In Booterstown, Co. Dublin later this evening a plaque will be unveiled dedicated to the memory of Kevin O’Higgins, the former Minister for Justice who was assassinated in 1927. The Liveline listeners debate the merits of a plaque and the legacy of Kevin O’Higgins.
Pat contacted Liveline because she is looking for the family of Rory O’Connor. Rory O'Connor was bestman at Kevin O'Higgins wedding. He was executed by firing squad on 8th December 1922...the execution order was signed, ironically, by Kevin O’Higgins.
Three other men were also shot that day. One of them was Liam Mellows. Phil’s fathers friend was second in the shooting party on that day. He gave the command to shoot. He sat up with Liam Mellows all night. The burden those people use to carry was awful.
Rory thinks that Kevin O'Higgins was "a war criminal" and questions how he is commemorated. Brian May feels that it is right to honour O'Higgins because Fianna Fail tradition has been well represented with public memorials.
Photograph of the shooting of Rory O'Connor. 8th December 1922.