Evening of Remembrance of Castleisland Gun Battle of July 10th 1921

Relatives of the local volunteers, Richard Shanahan, Jack Prendiville placing wreaths at the monument to the men and their comrade, Jack Flynn at the July 10th 1921 commemoration at Rice’s Height in 2017. Included are: Catherine Kate Shanahan, (left) with Norrie Breen and Noreen and Mary Prendiville. ©Photograph: John Reidy

An evening of remembrance for the men of the locality who gave all they had, including their lives, for the cause of freedom will be held in two separate events here in Castleisland on Saturday evening, July 10th.

The first is at 7pm when the Castleisland Sinn Féin Cumann will hold its annual commemoration to remember volunteers: Richard Shanahan, Jack Prendiville and Jack Flynn. 

“The men were killed in action against crown forces on this day one hundred years ago. 

Kerry Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly will speak at the event. 

“We will meet at the monument which is just beyond the old library on the Cordal Road and everyone is welcome to attend,” said cumann founder member, Denny McSweeney.

Historical Walk And Talk

This will be followed at 8pm by a ‘non-political’ historical walk and talk to mark that 1921 ambush centenary.

Eamonn Ó Braoin and Tom Prendiville are inviting members of the public to join them on a walking and talking tour to parts of the town which were the main flash points in the fierce and prolonged gun battle on that fateful summer’s evening 100 years ago.

“Various locations will be visited and the participants will return to the monument erected to the memory of Shanahan, Prendiville and Flynn. There the men who took part in the battle will be remembered.

“The gathering will be chaired by Tommy O’Connor, Cordal and will be addressed by historians, Tim Horgan and Martin Moore,” said Eamonn.

British Army Curfew Patrol

“On a fine Sunday evening July 10th. 1921 a curfew patrol of the British army was ambushed by a company of IRA volunteers in Upper Main Street, Castleisland,” Eamonn continued.

“The attack then developed into a gun-battle that lasted over two hours on different locations throughout the town.

“Three IRA volunteers lost their lives in the battle: Richard Shanahan, Castleisland; Jack Prendiville, Breahig and Jack Flynn, Gortatlea – while the crown forces suffered heavy casualties.”

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