A true rebel remembered
One of Cork’s forgotten heroes has been commemorated today at a series of events in Cork.
The centenary of the death of Cork freedom fighter Tadhg Barry was commemorated today by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher at three places in the city.
Alderman Barry was shot dead by a British sentry at Ballykinlar Internment Camp in county Down on 15 November 1921.
A well-known journalist, Barry served alongside Tomás MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney in the First Cork Brigade of the Irish Volunteers, and as an alderman on Cork Corporation.
Today, the Lord Mayor unveiled a commemorative plaque at 54 Blarney Street, the house where Barry was born and raised. He then attended a wreath laying ceremony at Barry’s grave at the Republican Plot in St Finbarr’s Cemetery, Glasheen, before officiating at a tree planting ceremony at Barry’s alma mater, the North Monastery.
The Lord Mayor later opened a new historical exhibition, Tadhg Barry (1880-1921): Rebel and Revolutionary at Cork City and County Archives, Blackpool. The exhibition, part of Cork City Council’s Decade of Centenaries 2021 Programme, seeks to mark Tadhg Barry’s life and to raise awareness of his enormous contribution to the story of Cork in that tumultuous period.
The Lord Mayor said: “Tadhg Barry’s contribution to the struggle for independence was multi-layered. Not only was he a member of the First Cork Brigade, but he was also a well-known journalist, poet, member of the GAA, trade unionist, and socialist. The impact of his death was felt so deeply by the people of Cork and further afield, that the scale of his funeral surpassed even that of MacCurtain’s and MacSwiney’s. Michael Collins himself even left Treaty negotiations to honour his fallen comrade as his funeral cortege passed through the streets of Dublin. It is a privilege to honour his memory today.”
Curated by historian Dr Luke Dineen, the exhibition places Tadhg’s life in context, with themes covering the many areas of Cork life in which he was centrally involved.
Brian McGee, Senior Archivist at the Cork City and County Archives, said: “We are delighted to be presenting this major exhibition, sponsored jointly by the Department of Tourism and Culture and Cork City Council, to the people of Tadhg Barry’s native city and beyond, to mark the centenary of his death.”
The exhibition will open tomorrow at Cork City and County Archives and run until 1 April 2022. Public access is by appointment, subject to public health guidance. Small groups are also welcome by prior arrangement. Visit corkarchives.ie for more information.