Renovated ‘Tallaght Martyrs’ monument unveiled in Glasnevin.

A ceremony was held in Glasnevin cemetery last Saturday to official unveil the newly restored monument to the Tallaght Martyrs.
The commemorative tribute was originally commissioned, and recently renovated by the National Graves Association to commemorate the event what is known as the ‘battle of Tallaght’ where 150 Fenians were ambushed on the road to Terenure by policemen from the RIC barracks in the then South Dublin village.

The  late historian Dr Shane Kenna, who sadly passed away last February, was remembered at the event.
 The former Seskin View Road resident was one of the foremost authorities on the Fenian movement.
His partner Edel, Mother Olive, brother John were invited to unveil the monument in Dr Kenna’s honour.

John Kenna spoke briefly saying “I’d like to thank organisers for inviting my family to the event, and remembering Shane at it”.

Event chair Seamus o’ Mídeach, of the National Graves Association, spoke about why the monument was originally commissioned, and the efforts to restore it, of which sculptor Robbie McGowan was warmly thanked.

 Lorcan Collins, acclaimed 1916 tour guide, and close friend of the late Dr. Kenna then spoke about the Fenian movement  in general.
He started his speech by remarking “I am giving this speech by default, as Shane should be here making this speech, as there was none with the foremost knowledge on the Fenians as Shane, but sadly he is not”

After the unveiling, the late historians mother Olive Kenna spoke to The Echo; “It was such a lovely event, and such an honour and a privilege to do it in Shane’s Honour”.

A book the writer had completed on ‘The Invincibles’, which was found on his laptop after his passing, is scheduled to be published in the new year.