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The Kent family vault in Castlelyons, where it is hoped that the remains of Thomas Kent will be reburied. Photo: Eoin Scanlon

An exhumation in the grounds of Cork Prison is expected to commence shortly, in a bid to discover and identify the remains of Thomas Kent from Castlelyons, executed in May 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising.

It was reported in The Avondhu in early April that an exhumation licence was being sought, and now it has been confirmed that the exhumation is to be undertaken by Tom Condit, an archaeologist with the National Monuments Service.

Should skeletal remains be found, they will be DNA-tested to confirm whether or not they are those of Thomas Kent. The DNA testing process would take a further six to eight weeks. Should the exhumation and any subsequent DNA-testing be successful, Thomas Kent's remains would be buried with full military honours in the family vault in Castlelyons.

A geographical study of the grounds in Cork Prison has been conducted, which suggests the presence of a grave. This week, the grandnephew of Thomas Kent, Watergrasshill resident Eamon Walsh, said the family are 'hopeful' that the upcoming exhumation will be successful.

“We were up there on May 9 for a Mass and a ceremony to mark the anniversary. They told us that they are going to open up the area around there and they’ll have to complete DNA tests before they can prove whether or not it’s Thomas Kent.

“We’re always hopeful. We’ll keep out fingers crossed that they will find him eventually and that he’ll be coming back to Castlelyons,” he told The Avondhu.

Mr Walsh admitted that the exact location of the grave is unclear, and that some claim the body was not even buried in the prison.

“He was buried there in May 1916, the British Army were there until around 1922 so that was six years gone by before anyone got in to suss it out and mark the grave.  Supposedly at that time, there were even prisoners walking over the proposed location of the grave.

“There is a plaque on the wall, but it’s debatable whether it marks the correct location or not. Some even say he’s not there, that he’s in a different place altogether, others say he was buried over in the jail where UCC is now,” he added.

In light of the upcoming 100^th anniversary of the Easter Rising, and the execution of Thomas Kent following the gunfight at Bawnard House in Castlelyons, the news of a planned exhumation is certainly to be welcomed.

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