LACKAGH HONOURS 44 BRAVE ANCESTORS

LEINSTER LEADER 10 OCTOBER 1959 

Lackagh Honours 44 Brave Ancestors

The execution of four men at Lackagh, Monasterevan, during the Cromwellian period, was recalled on Sunday when a plaque to the memory of the victims was unveiled by right Rev. Monsignor Miller, P.P., V.F., Droichead Nua.

The plaque was blessed by very Rev, Fr. Doyle P.P., Monasterevan, assisted by very Rev. Fr. Mac Suibhne, P.P., Kildare, and Bro. Conlan, O. Carm.

In addition to the names of the executed, the plaque bears the names of five priests and thirty-five residents of Lackagh who were on the same occasion, transported to the West Indies.

Addressing the large attendance, Mons. Miller complimented the committee for having the plaque erected, and thanked them for the honour of being invited to unveil. He also said that the people of Lackagh had a great tradition in keeping alive the Faith: the plaque should act as a reminder to them of the hardships endured by their forefathers.

 The Incidents 

Mr. Tim Clarke, Droichead Nua, gave a very interesting talk on Ireland during that period, and a detailed account to the incidents that led to the execution and transportation of the people.

Mr. Patrick McCormack, Kildare, expressed thanks on behalf of the Memorial Committee, to all who helped to have the plaque erected, and for their attendance at the unveiling ceremony.

The Rosary was recited in Irish by Very Rev. Fr MacSuibhne, and the ceremony ended with “Faith of Fathers”, and the National Anthem played by Monasterevan Boys’ Band.

Members of the Lackagh Memorial Committee formed in 1956 by Rev. Fr. McDonald, C.C., Monasterevan are, Chairman, Edward McCormack; Secretary, Patrick McCormack; C. Houlihan, P. Dunne, Mr Martin, Fr. Donohoe, C. McCormack, S. Dunne, MI. Dunne, T, Fitzgerald, S. Molloy, D. Houlihan. J. Fitzpatrick, MI. Hughes.

The executions and transportations followed an inquiry in 1655 by three Army Officers under orders of the Govt. These orders are continued in M.S. volume in the Record Office, Dublin and refer to a murder of two Govt. soldiers at Lackagh and its consequences.

 Re-typed by Lynn Potts