Remembering Michael Maher of Latteragh

Centenary of young Republican Volunteer's death

Volunteer Michael Maher of Glenmore, Latteragh, acquired his Republican principles from his father, Michael Snr, who was a council labourer working on the roads.

They lived in a cottage. His mother was a Ryan from Upperchurch and there were two children in the family, a boy and a girl.

Michael Snr was a member of the secret society known as the 'moonlighters'. This agrarian society was set up during the Land War to defend tenant farmers against the worst excesses of landlordism, the agents, the rack rents and the native land-grabbers. The 'moonlighters' were very strong in lower parts of Templederry, Glenmore and Latteragh.

Volunteer Martin Maher played and active part in the War of Independence and because of that commitment to his country and her people, suffered ill-health and died at a young age. He died on October 6, 1922 and is buried in Latteragh. He was 25 when he died, and his only sister died at the tender age of 17.

The family no longer exists in the area as his sister also died young. Their property was left to relatives, who over time also left the area.

The North Tipperary Republican Memorial Committee will hold a commemoration in memory of this dedicated Republican at Latteragh graveyard this Saturday, October 8, at 5.30pm. All are welcome, and if any relatives are around, you are more than welcome also.