Kilkenny Volunteers executed 100 years ago remembered today
Memorial ceremony for Kilkenny Civil War executions at at James Stephens Barracks today
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the execution of Volunteers John Phelan and John Murphy from Kilkenny. The event was the inspiration for a recent film Dear Mother, written and directed by Wallslough film-maker Kevin Hughes which was a sensitive look at how war impacts our humanity.
The film set during the Irish Civil War in 1922, explored the true story of John Murphy and John Phelan who were both executed on December 29, 1922 in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. Shot on what Kevin refers to as a ‘super-micro budget’ it was part of Kilkenny County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme 2022, supported by the Commemorations Unit of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.
Some of the film was shot in the very location where the two men were imprisoned and the exact yard where the executions took place. This adds a poignant authenticity to the film and shooting there had a profound effect on the cast and crew.
Kevin recalls: “A big part of the film was the location, actually shooting in the barracks. It was spooky - it was very emotional. We felt we had to be incredibly respectful to the people that had walked those corridors.”
Larry Scallan of Kilkenny Military Heritage Tours at Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny, who provided assistance to Kevin in the research for the film posted to social media today: "At 0800 this morning, 100 years after the Civil War Executions of Volunteers John Phelan and John Murphy, a wreath laying ceremony was held in the Detention Barracks Yard where the executions were carried out.
Also remembered was Captain Frederick Lidwell who lost his life in the barracks this week 100 years ago.
Our National flag flew proudly as we remembered.
Wreaths were laid by Lt Col Pendergast OC 3 Infantry Battalion and James Stephens Barracks, Mayor of Kilkenny Councillor David Fitzgerald, the Murphy family and the Phelan family.
A minutes silence was followed by a pipers lament and the National Anthem.
Rest in Peace Soldiers.