Situated on the Cork, Tipperary and Waterford borders, Araglin, played an important part in both the War of Independence and Irish civil war. Not surprising then, that some of the most notable figures from this period, were regular visitors to the area. Foremost among them was Liam Lynch, who died 100 years ago this month.
Ballyporeen historian, Neil O’Donovan, is more familiar than most about Lynch’s connection with Araglin.
“Well before 1916, nationalist sentiment in Araglin was very strong, this can be traced back to the events of 1798. When the Gaelic Revival started up, Araglin was very much to the fore in attempting to promote the Irish language, Irish games and Irish culture.
“The Irish volunteer movement was also very active and it was no coincidence that the first recorded raid for arms on an RIC barracks in Ireland, took place in Araglin on Sunday, 20th April, 1919. Liam Lynch would have been well aware of plans for this raid. Liam Lynch had a very close association with Araglin, where he received shelter and sustenance from local people during the most turbulent days of ‘The Troubles’,” he says.
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