Commemorative Plaque

4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade

On Thursday 27 September 2018 the 4^th Battalion Dublin Brigade 1916 Relatives Group, Cumann Gaolta 1916 presided over the unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque at Galway City Museum.

The plaque, cast in bronze, is dedicated to the members of the 4^th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, including the women of Cumann na mBan, who fought under the command of Galway native, Éamonn Ceannt, during the Easter Rising 1916.

Originally unveiled in Dublin in 1949 by Captain Séamus Ó Murchadha, in the presence of W.T. Cosgrave (both members of the 4^th Battalion), it had been missing for a number of years. In 2016, it was fortuitously discovered hanging on a wall at City West Hotel, Dublin, whose management, represented by John O’Farrell, generously transferred ownership to the 4^th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Relatives Group.

Mayor Niall McNelis officiated at Thursday’s unveiling ceremony and among the guests were grandsons of Cathal Brugha (Vice Commandant, 4^th Battalion); Piaras and Fergus Brugha Bruton and Con Colbert, nephew of executed Captain Con Colbert, 4^th Battalion.

Emulating her father’s action in 1949 Grainne O’Neill (nee Ní Mhurchadha), daughter of Captain Séamus Ó Murchadha unveiled the plaque on Thursday at Galway City Museum – she was ably assisted by David Ceannt, grandnephew of Éamonn Ceannt.  Another grandnephew of Ceannt, John Sheehy was also in attendance.  Mrs O’Neill is aged 96 years and resides with her son Ruairí, in Conamara, Galway.

Members of the Donelan family were also in attendance, representing Volunteer Brendan Donelan from Loughrea, Galway, who was killed in action while serving with the 4^th Battalion at the South Dublin Union on Easter Monday 1916.

Máire Flaherty (née McNamara), daughter of Josephine McNamara (née O’Keefe) who served with Cumann na mBan and the 4^th Battalion at Marrowbone Lane, was also present along with other family members.

Galway City Museum are very grateful to Convenor, Pádraigín Ní Sheachnasaigh – Clancy, and Secretary, Clare Eager and all of the 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Relatives Group for loaning this plaque to Galway City Museum.  It can now be appreciated by visitors to our ‘Revolution in Galway, 1913-1923’ exhibition where it is currently on display.

Admission is free.