The Newcastle Liam Lynch Memorial Committee have issued an invitation, summoning the public to the 102st Liam Lynch Memorial Mass in Newcastle village, Clashganny, Co. Tipperary on Sunday, 27th April, 2025.
Limerick born Liam Lynch (William Fanaghan Lynch 1892 – 1923) was Chief of Staff of the anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War. On April 10th 1923, Lynch was killed whilst trying to escape Free State troops in south Tipperary.
A National Army unit was observed approaching Lynch’s secret headquarters in the Knockmealdown Mountains, located on the border of counties Tipperary and Waterford. Lynch was in possession of important papers that he knew could not fall into enemy hands, so he and six of his comrades attempted to evade the advancing troops. However, Lynch’s retreating group ran into yet another unit of some 50 National Army soldiers approaching from the opposite direction. Shortly afterwards Lynch was observed by troops and struck by rifle fire from the road.
His wounded body was carried on an improvised stretcher manufactured from guns to Nugent’s (formally Walsh’s) pub in Newcastle village, latter situated at the foot of the mountains, before later being brought to Clonmel hospital, where he died that evening at 9:00pm. He was buried two days later at Kilcrumper Cemetery, Lisnasallagh, Co. Cork.
The days schedule will begin at Tigh na nDaoine, the Community House, Newcastle with a ceremonial raising of the Tri-Colour at 1:45pm. A march will take place from the Community House to Newcastle Church, where Mass will be offered at 2:00pm presided over by Canon Brendan Crowley PP.
Following Mass, refreshments will be served in the Community Hall in Newcastle, followed by an Oration delivered by Co. Meath TD Mr. Peadar Tóibín, leader of Aontú since January 2019 and Chairperson Designate of the Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The organising committee look forward to welcoming all in attendance.
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