Civil War victims to be honoured on Sunday

On Sunday next, February 5th 2023, the Co. Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee will honour three victims of the Civil War who were killed in north Roscommon in 1923.

One hundred years ago, the scenic region of Arigna in north Roscommon was plunged into sadness and gloom with news of the tragic deaths of brothers Michael and Seamus Cull of Tullynahaw, and Paddy Tymon of Knockadryan, who died in the conflict.

The Cull family were first bereaved by the death of their son Michael, an anti-treaty republican, who was killed in an encounter with Free State forces in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan on January 6, 1922.

Later in the following month Michael’s brother, Seamus along with his neighbour and comrade, Paddy Tymon, both also members of the Republican forces, were killed in an explosion. The two men were on the run from the Free State authorities and had gone to a dug-out in the Arigna hills where they took shelter and respite from the conflict. Their place of hiding was discovered by Free State soldiers, who surrounded the area. The two men refused to come out and surrender to the troops. One of the soldiers then threw a hand grenade into the entrance of the hide-out and the explosion killed both men instantly. This took place on February 27th, 1923.

Sunday’s commemoration will commence at 1.30 pm, when a parade headed by a colour party and the Raheen Pipe Band will march the short distance from the townland of Tullynahaw, Arigna to the memorial erected in memory of the dead volunteers on the slope of the Arigna hills.

A wreath-laying ceremony will take place and an oration will be delivered by Councillor Tom Curran of Barna, Co. Galway. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Arigna village.