War of Independence hero’s ashes come home to Cork

The ashes of a War of Independence leader have been returned from the US and interred in the Republican Plot in Cork’s landmark St Finbarr’s Cemetery almost 40 years after his death.

The family of James O’Beirne, who was a prominent IRA leader in Cork during the War of Independence, and who died in 1979, said they were deeply moved and honoured that Cork City Council had consented to the ceremony as part of the city’s Easter Rising commemorations.

The ceremony was attended by family members, including his daughter, Elizabeth O’Beirne Ranelagh, and son, John O’Beirne Ranelagh, and by Lord Mayor Chris O’Leary and other councillors.