War of Independence veterans' widows receive €8 million in 10 years, figures show

Darragh Mc Donagh

Nine surviving widows of War of Independence veterans are still receiving pension payments in respect of their husbands’ service in the conflict that took place between 1919 and 1921.

The last surviving combatant of the war died in 2006, and the number of surviving widows has dwindled in recent years, falling from 121 in 2014 to 41 in 2018, and 12 in 2022.

The amount of pensions paid to widows varies depending on a number of factors, such as whether their husbands were medal holders or if they had been in receipt of a special allowance before they died.

The pensions are historically tax-free, and are paid in addition to other benefits such as state or private pensions.

Recipients got a 50 per cent increase in 2016 to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.

The last surviving veteran of the War of Independence, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Clancy, died in September 2006 at the age of 105.

The Co Clare-born soldier had been a commanding officer with the Fifth Infantry Battalion, and had served alongside Michael Collins. He was in Dublin Castle when Britain handed power to the new Irish Government in 1922.

Records released by the Department of Defence in response to a Freedom of Information request show that 12 widows of War of Independence veterans were in receipt of a pension at the end of 2022.

The number had fallen to 10 by the end of the following year, and was reduced to nine following the death of one of the widows in 2024. The same number remained entitled to the pension at the end of last month.

In 2018, the average age of the 41 recipients was 92. That year, they were paid a total of €262,507. The 50 per cent increase introduced in 2016 saw the average annual payment rise from €4,200 to €6,300.

Between 2009 and 2019, almost €8 million was paid to the widows of War of Independence veterans in pensions, according to figures from the Department of Defence.