Survey Data
Reg No
14807048
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1935 - 1940
Coordinates
233597, 224567
Date Recorded
15/10/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Limestone obelisk memorial, erected in 1939, situated in the grounds of Tullamore Courthouse. Stepped stone base surmounted by obelisk with flanking sides with wreath motif. North-west elevation with Irish inscription, carved plaque and Celtic banding, north-east elevation with English inscription. Inscriptions read: 'Their comrades in arms of Tullamore and America erected this memorial AD 1939 in lasting memory of the Irish Republican Army of Offaly area and suffered death for the sake of Ireland / Better worship one moment unfettered at liberty's shrine than slumber for ages in chains'. Obelisk surmounted by Celtic cross finial.
Appraisal
This monument stands in front of the courthouse as a 'lasting memory of the members of the Irish Republican Army of Offaly area who suffered death for the sake of Ireland'. Its simple form with a Celtic cross surmounting the obelisk is a fitting memorial to those who died, and its location in front of the courthouse is apt. Though plain in design, Celtic motifs are evident.