independent Republican Association is hosting a non-political event in Clogheen on Easter Saturday morning to mark the contribution of Tom Clarke to the cause of Irish Independence. Tom Clarke, the first signatory of the Irish Proclamation was executed by Firing Squad on May 3rd 1916 alongside Cloughjordan’s Thomas McDonagh and Padraic Pearse for their part in the Easter 1916 Rising.
Mr Clarke’s parents married in Clogheen – his mother, Mary Palmer was a native of the village. The church his parents married in is now the Community Centre. Attendees are asked to meet at the Community Centre in Clogheen at 11.45am for a short March to the 1916 Garden. Dr. Rúan O Donnell, University of Limerick will give this year’s oration. Dr O Donnell has written extensively on Irish Republicanism and is the official Historian of the Robert Emmett Association. Local musician Seamus Hennessy will perform at the event and will also play in John Halley’s public house where refreshments will be provided for attendees when the formalities conclude. The organisers are grateful to Gavin Curry of EMC Home Renovations for their financial support for the event.
