In 1922 and 1923, Ireland was once more a battlefield, as the Civil War saw conflict break out all over the country. In this interactive series, photographer David Cleary returns to locations captured on film a century ago and takes new photographs showing how those settings have changed - or not.
This photo from the RTÉ Photographic Archive shows the the funeral procession of Republican leader and former Minister for Defence Cathal Brugha at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, on 10 July 1922. Politician Seán T O'Kelly is the nearest pallbearer to the camera. Members of Cumann na mBan are also present. The grave is situated in the republican plot close to the O'Connell Tower in the cemetery and the photograph shows the procession moving along the circular path which leads around the tower. Several of the grave markers are unchanged, including the distinctive celtic cross on the right.
Spotting a family member in a historic photo
Update: Frank McMenamy has been in touch to reveal that the pall bearer on the opposite side was his grand uncle Ciaran McMenamy from Armagh.
"He was part of the Ambulance Corp and acting lieutenant for 1-battalion F-company (as far as I am aware he had attended Cathal Brugha when he was mortally wounded) who was interned in Newbridge a month after the funeral. He went on hunger strike there but contracted TB/consumption and they really made him suffer for it.
Much later on he was released into a convalescent home in Kildare and shortly after he was released and went to stay with my Grandfathers wife's family (also 1-Battalion F-company) in Pearse Square (then Queen's Square), where he died a few weeks later on the 26/04/1924 aged 26. This year, 2024, is the centenary of his death. We are going to organise a remembrance/ commemoration for him this year at Pearse Square."
Have you ever seen a member of your family in a historic photograph? Explore our Civil War Ireland then and now series here, and explore our history galleries here. Do you have a story to tell about your own family's experience of significant historical events? Find out how to contribute it here.
1922 image © RTÉ Photographic Archive
