Limerick village celebrates centenary of hero's rescue with series of events

KNOCKLONG will be celebrating the centenary of the rescue of Sean Hogan in the coming weeks.

In 1919, Hogan, an IRA volunteer, was being transported from Cork to Thurles for court martial and likely execution, before comrades intercepted his train at Knocklong station, setting him free.

To celebrate the centenary of this seminal event of the War of Independence, Knocklong History Group and County Limerick Youth Theatre have planned a number of exciting events.

There will be a festival feel around the village from May 12-18 with plenty of events for all the family to enjoy.  

Highlights include: John Connors presenting his book, “Sean Hogan – A Troubled Journey” on Monday, May 13 at 8pm; “The Rescue” a detailed account by Oliver Doyle on the events of the day of the rescue as well as a history of the station itself.

There are also four plays on over the course of the week in different areas of the village, including  ‘The Dance’: an interactive performance at Knocklong Community Centre onSunday May 12 7pm; ‘The Plan’: a site specific play starting in Galbally Community centre moving to different locations around the village on Tuesday May 14 at 7pm.

The events all culminate in the grand finale of the  Army Band Open Air Concert which is followed by ‘Fireworks for all the family’ on the Saturday night,

It’s sure to be a great week with many free and very reasonably priced events for ages on a momentous occasion.