By Marian Harnett

As you may be aware Sunday, September 20^th 2020 , 6.05 p.m., marks exactly, to the minute,  the centenary of the assassination of Patrick Harnett and Jeremiah Healy who were shot by Black & Tan Thomas Huckerby at Killarney Road, Abbeyfeale, where a monument now stands.

Because of the regulations regarding the coronavirus, a large gathering to commemorate the event is not possible. However, a small group, representing both families will mark the occasion. The event will be filmed and then made available to everybody; full details will be published when available.

Healy/Harnett

Patrick Harnett was a young postman and he lived with his parents at Bridge Street, Abbeyfeale. His friend, Jeremiah Healy, was an apprentice blacksmith at Batt Begley’s forge, next door to the Harnetts.

It was September 1920, a time of great unrest in the area. There had been an ambush at Mountmahon where a constable was shot dead and the Black & Tans were seeking revenge.

On September 20^th. at six in the evening, Patrick and Jeremiah went for a walk out the road we now know as Killarney Road. According to The Farmer Harnett they were going to see a horse that was lying dead on the inch, having been shot. As they left Bridge Street they were being observed by a Black & Tan named Thomas Huckerby who was standing at the barrack door, across the street from the Harnett household. Huckerby, with a pistol strapped to his thigh, followed the two men and a short time later shot them both dead. A memorial marks the spot beside Mulcahy’s Garage on the Killarney Road. Following their funerals in the parish church they were laid to rest side by side in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Further information:  James Harnett  0872500929.

PROLOGUE:  “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” Irish proverb

WEST LIMERICK COMMUNITY RADIO PLAYING THEIR PART:  WL102fm has provided a great service throughout West Limerick since the lockdown began.  Advertising and fundraising pay their expenses and like everyone else they need money to survive.  Please buy a ticket for their weekly draw and help them stay on air – it’s as simple as that – you’ll never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry.  Tickets on sale  at Ann Lyons’s, The Square for €2 each.  Please be generous in your support.  They are also need volunteers to help run the station.

GLORACH BINGO IS BACK: There will be flashing, hooting and hollering a plenty at Fr. Casey’s Carpark from 2.30pm on the Sundays of September 13, 20 and 27 next when the Glorach Bingo returns in a new outdoor setting.   All Covid restrictions will apply.  Prize Money – a Minimum of €3,050 will be paid out on the day. Double Book €20 – inc. of 2 Sheets for Jackpot Game.  Single Book €15 – inc. of 1 Sheet for Jackpot Game.