Remembering Martin Barry, 100 years on
On February 15th, 1921, a 22-year-old Youghalarra man named Martin Barry died after being shot by British Crown Forces five weeks earlier.
Martin’s Background
The only son of Jim and Sarah Barry, Martin worked in the family business, helping to run both a public house and grocery shop at Pallasbeg, Newtown. Martin had three sisters, May, Sara and Rachel (the latter duo lamentably passing away at the tender young ages of 17 and 18 respectively). Whilst a young lady herself, Martin’s mother, Sarah (née Quigley of 'The Forge') also sadly lost her life to a severe case of appendicitis. His father, Jim would later remarry, having a second family with Ms Elizabeth McGrath.
As he entered his late teens, Martin decided to join ‘E Company 3rd Battalion, Ballycommon’. Actively volunteering from 1918 onwards, Martin served a six month jail sentence in Limerick for acquiring weapons (which were taken from Loyalist homes in order to fight back against Crown Forces).
That Fateful Day
One January morning in the year of 1921, Martin undertook a journey to Nenagh to collect kegs of porter from the railway station for serving in his family’s pub. Whilst in town however, Martin was arrested and loaded upon a Crown Forces’ lorry, which set off in the direction of Limerick. Travelling four miles out along the N7 road, the lorry came to an abrupt halt at Rosemount, Carrigatoher. There, Martin (alongside another man named Jack Hassett, who was also arrested that morning) were instructed to get off the lorry, and to run for their lives.
Almost immediately after stepping off the vehicle, the Black and Tans opened fire at the pair. Shot in the hip, Martin somehow managed to flee down a nearby lane. A local named Mrs Kate McKenna happened to hear the commotion and upon seeing an injured Martin, took him into her home where she provided sustenance.
Later that day when danger had passed, Martin attempted to make his way home via the hills that separate Carrigatoher and Newtown. Struggling to make ground due to his injury, Martin lay in a rick of hay in a farmer’s field that night. Upon discovery by the farm owner the following day, a horse and cart was duly arranged to take Martin homewards. On reaching Knocknamoohilly along The Mill Road (one mile from Newtown village), his condition had unfortunately deteriorated to the extent that he now required hospitalisation. Transported to Mallow Hospital via Shallee Railway Station, Martin would regrettably die of his wounds five weeks later. Martin's funeral Mass took place in Youghalarra Church prior to his burial at his family’s plot in Youghalarra Graveyard.
Wreath-Laying
To remember Martin a century on, a wreath will be laid at the scene of his shooting at Rosemount, Carrigatoher on Monday, February 15th. Respecting Covid-19 protocols, this memorial act will be privately performed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.