A permanent memorial to republican, Maurice ‘Moss’ Twomey, in his native Clondulane has been a long time coming. Thanks to the efforts of a small but extremely hardworking committee, it’s now a reality following last Sunday’s unveiling of a 9 feet high celtic cross in the centre of the village. The names of Moss’ comrades, John Fanning and Lar Condon, have also been included on the monument, designed by Edward Sheedy.
Moss Twomey was no hurler on the ditch. One of the first to join the local branch of the Irish Volunteers, he spent years on active service, was involved in several engagements against British forces, took the anti-treaty side following the truce, was with Liam Lynch when he was fatally wounded on the Knockmealdowns and went on to become the IRA chief of staff (1926 to 1936).
The monument was unveiled by guest speaker, Brian Hanley, Moss’ cousin, Helena Putman-Walker and organising committee secretary, Mark Fanning. In his wide ranging address, Mr. Hanley said Moss Twomey had been neglected by history and that the ceremony was a fitting tribute to a physical force republican who dedicated himself to the cause of Irish freedom. Moss had been shaped by the nationalist revival and had formed the view that only armed opposition to British occupation could sever the centuries old link, he said.
Full story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition.
