A commemoration honouring all those who gave their lives for Irish freedom took place in Galbally last Sunday at the Republican monument.

East Limerick and the village of Galbally in particular, was a hotbed of republican activity during the War of Independence. Prior to this conflict, Irish Volunteers from the area readied themselves for a struggle they viewed as inevitable. During one of the most turbulent periods in our history, Galbally and its environs provided personnel, financial support and practical assistance to those who opposed British rule in Ireland by force of arms.

The keynote speaker was Fr Brian Murphy from Glenstal Abbey. Fr Murphy paid tribute to the men and women who risked their lives for a cause they passionately believed in. He described the volunteers as 'a disciplined and manly fighting force who were motivated by the highest ideals'. He went on to defend them against charges of sectarianism which he said were completely without foundation.

Sean Fitzgerald, a great grandson of volunteer Eamon O'Brien, laid a wreath at the monument while Eoin Cummins read the 1916 Proclamation. Tom Rea sang the ballad 'The Rescue of Sean Hogan' with Canon Talbot reciting a decade of the rosary in Irish. Tim Ryan acted as MC for the event and Amhran na bhFiann was played by members of the Liam Lynch Memorial Pipe Band from Anglesboro.

John Scully was thanked for providing his truck as a platform for the speakers and the Fahy family were acknowledged for supplying the electrical supply.

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