Thomas Kent’s remains to lie in state at Collins Barracks

Tears welled in the eyes of Thomas Kent’s three elderly nieces as they were told DNA tests confirmed remains found in Cork prison were those of the patriot executed by the British in 1916.

The news had been broken to nieces Eily, 93, Kathleen, 84, and Prudence, 81, by the latter’s son, Michael Riordan.

The owner of Riordan’s SuperValu in Fermoy said it was a pity that his uncle, also called Thomas Kent, had died aged 85, missing out on a planned State funeral for the Republican hero.