A large crowd gathered on Saturday, April 21st to mark the 97th anniversary of the execution of John Bergin and Stephen McDermott in Loughglynn Wood by members of the Black and Tans.
The commemoration was organised by members of the newly-formed Loughglynn, Gorthaganny and Lisacul Historical and Heritage Society and was attended by members of the Bergin and McDermott families as well as 101-year-old Michael Coyne, who was the only person present alive at the time of the executions.
Family members and Mr Coyne were extended a warm welcome by PRO of the newly formed Historical and Heritage Society and parish priest Canon Liam Devine, who celebrated Mass to start proceedings.
Members of the Defence Forces were a splendid sight on a day which also featured a parade led by a colour party from the 6th Battalion under the command of Captain James Gannon.
Four laurel wreaths were laid at the monument by representatives of the McDermott and Bergin families and the LGL and Ormonde historical societies. The four wreath layers were Dermott McDermott and Patrick Bergin, Carol McDermott, and Teresa Ní Puirceill.
Mildred Beirne and members of the Castlerea Branch of CCE Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann provided some wonderful musical entertainment in the centre afterwards.
The final act of the day was a presentation by the chairperson of the LGL Historical and Heritage Society, Eileen Green, of a large plaque from Loughglynn to be placed on the graves of John Bergin and Stephen McDermott. The black marble pieces, were made by local stonemason Michael Carney of Tibohine.
