Tributes to former Cork Mayor Terence MacSwiney on the centenary of his death

Today Tributes were paid to Terence MacSwiney, a revolutionary and former mayor of Cork, who died a hundred years ago on this day.

MacSwiney died in Brixton Prison in London, where he had been on a hunger strike for 74 days.

Before his death on October 25, 1920, MacSwiney was Manager of Mid Cork from December 1918 and Lord Mayor of Cork from March 1920.

On the anniversary of MacSwiney’s death today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin tweeted: “Today we remember the patriot, poet, revolutionary and former mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney.”

“On the centenary of his death on hunger strike, we remember the sacrifice he and so many others made to give us the freedoms and responsibilities we enjoy today,” wrote Martin.

Cork Mayor Joe Kavanagh placed a wreath at MacSwiney’s grave in Cork today.

MacSwiney is buried in Cork at Saint Finbarr Cemetery.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said MacSwiney left an “unquantifiable” mark on Irish history.

“His contribution to the fight for independence cannot be measured in words,” McDonald said.

“It is best seen in the reverence and respect in which his memory is kept throughout Ireland, throughout the world, but especially in his beloved Cork,” he said.

Like Ard-Mhéara Chorcaí and Teachta Dála, MacSwiney faced the efforts of the British Empire to criminalize Ireland’s fight for freedom. As a revolutionary leader, he set the example, with courage, determination and absolute commitment to the Republic of Ireland. ”

“It is also important that we remember the sacrifice of Joe Murphy, who died on a hunger strike in Cork Gaol a century ago also today, and of Michael Fitzgerald, whose centenary was last weekend. It is encouraging that the Cork community has organized a number of initiatives in recent weeks to honor their memories. “

“A century after his death, MacSwiney’s legacy resonates with all who yearn for a United Ireland. For a Republic built on the principles of equality, equity, inclusion and justice. For a Republic where workers and families have the right to a home, a decent job and adequate medical care, ”said McDonald.

There are plans in city and county Cork city councils to commemorate the centenary of 1920 and mark the lasting impact of the events during that year on the fight for independence in Ireland.

€ 900,000 was recently allocated to support local authorities in developing commemorations of important historical events in 1920, with € 200,000 allocated to Cork City Council projects.

Cork County Council Executive Director Tim Lucey has said projects include diaspora engagement, school contests, exhibits, 360-degree virtual commemorative documentaries and oral history projects.

The Cork City Council has illuminated Cork City Hall in tricolor to commemorate the 100th anniversary of MacSwiney’s death, along with Joe Murphy and Michael Fitzgerald.

University College Cork placed a wreath at the Cork Men’s Jail today to commemorate MacSwiney’s death.

As a student, MacSwiney studied Mental and Moral Sciences at UCC, which was then known as the Royal University.