Croke Park centenary commemoration
Deputy McGrath asked what would be done to commemorate Michael Hogan and others killed by the Black and Tans at Croke Park, contrasting this with the Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen. The Taoiseach said a commemoration was planned with the GAA and that other centenary events, including Cork, would proceed when Covid restrictions allowed.
The Taoiseach went to Enniskillen last Sunday and I would have no issue with that in normal times. He wore the poppy. We all have memories of the late Gordon Wilson. Travelling in Covid times is questionable. What is the Taoiseach going to do for the late Michael Hogan and the many others who were murdered or wounded in Croke Park 100 years ago by the Black and Tans and Crown forces? What will the Government do to commemorate those people? Earlier in the year, the previous Government talked about commemorating the Black and Tans. Those to whom I refer were our own people. It was 100 years ago this week that Michael Hogan, a young footballer, lost his life. The GAA in Tipperary has done its best. It has had small commemorations at three different graveyards and various other places. What is the Government going to do to commemorate those gallant men who gave us the games we are going to watch this weekend? The Taoiseach's family plays in those games. They gave us a legacy and now they are being abandoned and forgotten by the Government. Will there be a commemoration for them, despite Covid, because they deserve it?
Comment on this
There will be. The commemoration unit in the Department has been engaged with the Gaelic Athletic Association. My understanding is there will be a commemoration on 21 November, obviously with Covid restrictions attached, to honour and commemorate Michael Hogan.
Comment on this
The Deputy asked about Michael Hogan and I am just giving the response. We were due to have a State commemoration in Cork in respect of a number of events, particularly the burning of Cork. Unfortunately, Covid has impacted on this. We hope to do it in early December when level 5 restrictions, hopefully all going to plan, will be scaled down and we will exit from level 5. I believe in commemoration.
I believe in doing it properly and doing everything we possibly can to inform this generation and future generations, and provide insights into our past, which is very important. I regret that the Deputy compared this with going to Enniskillen. It is an important event. To be there sends an important signal and successive Taoisigh have made it an annual visit, which is well received.