By Ger Cody
photos: jbs photoskilkenny
Almost a hundred years ago to the day, Sergeant Michael Walsh, at thirty four years of age, was buried at St Rioch’s Graveyard on the Gaol Road in Kilkenny.
This was no ordinary burial.
Sgt Walsh was returned to Kilkenny from Dublin by train on November 30 in 1923 having been shot which resulted in his death.
His funeral cortège followed a route to St Canice’s Church, where his funeral Mass was celebrated the following day by parish priest Mgr Doyle, curate Fr. Brady and army chaplain Fr. Martin Drea.
He was buried with full military honours, provided by the 63rd Infantry Battalion, under the command of his cousin Cmdt’ McEvoy in St Rioch’s Cemetery.
The chief mourners were his parents, Michael and Kate Walsh; brothers, William, John and James; and sisters, Mollie and Bridie. Aunts, uncles and cousins from the Walsh, Dollard, Butler and McEvoy families were there too.
The coffin was dressed in the Tricolour and as the remains were lowered into the grave, three volleys of shots were fired and the Last post was sounded.
Having been killed in late November, Sgt Walsh was almost certainly the last military casualty in Kilkenny in 1923.
At 12 noon on Sunday, November 26, 2023, over forty people, mostly relations of Sergeant Walsh gathered at St Rioch’s graveyard to remember Michael.
Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) was master of ceremonies on the day and he recounted the life of Michael Walsh of The National Army, including his military history and details of his death.
Larry welcomed extended family members paying a special word of welcome to Mrs. Nora Casey, a niece of the late Michael.
The retired Commandant also thanked Mary Anne Maher for her research in to Sergeant Walsh’s history.
Adding to the occasion was the presence of The First Battalion of The Kilkenny Brigade re-enactment group under the leadership of John Joe Cullen.
Mayor Joe Malone and Cllr Maria Dullard were also in attendance representing the citizens of Kilkenny.
Prayers were offered during the brief remembrance ceremony, and The Last Post and Amhrán na bhFiann were also played.
Many in attendance including relatives, Mayor Joe Malone and Phil Cody of the Re-enactment group laid wreaths.
The Re-enactment group also paid tribute with a rendition of Kevin Barry, with those in attendance joining in.
Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper, Commandant Larry Scallan said: “It is important that the service given by men and women like Michael are remembered, as remembering is honouring.”
A commemorative plaque was placed at the cemetery in Michael’s honour.
