Guard of honour for Charleville’s lost sons

At the top of the steps that led to Holy Cross Church in Charleville, a brown pony stood as still and as motionless as the small green and red barrel wagon with yellow wheels that was tied behind it.

The wooden wagon, bought for Paddy and Thomas O’Driscoll on the day they died, was covered with their pictures.

The boys lay inside the church, in white coffins at the top of the aisle, along with their brother Jonathan.