Three events to mark centenary of execution of Athlone man in Custume Barracks

A number of events are planned in the coming days to mark the centenary anniversary of the execution of Thomas Hughes.

Hughes from Bogganfin, Athlone, and four others, were executed in Custume Barracks on January 20, 1923. The five men were members of the anti-Treaty IRA and had been found guilty by military courts-martial on a charge of being in possession, without proper authority, of arms and ammunitions.

Sinn Féin will be holding a solemn commemoration for the centenary anniversary of the execution of Thomas Hughes this Sunday, January 22, at Cornamagh Cemetery.

Athlone Sinn Féin Rep Conor Dowling-Linehan said: "We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who would like to attend our commemoration for Thomas Hughes this Sunday in Cornamagh Cemetery.

Mr Dowling-Linehan said it was important to keep alive the memory of the people who strove for a better society.

The gathering will begin at 2 pm and Sorca Clarke TD will give the main address

Meanwhile, Éirígí will hold a wreath laying ceremony at Cornamagh Cemtery at 1pm on Sunday.

Local Midlands Representative Mickey Moran said: “These summary killings remain a black on this history of this State. It is now widely accepted that there was no legal basis for these executions, and these men's only crime was their loyalty to the Republic”

“I am calling on people to join us at the gates of Cornamagh Cemetery at 1pm on Sunday the 22nd of January , to solemnly remember the sacrifice of Thomas Hughes who is buried there, and his comrades”

Old Athlone Society will be also be hosting a lecture this month on the issue of the executions.

The lecture by Dr Ian Kenneally is entitled ''The Punishment of Death: state-sanctioned executions in Athlone, 1923' and takes place on Tuesday, January 31 at 8.15pm in the Sheraton Hotel.