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Sligo Noble Six plot rededicated

On Sunday, Sligo cemetery saw three former Government ministers attend the unveiling of the refurbished Noble Six plot. The rededication ceremony was led by the Mayor of Sligo Cllr David Cawley.

Ex-Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, former minister Mary O'Rourke, and former Minister of State Dr. Jimmy Devins were joined by relatives and other guests for the event.

The Noble Six memorial commemorates six Sligo patriots who were killed by the (Irish) Army on Ben Bulben in September 1922.

They were Brigadier Seamus Devins; Division Adjutant Brian MacNeill; Captain Harry Benson; Lieutenant Paddy Carroll; Volunteer Tommy Langan; Volunteer Joseph Banks.

After their funerals, five of the six men were interred in the Republican plot at the Cemetery. Brian MacNeill was brought back to Dublin at the insistence of his father, who was a member of the government which had hunted down his son.

























                    The new dedication plaque for the Noble Six. Photo:SligoToday.ie

To mark the 90th anniversary of their deaths the Noble Six plot Trustees, John McManus and Kevin Carroll, began a restoration fund. They raised the €16,000 needed to carry out the work.

The Sligo Pipe Band were in attendance to perform the Drum Roll at the wreath laying and the National Anthem at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Bishop Christy Jones led the religious service.

Top photo: Some of those attending the Noble Six ceremony were (R-L) Cllr Rosaleen O'Grady, Senator Marc MacSharry, Michael McDowell, Dr Jimmy Devins, Mary O'Rourke. Photo:SligoToday.ie

See SligoToday.ie 14/9/12


     Former Government ministers Mary O'Rourke and Michael McDowell. Photo:SligoToday.ie

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