Anniversary of FG role model
The country was still in the throes of a civil war, and it is perhaps one of the saddest ironies of that conflict that while Michael Collins was dining in Bandon with Gen Sean Hales on August 22, 1922, prior to embarking on his final journey, his brother, Tom Hales was busy planning the ambush which would result in Collins' death. Fine Gael members would do well to remember that Sean Hales had an even closer association with that party than had Michael Collins.
On the day that Sean Hales died, he was due to attend a meeting concerned with the setting up of a new political party, Cumann na nGaedheal, to represent the views and concerns of those who had adopted a pro-Treaty stance. This party would, a decade later, merge with the Centre Party and the Blueshirts to form Fine Gael.
Sean Hales was described by John L O’Sullivan as being “a truly great man who next to Collins was the best organiser I ever met.” In his very brief political career, he arranged jobs for people, obtained money from the government for the local industrial school because they “did everything they possibly could for me and we must not forget them” and reinstated ‘evicted tenants’ or their relatives. Much media attention was given over this year to the unveiling of a national memorial to Michael Collins in Clonakilty, but many years ago a such a memorial to Gen Sean Hales was erected in Bandon.
It still stands proudly in the town centre, and this, coupled with the fact that the local Fine Gael branch is named after him, ensures that Sean Hales will be remembered not only for his military capabilities, but also for his political acumen.
Frank Bouchier-Hayes,
Newcastle West,
Co Limerick.
