Tributes to Moylan on 50th anniversary of death

THE political vision that Seán Moylan shared with other outstanding figures of his time, such as Seán Lemass, laid the foundations for the remarkable transformation in the country’s economic fortunes that occurred from the 1960s onwards, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan said yesterday.

He was speaking at ceremonies in Kiskeam, Co Cork, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of the War of Independence leader, who also held the portfolios of Lands, Education and Agriculture in Governments headed by Éamon de Valera.

Mr Lenihan said Seán Moylan was one of the most outstanding military leaders in the War of Independence.

And, as a politician and statesman, he left a record of achievements in many areas of public policy which enriched the economic, educational and social fabrics of the country.

“Seán Moylan left us with a set of personal qualities of integrity, honesty, nobility and forthrightness that provide an enduring standard for all holders of high office. That is a measure of the contribution which this extraordinary republican made to the profession of politics in this country,” he said.

Mr Lenihan noted the commemoration was taking place on Remembrance Day.

“It is good in this generation that as well as acknowledging the fight that Seán Moylan and his comrades undertook that we acknowledge the sacrifices and losses of others, as we have been done in recent years.

“That has played a part in building up the spirit of reconciliation with the North that is now so self-evidently there,” said Mr Lenihan.

Michael Moynihan TD presided at the ceremonies.

Mr Lenihan and Vincent Guiney, secretary of the commemoration committee, placed a wreath on the grave of the soldier-statesman. Donal Ó Laoghaire recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish and the National Anthem was sung by Sean Ó Mhurchú and played by Cullen Pipe Band.

A Fianna Fáil colour party, marching behind a banner in memory of Moylan, and the band, led a parade to the cemetery from the Church of the Sacred Heart, where Fr James Kenneally offered Mass for Moylan and his deceased comrades.