Civil War violence was an "appalling human tragedy" says Minister McConalogie

Civil War violence was an appalling human tragedy but now a century on from the executions of four men at Drumboe, Stranorlar they were in a better position to seek to explore the fullness of the history of the period doing so with courage and a sense of inclusiveness.

That was the message from Government minister, Charlie McConalogie TD as he spoke at Sunday's wreath-laying ceremony marking the event.

Representatives from the world of politics, history, local government and the community joined together at the car park area just opposite where the four men were executed 100 years ago.

MC for the occasion was Donegal County Council's director of housing, corporate and cultural services Patsy Lafferty who welcomed the guests and introduced each speaker.

Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam Blaney outlined the reasons behind the gathering to mark the centenary of the executions of the four men, Charlie Daly, Sean (Jack) Larkin, Dan Enright, and Timothy O'Sullivan on March 14, 1923.

He also welcomed relatives of the deceased who had made the trip to help them mark the occasion.

He said while the Civil War lasted only 10 months - June 1922-May 1923, its impact had never been forgotten.

"Civil War by its very nature leaves behind a legacy of grief, bitterness and division. However, over the decades and through the work of communities and local authorities, we have come to a clear understanding of the past, recognised the different perspectives of our history and through various commemorative events, strengthening peace and reconciliation."

He added there were present to reflect upon their collective past in this, the last period of the Decade of Commemorations and it was probably the most difficult part for them.

"We have commemorated the 1916 Rising, World War 1, the impacts of partition and the War of Independence. We are now endeavouring to commemorate the terrible months of the Civil War in an inclusive and empathetic manner."

He praised the work of the council's culture division and how its services had worked with communities and organisations to produce a variety of events and programmes to communities throughout the county over the past 10 years of commemorations.

"My hope is that we move forward from this Decade of Centenaries in a spirit of community and compassion, never forgetting the past but using the lessons learned to build a better future," he added.

Guest speaker, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogie TD (above) who was representing the Government said they were very grateful to Donegal County Council for its enthusiastic and thoughtful contributions as it explored a complex and sensitive period in our history during the Decade of Centenaries programme.

"The violence that was waged as part of Ireland's Civil war and its outcome was an appalling human tragedy for so many Irish families. Its legacies were many and left scars on succeeding generations, unhealed for decades. Both sides of the conflict carried out brutal acts.

"Anti-Treaty forces killed a TD and several pro-Treaty politicians and burned many homes of Free State supporters while the Government officially executed 81 Anti-Treaty prisoners. Many civilians of all ages also died during this brutal period in our history. The estimated death toll for the Civil War is between 1,500 and 2,000 people."

He added a century on they were in a better position to seek to explore the fullness of the history of the period doing so with courage and a sense of inclusiveness.

"We have an opportunity to construct a future for all who want to call this island home with our diverse histories and memories all respectfully taken into account. The process of ethical remembering and the reflections we have made throughout this Decade of Centenaries can help all of us in our journey together towards a shared future that is marked by inclusivity, diversity, possibility and a sharing of memory in conditions of peace in a diverse country of which we can all be proud."

There then followed a few moments of prayers and reflection conducted by the Church of Ireland rector in Stranorlar, Rev Adam Pullen and Stranorlar parish priest Very Rev Kieran McAteer.

One of the most poignant parts of the ceremony came next as members of the Ballybofey, Stranorlar and District Historical Society, namely Declan Collum, Domhnall MacCionnaith, Mary Henderson and Gerard Doherty read the final letters written to the families from the men who were killed.

In them, they outlined their final wishes, hopes for peace, and their thanks to all who had prayed for them and sent messages of support. None of the letters bore any ill will or malice towards their captors and just asked to be remembered for fighting for what they believed would be the greater good.

The official ceremony ended with a lone piper, Jim O'Hagan playing a lament. Representatives from the Daly and Larkin families, cathaoirleach Cllr Blaney, Minister McConalogue and Donegal County Museum staff members Judith McCarthy and Caroline Carr, representing Enright and O'Sullivan families who were unable to attend the ceremony laid wreaths to mark the occasion.