Kent Family involvement in Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

At this time we think of the Kent family, Bawnard, Castlelyons as the State funeral of Thomas Kent, executed in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising, takes place in Castlelyons on this Friday.  We have more detail set out on the funeral below but we look at the family involvement in Cumann Lúthchleas Gael back then.

There was no GAA Club formed in Castlelyons circa1916 or, indeed, for years later.  However, it is believed that the Kent family had connections with other clubs in the area.  Richard Kent was a great athlete, and weight-thrower.  He won many medals and trophies. Indeed, a photo shows him with his medals displayed.

Of course, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael at this time, as well as staging Gaelic games, was also the principal organising body for nationalist athletes in the country for what we would nowadays call ‘track and field’ events (also cycling, greyhound racing and many other sports that have long since come under the auspices of their own governing bodies) – so it would have been at these ‘meets’ that the brothers competed and the medals were won.

Of course, the late Thomas Kent (nephew) won an East Cork medal in 1955 with Castlelyons.

Incidentally, Fermoy had outstanding football teams in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s winning many Cork Senior titles. There is a little ditto from that time as follows: -

Fermoy is a place of renown

There are two football teams in the town

But between me and you and Patsy McHugh

The lot wouldn’t beat Coolagown

So can anyone cast a light on football in Coolagown at that time or if the Kents played there.

State Funeral of Thomas Kent – executed in aftermath of 1916 Rising.

The state funeral of Thomas Kent,who was executed in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising will take place on tomorrow (Friday). This will be a historic, memorable and great day for Kent family, Castlelyons and the Nation. Thousands of people are expected to attend the ceremony, with Gardaí confirming the main street in Castlelyons and the area around St Nicholas Church — where Thomas Kent will be buried — will be closed to traffic from 1.15pm.

The funeral cortege will pass through the village on its way to Bawnard House, the scene of the May 2, 1916, siege which led to Thomas Kent’s execution. Restrictions will also be in place near Bawnard House.

Gerry White, a military historian and member of the Defence Forces, will deliver the eulogy.

It’s expected that the church will not be able to accommodate more than 400 people. An area will be set aside outside the church grounds for limited public seating in a covered area which will feature large screens relaying the Mass.

The proceedings will be broadcast live on RTÉ 1 and it is anticipated that the ceremony will conclude at approximately 3pm, followed by the re-interment of remains at the Kent family plot located on site.

The re-interment will feature the key elements of a state funeral including a military firing party rendering honours, the Last Post, the Reveille, and the national anthem.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will deliver a graveside oration. President Michael D Higgins will also be present, as will Tánaiste Joan Burton, a number of TDs, MEPs, members of the Council of State, representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, the Garda Commissioner and senior Defence Forces personnel.

The Mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of Cloyne, Most Reverend William Crean, together with the Castlelyons PP Fr Gerard Coleman, Fr Gerry O’Neill from Collins Barracks and Fr Michael Kidney from Cork Prison.

The Community Council led by Michael Breary, James Ronayne, Seamus Geary, Anne Hegarty and Assumpta Mangan have done mighty work in preparing the little village for the funeral cortege and all the dignitaries who will attend on the day.  Well done to all for their great work and, no doubt, the day will be both dignified and celebratory.