1916 Commemoration: ‘We are challenged to live up to Kent’s ideals’

As a piper played a lament, sheets of rain shrouded the tears of relatives yesterday in the yard of the Old Cork Prison where the 1916 rebel Thomas Kent was executed 100 years ago.

While family and admirers stood in silent contemplation, prayers for the commander of the Galtee Brigade of the Irish Volunteers were read out by Defence Forces chaplain Fr Gerry O’Neill and Irish Prison Service chaplain Fr Alan Kelly.

Tributes were made by Junior Defence Minister Paul Kehoe, Defence Forces Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Mark Mellett and Brigader General Philip Brennan.