On Sunday 22nd November, the day after the centenary of Bloody Sunday, the events of that day were commemorated and prayers of thanksgiving for offered for the peace and freedom we enjoy in Ireland today in the home parish of the late Sam Maguire, Fanlobbus Union of Parishes, Dunmanway, County Cork.

The Sam Maguire Community Bells were rung virtually (half muffled) as a mark of respect.

The Rector, the Reverend Cliff Jeffers spoke about the centenaries being commemorated in the coming weeks and months when ‘these commemorations come closer to our community here in West Cork, and we will acknowledge them with sensitivity and respect.’

The Reverend Cliff Jeffers said:

Sam Maguire, well known to all in the GAA was born in our parish and attended St. Mary’s Church in Dunmanway as a child and is his final resting place is in our churchyard.

The 14 people who were killed in Croke Park at a GAA Football match between Dublin and Tipperary 100 years ago on 21/11/1920 were remembered in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland on Sunday morning 22nd November.

As we make our way through the more turbulent times of the war of independence in the coming weeks and months and their commemorations, we give thanks to God for the peace and freedom we now enjoy in country.

In the next few weeks, these commemorations come closer to our community here in West Cork, and we will acknowledge them with sensitivity and respect.