Tributes for 1916 Rising hero
Kerry mayor praises Belfast man’s contribution to rebellion
By Francesca Ryan
24/04/2006
A Short Strand volunteer who lost his life during the 1916 Easter Rising was honoured in a commemorative event yesterday in Belfast.
Hundreds of people assembled in Mount Pottinger shops, where mayor of Kerry Toiréasa Ní Fhearaíosa spoke of Charlie Monaghan’s contribution to the Rising.
The Kilmood Street man was the first volunteer from the North to lose his life during the Easter Rising.
Charlie Monaghan was chosen to play a key role in the seizing of a wireless station at Valentia Island off the Kerry coast ahead of the landing of the German boat, the Aud.
The Aud had a cargo of 20,000 rifles, ten machine guns and a million rounds of ammunition which were essential for the daring seizure and defending of government buildings during the 1916 Rising.
On the way to the operation, the car in which Charlie Monaghan travelled along with fellow volunteers Tom McInerney, Con Keating and Donal Sheehan, toppled off a treacherous mountain road and into the River Laune.
Charlie Monaghan was one of three to drown in the accident, Tom McInerney being the sole survivor.
Following the parade through the Short Strand, Toiréasa Ní Fhearaíosa told the assembled crowd she was honoured to be speaking at the event.
“It’s a huge honour for me to be here today amongst the residents of the Short Strand,” she said.
“This is a community that has provided so much inspiration and determination to the struggle and the people’s unbroken spirit is renowned.
“Today in the Short Strand I met with women that everyone on this island should be proud to be associated with. So much has been lost by the people of this area yet they remain unbowed and unbroken.
“The sacrifice of everyone including Charlie Monaghan was not in vain and I am so proud to be among you today.”
Also present at the parade was Laura McAree, a relation of Charlie Monaghan.
“Charlie was my great great uncle,” Laura told Daily Ireland. “Every year the family does something to remember him but it was great to see the community holding this event to commemorate him and his role in 1916.
“The organisers – the Sean Martin/Sean Tracey Cumann here in Short Strand – contacted me about six months ago to say they were going to do something. We are extremely proud of Charlie and very happy with the turnout here today.”
