How we remembered a child of Easter 1916

I WAS fortunate in that during the 1916 commemorations I was able to attend quite a few of the events that took place during the year of commemoration.

Once we got to 2017 I thought that was the end and we would look back fondly on a great year of celebration and remembrance.

However, I recently attended another 1916-related event and, for me, it was one of the most memorable of all.

On April 28 1916, 8-year-old Eugene Lynch was playing near the front of Richmond Barracks close to his Inchicore home when he was shot, apparently by a soldier on sentry duty at the barracks.

He died a short time later on a table in his grandmother's nearby public house, where he was brought after the shooting. 

I attended a recent ceremony at Goldenbridge cemetery where a monument to remember Eugene was unveiled.

The event was attended members of Eugene's family including nephews and nieces as well Dublin Lord Mayor Micháel MacDonncha and Minister for State, Catherine Byrne.

Also in attendance was broadcaster and author of ‘Children of the Rising’ Joe Duffy.

During research for his book, Joe along with the late historian Shane MacThomais found burial records for Eugene and later found his unmarked grave in Goldenbridge. 

Children from local schools filled the graveyard and some read poems and sang songs that wouldn't have been out of place on their school syllabus. 

Just before the monument to Eugene was unveiled, singer Declan O'Rourke treated us to a rendition of his haunting song 'Children of 16', which could have been written especially for the occasion. 

It was a simple but magical event and I've no doubt that Eugene's family were filled with pride to see him remembered in such a special way.

WORDS AND PICTURES: DARREN KINSELLA