19—21 January 2019: Soloheadbeg ambush centenary events, Co. Tipperary

From Saturday 19 to Monday 21 January 2019 a wide range of events took place in Co. Tipperary to mark the centenary of the Soloheadbeg ambush, which is generally taken to mark the beginning of the War of Independence. This included lectures, a one-day conference, a History Ireland ‘Hedge School’ debate, services of remembrance, performances, and tours. The actual commemoration of the ambush on Sunday 20 January was a community-led event, supported by Tipperary County Council and the State.

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, laid a wreath on behalf of the Government at the site of the Soloheadbeg ambush memorial, remarking that ‘it is very fitting that the significance of what happened in Soloheadbeg a century ago is remembered with a respectful, community led commemoration, supported by Tipperary County Council and the State. I commend the efforts and commitment of the Solohead Parish Centenary Commemoration Committee and the Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee who have ensured that today’s ceremony is authentic, appropriate, inclusive and meaningful…we acknowledge both the military campaign of the independence struggle as well as the constitutional parliamentary traditions and the democratic process underpinning all traditions on this island’.

Full details of the events, including times and booking details, can be found here.

From Century Ireland: Two policemen killed in Soloheadbeg attack.

From RTÉ Brainstorm: How should Ireland remember Soloheadbeg?