Centenary of the Truce and the ending of the Irish War of Independence, 1921-2021

Commemoration at Mullingar 1916 Centenary Memorial

At midday today, Sunday July 11, at the Mullingar 1916 Centenary Memorial, a special flag raising ceremony took place, as part of the National Day of Commemoration, which this year also marked the Centenary of the Truce and ending of the Irish War of Independence.

This ceremony was organised by the Mullingar Tidy Towns 1916 Centenary Memorial Sub-committee.

It was an honour to have Jadotville Veteran, Tom Gunn, dressed in his O.N.E. veteran’s uniform, present for the ceremony. Tom had the prestigious task of raising the National Flag of Ireland to full-mast for the ceremony.

There is a direct link to this period of Irish history as Tom’s father, also called Tom, served with the IRA/Óglaigh na hÉireann during the Irish War of Independence in the Kilkenny Tipperary area. So it was fitting that his son, who wore his father’s Old IRA medals, was involved in this historic ceremony 100 years later.

Due to covid-19 restrictions, the ceremony was low key and only sub-committee members, Ger O’Connor, Cllr Bill Collentine (chairperson of Mullingar Tidy Towns), Eamonn McGowan and Jason McKevitt (historical advisor) were present.

Cllr Collentine said it was a privilege to be involved in marking such an historic occasion, remembering those who served Ireland during period.

Historian Jason McKevitt also informed those present of the events which occurred in the Mullingar and the north Westmeath area 100 years ago and how the Westmeath Examiner newspaper editorial from July 1921 presented a poignant message for its readers, stating its ‘hope that the temporary truce may be merged with a permanent and abiding peace’.

The ceremony concluded with all present taking time to reflect on the momentous events of 100 years ago which led to the creation of the Irish state.

By Jason McKevitt