Desmond Swanton Commemoration (1964).

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Volunteer Desmond Swanton of the Irish Republican Army was killed in a premature explosion, at the Republican Plot Cork in the early morning of March 17th , 1963.

The Desmond Swanton Commemoration Committee, Cork, held a commemoration on the 17th March, 1964, the first anniversary of Des Swanton’s death. The parade led by a Colour Party marched from the Glasheen Road, first to the Republican Plot, in St. Finbarrs’ Cemetery and then onto the Swanton family plot nearby. The colour party consisted of Brendan O’Neill (Parade Marshal), Gerry Higgins (Bugler), Terry O’Neill (Flag Bearer), Roy Keating. and Jim Lane, (Piper).

In addition, members of the Swanton and Madden families, including Gerry Madden, who was badly injured in the explosion in 1963, were waiting at the Republican Plot for the marchers to arrive.

Speeches were made and Jim Lane read a statement from the Irish Revolutionary Forces, outlining the political background to what occurred in 1963. (Gerry Madden can be seen in the crowd, he is the person with the eye patch) The camera people on the day were, Mick O’Connell and Rosalie O’Callaghan

Music : Mise Eire Thanks to Jim Lane for supplying the video .

2 responses to “Desmond Swanton Commemoration (1964).”

  1. Desmond Swanton Commemoration 17th. March, 1964.
    Apart from the Colour Party some more names which I remember.
    Taking the film Left to Right:
    2nd. row; Jim Savage, Thomas Kavanagh,Geo. Sisk and Eugene O’Riordan.
    3rd. row; Liam Flavin 3rd. on the right.
    4th.row. Pádraig O’Neill.
    5th. row; Paddy Murphy, Con Carmody, unknown and a Mr. Foley, from Carrignavar.
    7th; Jim O’Neill, my father, 2 unknowns and Jack Hartnett.
    8th. Conor Lynch.
    10th. row; Eddie & Joe Madden.
    11th.row; Paddy Madden.
    Approaching the cemetery; Jim Lane, George Sisk, E. O’Riordan and Jack Hartnett show better. Pádraig O’Neill , 2nd from left and Mr. Foley show again in 5th. row.
    Two behind Jack Hartnett is another brother, Declan.
    Arty O’Connell comes after the big man.
    Maura Lane is to the rear right.
    Eamonn (Fox) Corcoran is at the rear left.
    The films were taken by Rosalie O’Callaghan and Ml. O.Connell integrated and digitalised for me by John Blennerhasset of Film Service, Cork.
    More names, from any source would be appreciated.
    Brendan O’Neill, August, 2013.

  2. I WOULD LIKE TO INTORDUCE THE IRISH AMERICAN REPUBIC ARMY WHICH FULLY SUPORTS AND WILL LAY DOWN FOR THE IRA

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