War commemoration in Lorrha
Representatives from Australian and New Zealand embassies attend
On Monday, May 25, the Lorrha Martin O’Meara VC Committee commemorated Anzac Day in brilliant sunshine in the village. Apologies were received from Australian Ambassador HE Chantelle Taylor (who visited last year), with James O’Donoghue and James Hazzell representing the Australian Embassy while Daryl Owens represented the New Zealand Embassy was also in attendance and who was on his first visit to Lorrha.
Also in attendance were Cathaoirleach of Tipperary Co Council - Cllr John Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District - Cllr Phyll Bugler, Rosemary Joyce, Nenagh Municipal District Administrator and Cllr Michael O’Meara. The day commenced early with refreshments in Carrig Hall followed by a visit to Lockeen Cemetery where the Hackett family are buried including Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bernard Hackett VC. His headstone is very unique as it is in the shape of the Victoria Cross (VC). Wreaths were laid and prayers recited by Rev Arthur Minion. Tony Doorley read from a recent publication about the graveyard which was written by Tony Dargan who was unable to be present. Anne Davis however told the gathering that Hackett was born one of ten children, on June 15, 1836, in Riverstown, close to Birr. “Army service was in the family and he joined at 18-years-old,” said Anne.
“His regiment was one that became the Royal Welch Fusiliers. His first encounter with active service was in June of 1855 when he was dispatched to the front in the Crimean War. He distinguished himself and was awarded the Crimea War Medal for his bravery. His next time in action is where he was awarded the VC. The Indian Mutiny began in Delhi on 10th May 1857 and his regiment were dispatched there in autumn of 1857. He fought in battles at Lucknow and he was awarded his VC for "daring gallantry at Secundra Bagh in Lucknow”. He also served later in the Ashanti Wars 1873 in West Africa. He retired in 1874 and returned to Riverstown and married Josephine Marchall of Baronne Court near Carrig in July 1874. They had no children. He was held in very high regard in the area as was testified to in newspapers after his death. However, we learnt that while out shooting with two local men on October 4, 1880, he sustained a fatal gunshot wound while crossing a ditch and he died of his injuries the following day. While he survived many highly dangerous military campaigns and the risk of disease during those campaigns, he died in a tragic accident, recalled Anne.
THANKS
Thanks is extended to the present owners of Riverstown House, Máire Ryan and Shane Neylon and their two little girls, who brought the group on a guided tour throughout the large former home of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bernard Hackett VC. and the outbuildings. The many owners over the years have carried out renovations, including the present owners who now operate a B&B there.
On May 1, 1999, the Reddan family were privileged to host a reception for Governor General William Deane and his wife Helen to the original Deane homestead in Rockview, Rathcabbin which his ancestors had left almost 150 years earlier hoping to forge a better life in Australia. On this occasion, the Reddin family, Padráig, Martina, Áine and Sean were very generous with their time and extended a Céad Míle Fáilte to the guests from Australia and New Zealand.
history project
Back in Lorrha and with a very good attendance including the senior pupils from Scoil Lua Naofa who participated in the prayers and also who undertook a history project in recent weeks on the life of Seargent Martin O’Meara VC. Prayers were read, wreaths were laid and speeches took place. Billy O’Hara, a direct descendent of Martin O’Meara who travelled over from England along with members of his family, gave a brief description of the Seargent’s life and his tragic ending.
One theme running through the message of all the speakers was, that as well as remembering all those who fought in world wars, that we should never forget the people who are today suffering because of war in our world again and we should never forget the people from the parish who gave their young lives for peace, at home and abroad, and some, like Sergeant Martin O’Meara VC and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bernard Hackett VC, to name just two, who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their exceptional courage and bravery. They should never be forgotten.