Decision to execute Richard Barrett in reprisal for TD's murder 'so vindictive and so wrong'

Tánaiste unveils memorials in West Cork to commemorate the centenary of the reinternment of anti-Treaty republican leader

Tánaiste Micheál Martin unveiling a plaque in honour of Dick Barrett in Ballineen, West Cork. Picture: Martin Walsh

The government of the fledgling Irish State breeched the core founding principles of its constitution by executing four anti-Treaty republican leaders, the Tánaiste said on Sunday as he unveiled memorials in West Cork to commemorate the centenary of the reinternment of the remains of Richard (Dick) Barrett.

Born on December 17, 1889, and raised in Ballineen, Barrett, 32, was executed on December 8, 1922, along with Rory O’Connor, Liam Mellows, and Joe McKelvey, in reprisal for the killing of TD Seán Hales the previous day.