1916 figure Thomas Kent to be given State funeral

The Government has confirmed the remains exhumed at Cork Prison last June were those of Republican Thomas Kent, who was executed in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising, clearing the way for a State funeral.

Mr Kent was due to take part in the Rising but received orders to stand down. Despite this, RIC officers raided Mr Kent’s home in Castlelyons, Co Cork, on May 2, 1916, with a view to arresting the Republican sympathiser.

A gunfight ensued, after which both he and his brother William were arrested. Both were tried by courts-martial at Cork Detention Barracks. William was acquitted, but Thomas was sentenced to death and executed on May 9.