'A fascinating story of an extraordinary act of defiance.'
That was how President Michael D. Higgins described the mutiny in India by members of the Connaught Rangers, a regiment of the British Army, more than a century ago during a commemoration ceremony in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo earlier today.
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That was President Michael D. Higgins speaking of his delight in finally visiting Tubbercurry today for the centenary commemoration of the Connaught Rangers mutiny, which had been postponed on four previous occasions because of the Covid pandemic.
The mutiny was in protest against activities of British forces in Ireland, including atrocities by the Black and Tans
At the heart of today's commemoration were thoughts of four Sligomen who took part in
the mutiny: James Gorman from Tubbercurry; Patrick Dyer, from Keash, Ballymote; and
Martin Conlon and Jack Scanlon, both from Sligo town.
There were also others: Desmond Kerrigan's father from Glencar, Co Leitrim, was also one of the mutineers.
Today Desmond was among their relatives and descendants who were in Tubbercurry for the commemoration.
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In his 24-minute speech, President Higgins said not enough attention has been paid to the actions of the Connaught Rangers mutineers.
And he said part of the reason for this was the neglect of certain classes.
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He also strongly hit out at what he described as 'imperialist madness' by various world powers.
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He concluded on an upbeat note:
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After his speech, the President unveiled a monument in Wolfe Tone Square in Tubbercurry bearing the names of those who mutinied.
This was followed by a minutes silence and a piper's lament.
