13 August 2015
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
File photo of Chris O’Leary
Ard Mhéara Chorcaí and Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary has welcomed today’s announcement by the government that a State funeral will be held for Thomas Kent next month.
Commenting Ard Mhéara O’Leary said;
“I welcome today’s confirmation by the government that a State funeral will be held in Cork for Thomas Kent in September.
“It will be a mark of respect that has been a long time coming for Thomas Kent who was only one of two people, outside of Dublin, to be executed for activities surrounding Easter Week in 1916.
“Coming from a family with a rich history of confronting injustice, Kent worked tirelessly for the cause of freedom as an organiser of the Irish Volunteers. He eventually made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and his people.
“It is heartening that Thomas’ remains will finally be laid to rest in the family plot at Castlelyons after being buried on the grounds of Cork Prison for nearly a century.
It would also be appropriate to finally mark the site of what was an unmarked grave of one of Ireland’s fallen heroes. This would be fitting memorial in the city.
“I hope that the funeral will bring a level of comfort to the Kent family to match their undoubted and justified pride.
“I look forward to the State funeral and I urge the government to ensure that it is an inclusive celebration of the life of Thomas Kent.”
