ÓSF clean up Roscommon monument in preparation for upcoming Commemoration

In preparation for the upcoming Thomas ‘Toby’ Mannion Commemoration in South Roscommon, ÓSF members from the area have completed a comprehensive clean-up job on the monument erected in memory of Toby’s life where the commemoration will take place.

Next Monday, 16th August marks the 87th anniversary of IRA Commandant Thomas ‘Toby’ Mannion’s death; he was shot by Free State forces on a lane off the main Athlone to Roscommon road in August, 1923.

Toby - whose name is the title of the South Roscommon Ógra Cumann - was born into a strong-willed and resilient republican family from the Hill of Berries area and was an active member of the 3rd Battalion Athlone Brigade which conducted many rebel activities in the area during the Tan war such as raids on the Athlone Excise Office.

A commemoration to honour Thomas Mannion’s life will take place on Monday 16th August @ 7.00pm just 1 mile outside Athlone Town at the Celtic Cross monument on the Roscommon Road.

Speaking in advance of the commemoration, local Ógra activist Luke Callinan urged all young republicans to attend:

‘The fruits of Ógra’s recent work in restoring this commemorative monument will be seen by many on the day at an event organised locally by Ógra Shinn Féin. Toby Mannion was a hero of the republican struggle and remained committed to the cause for Irish freedom throughout his life, despite being imprisoned by Pro-Treaty-ites in 1923. He took the Republican side during the Civil War and was opposed to the illegal and immoral occupation of Ireland by the British administration both before and after the partition of the country.”

“Toby Mannion is a prime example of the resilience, steadfastness and dedication that has characterised the Republican struggle for so many years and that is still extremely relevant today for activists - both young and old - in a time when the structures are firmly set in place to facilitate for Toby’s ultimate objective, a United Ireland. The Celtic Cross, where the commemoration will take place, is particularly significant as it stands on the site where Toby was shot by Free State soldiers 87 years ago. On behalf of South Roscommon Ógra I am calling on all young republicans to attend this event in order to commemorate the life of a diligent young Republican whose life was tragically cut short in the struggle for Irish freedom. Bígí linn!’