*Chairman of the East Clare Memorial Committee, Pat Hayes.
ANNUAL EASTER commemorations will be held by the East Clare Memorial Committee in Tuamgraney and Scariff this Sunday.
Clare’s oldest memorial group host their annual commemorations this weekend, continuing a tradition that spans over a century of honouring local heroes who fought for Irish freedom.
This year, the committee will pay tribute to Martin ‘The Neighbour’ McNamara of Kilkishen, a well-regarded East Clare fighter, and Kathleen Foley (née McCormack) of Clonlara, who served as second in command of the East Clare Brigade of Cumann na mBan. Family representatives of both will be present to lay a wreath in their honour.
The commemorative events will begin at 10am at the East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney, followed by a second ceremony at 11:30am in Scariff, outside the Scariff Roman Catholic Church, the final resting place of the Scariff Martyrs, who were executed by British forces in November 1920 on the Bridge of Killaloe.
Over the past two decades, the committee has placed a conscious focus on recognising individual contributions to Ireland’s struggle for independence, welcoming more than forty families to take part in these emotional and meaningful tributes.
Committee Chair Pat Hayes expressed the importance of this evolving tradition, “We began focusing on individual contributions to the broader cause around 2006, and each year since, we have honoured at least two individuals and their families. The emotion and pride among those who attend is incredible to witness. The people we commemorate and the families who inherited their stories are one and the same during these ceremonies. We are delighted to continue this tradition and remain committed to remembering our patriot dead”.
The East Clare Memorial Committee invites the public to attend this year’s commemorations and join in honouring the brave individuals who shaped the region’s rich legacy of resistance and resilience.
