The annual memorial ceremony in honour of Alderman Thomas Halpin and Captain John Moran, who were murdered by the Black and Tans in 1921, was held in Drogheda on Sunday, 15 February.
The bodies of Alderman Halpin, of Georges Street, Drogheda, and Captain Moran, a native of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, who had been living on Magdalene Street, Drogheda, were discovered on the morning of Ash Wednesday, 1921.
Both men had been taken from their homes and brought to a location beyond the Viaduct on the Mornington Road, where they suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, John McCullen of the Old Drogheda Society and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann laid wreaths at the monument on Marsh Road. They were joined by fellow members of Drogheda Borough Council.
Representatives of Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann provided a colour party, while a lone bugler played the Last Post in memory of both men.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Michelle Hall said it was important to keep the memories of Captain Moran and Alderman Halpin alive.
It’s important that we remember people like Captain Moran and Alderman Halpin, and indeed the other heroic individuals whose names are inscribed on this monument, so that future generations can understand their legacy and the sacrifice they made for their country.
