Mullinahone.net

A new radio documentary investigating the murder of Henry Phelan, who was the first member of the garda siochana to be killed, will be aired on Tipp FM this weekend and next.Phelan, who was from Mountrath, was killed in Mullinahone in 1922, but he was in fact stationed in Callan at the time, and previous to this had served in Kilkenny City. County Kilkenny features heavily in the documentary, including coverage of the incident at the time by the Kilkenny People.

On the afternoon of November 14, 1922, Henry Phelan became the first member of the new Civic Guard (later renamed An Garda Síochána) to be killed when he was shot in a quiet pub in Mullianahone, County Tipperary. He was on a simple errand to get a hurling ball for a team he was starting where he was stationed in Callan.

He was 21 years of age at the time, but the circumstances behind his killing and the identities of those involved have never been clear. Today, almost 90 years later very little is actually known about young Phelan’s own background.

A new documentary due to be aired next weekend has looked into the man’s life both before and after he joined the force, and also examines some of the theories concerning why he may have been targeted.

The original Civic Guard application form that Henry Phelan filled out in his own hand writing together with the required letters of recommendation from his local parish priest and his IRA commandant are also featured in the documentary. Phelan’s first posting was in Kilkenny City, and after a short time he was transferred to Callan in South Kilkenny.

On the day he died, he had travelled with two colleagues to the village of Mullinahone. After purchasing the sliotar the three men entered the public house of Mrs Bridget Mullally when according to reports three men walked in.

One produced a revolver killing Phelan instantly. No one was ever charged, and over the years it was thought he had been mistaken for his brother who had served in the RIC in Co Tipperary.

Another theory is he was mistaken for a former RIC man from Kilkenny who had the same name as one of his brothers.

The documentary also includes a visit to the pub where the shooting occurred and will reveal possible clues and suspicions regarding the identity of his killers.

The two-part documentary, entitled “A Boy of Good Character: The Story of Garda Henry Phelan” was produced, presented and researched by Tipp Today producer Tom Hurley and was made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Tipp FM. Part one is due to be aired on Tipp FM radio on Sunday,t May 20 at 6.30pm, with part two the following week.

LUKE AND JACK ARE COUNTY MINORS

On May 22, 1987, much of the GAA population of Mullinahone turned out in Semple Stadium Thurles to see John Leahy make his minor hurling debut in the championship for Tipperary against Limerick. We in Mullinahone believed at the time that it was a “first” but Mick Cahill R.I.P. who had appeared in one minor hurling game back in 1941 had been forgotten about. Later that year, we discovered our error. In the almost 25 years since Leahy appeared on the scene, another fifteen young hurlers from Mullinahone have donned the championship blue and gold at minor level.

The complete list is Mick Cahill (1941), John Leahy (1987), Philip Skehan (1990), Michael Skehan (1990), Brian O’Meara (1990,1991), Pat Croke (1992,1993), Kyron Vaughan (1993,1994), Eddie Carey (1996), Paul Kelly (1996,1997), Eoin Kelly (1997,1998,1999,2000) Paul Curran (1998,1999), Niall Curran (1998), Sean Curran (2009), Cathal Horan (2010,2011), Eoin Fennelly (2011), and our two latest Jack Shelly (2012) and Luke Mullally (2012). Leaving out Mick Cahill (1941), the first a rather useful could be selected from the other 16 who played during the last 25 years. Two questions spring to mind, “Who would be the sub?” And “Who would be the goalie?” To return to our two latest “caps”, who we hope to see again in Semple Staidum in the Munster semi-final against Waterford on June 29. Jack Shelly at 17 is already a county minor footballer. He is a student of Scoil Ruain, Killenaule and is the son of Johnny and Alaco Shelly of Clonagoose. Luke Mullally is in his final year as a minor. He is also a student of Scoil Ruain. He is the son of James and Mary Mullally of Ballyvadlea. Last summer Luke was one of a number of local students who climbed Mount Kilmanjhero in Africa as part of a school group who were raising money for charity.

Both lads were vital members of the Mullinahone C.J.K. minor hurling team who won the Tipperary minor “A” hurling title last year for the very first time. Times have changed indeed in Knocknagow. One minor hurling representative in 103 years and then 16 more in the last 25 years. Well done to both Luke and Jack on joining that still select group.

LOVELY EVENING IN CROCANOIR

Last Thursday evening, the members of the Knocknagow Retired People’s Club had their annual summer outing. The group didn’t travel far, but converged on Crocanoir (Bermingham’s) down in Ballycullen. Here the group enjoyed the songs and music of Fil Campbell, followed by a chat and tea. It wasn’t the first time that many of the club members visited Crocanoir, but one and all (those who had been there before and those who hadn’t) enjoyed the outing with many of the opinion that it was the best outing that they were ever on. The venue in the heart of the country is an island of peace and tranquillity and an ideal venue for a small to medium or family gathering.

MAY DEVOTIONS

Devotions will take place each Sunday evening in St. Michael’s Church at 7 p.m. during the month of May. Devotions consist of Rosary and Benediction. Each weekday evening during May at 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday the Rosary will be said at the Grotto on the Callan Road. The big local Church ceremony during May in St. Michael’s Church will be First Holy Communion on Saturday week May 19. First Holy Communion will take place at a special children’s mass at 11 a.m. on the morning of May 19.

ALZHEIMER’S DAY CARE CENTRE

Ruth O’Gorman informs us that the Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre and Home Care are holding a Tea Day on Friday May 11, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in ST. Fiacra’s Parish Centre (beside Supervalu, Loughboy). You are most welcome to come along on the day. The Centre is also taking part in the Stoneyford 10 K Walk/Run on Sunday May 20 in Stoneyford Village. If you are interested in sponsoring the Centre or in taking part to raise sponsorship, ring Ruth at 056 7771230.

CLARE FOGARTY CALLING

For some years past, Clare Fogarty and her friends have organised a Table Quiz on behalf of St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick on Suir. This year, Clare, due to being busy in College, didn’t get around to organising the annual quiz. In its place, a Church Gate Collection will take place the coming weekend in Mullinahone on Saturday night and Sunday. A Garda permit has been issued. Please help out this worthy cause if you can.

COMMUNITY GAMES (ATHLETICS)

If any person is interested in organising and running this year’s community games local (athletics), please contact any committee member or phone 052 9153832 before the end of May.

UNDER 14 FOOTBALL

After a number of near misses, our under 14 footballers came good against Fethard during last week. The team now face four (two home two away) games as their bid for a semi-final place. The games are due to be played on Mondays and Thursdays as they seek to continue the good work.