MOVES to commemorate Cork’s two martyred Lords Mayor, Terence MacSwiney and Tomas MacCurtain are expected as part of the city’s approach to the national ‘Decade of Commemorations’.

Independent Cllr Mick Finn had asked the council to erect an information panel near the house of Terence McSwiney on North Main Street in the run-up to the 100th anniversary of his death.

“Local historian and Middle Parish stalwart Liam O hUiginn raised the issue about marking the former Lord Mayor in a proper fashion at the house in which he was born,” Cllr Finn explained. 

“The building on North Main Street is in private hands so anything that’s done on the building – including its upkeep – is the responsibility of the owners. 

However, the public realm is the responsibility of council and it’s in our remit to erect an information panel or a suitable ground plaque to mark this historic site.” 

Cllr Finn said that while Terence McSwiney and Tomas MacCurtain are honoured with place-names and busts elsewhere in the city, it is important to also have plaques or panels in place at locations synonymous with them.

“We should be well prepared for the events marking 1920 which was such a seismic year in the history of Cork, for many reasons, and honouring two men who gave their lives in the struggle for Irish freedom – making waves across the world – is something the city needs to do and do well."

"Considering the devastation that happened on St Patrick’s Street, perhaps it too is a suitable location for a prominent memorial in recognition of this time. We should also look at perhaps an outdoor city screening of the Burning of Cork documentary as part of our reflections, on one of the sites affected in the December razing.”