Tuam Executions Commemorated

The Herald and Western Advertiser, Saturday, April 16, 1983.

The victims of the executions at Tuam Workhouse 60 years ago this week were remembered at two separate ceremonies on Sunday in Tuam and the other in Oughterard.

The Tuam commemoration was organized by Sinn Fein and a small group walked from the 1916 memorial opposite the Cathedral to the section of wall against which the six men were shot, which is preserved beside a children's playground at the new council estate on Dublin Road.

About 40 adults and dozens of children were watched by up to 14 plain clothes and uniformed Gardai as the Proclamation of Independence and the Roll of Honour were read.

Cllr. Frank Glynn, who presided, appealed to the people of the area to tell their children of the story behind the monument, where a plaque is to be erected at the end of the year.

An oration was given by Joe O'Neill, a Sinn Fein councilor from Bundoran, who appealed for solidarity with Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland.

Afterwards Sinn Fein stated that the secretary of the Comhairle Ceanntair, Bernard Conroy of Tuam, was arrested and searched by Special Branch officers.

In Oughterard the speaker at the grave of Seamus O Maille was former Defence Minister Robert Molloy T.D.

He said that Seamus O Maille, along with Frank Cunnane, Jack Newell, Sean McGuire, Marin Moylan and Michael Monaghan, died for Irish freedom on April 11th, 1923, at the age of 26. He displayed exceptional courage as he stood supporting a comrade who was only 17 years of age. When hit with bullets he rose to his feet again and said "Ye'll have to do it again, lads." His final words were "God Save Ireland".

Mr. Molloy added that by their presence they honored his sacrifice, and re—dedicated themselves to achieving the peace and unity he desired for all living in this island. He asked if England, who caused our troubles, wanted to see them end.

"Is there an English design to keep Irishmen divided to weaken the economic strength of our island and lessen the potential competitive challenge to British trade? I have no doubt that a peaceful united 32—county democratic Ireland could become the most prosperous nation in Europe: a major manufacturing centre, an efficient agricultural producer and a haven for tourists," Mr. Molloy added.

Youthful audience watches Bart Gormley of Tuam read the Roll of Honour at the Workhouse Commemoration.