It was moving, solemn, and dignified.

Certain things tend to run in families — particularly names. Williams Rossa Cole is a great grandson of O’Donovan Rossa. His brother is Ross Williams Cole, and their father was William Rossa Cole. The brothers have four children between them — all have a Rossa in their name.

The casket which carried the body of Irish Fenian leader Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa home from the US has been restored and will go on public display this weekend.

In the centenary year of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa’s death, it is appropriate that his life, and his patriotism, be marked in the county and country of his birth, writes Gabriel Doherty