Local Historian's Book Details the Murder of IRA Volunteer Joseph O'Donoghue in 1921

Pearse Stadium, the home of Janesboro FC, was the location for the launch of The Centenary of the Curfew Murders 1921-2021 written by retired tour guide and local historian Mark Liddy last weekend. The book details the murder on the 7th March 1921 of IRA Volunteer Joseph O’Donoghue by the Black and Tans, on what is now called O’Donoghue Avenue.

Speaking at the launch Dominic Taylor of the Limerick Writers’ Centre said “What Mark Liddy offers us in this book is a genuine looking at a period in Irish history that helped shape the Ireland in which we live in today. This vivid and timely book brings Joseph O’Donoghue and his death to the fore and puts it centre stage. Mark has given a voice to Patrick O’Donoghue that has been silent for too long and brings us the stark, chilling reality of his death”.

The author Mark Liddy and the Mayor Cllr Daniel Butler presented a framed copy of the book cover to Mr. Johnny Clancy of Janesboro FC for display on the walls of their club house, as a gesture of thanks for hosting the event.

Mr Liddy said “My hope for the book is it that stands on its own merits. I hope it contributes to the history of Janesboro and its community and that it acknowledges some of the many people who were custodians of Limerick’s republican traditions”.

Mark’s brother, the poet John Liddy, also participated and read a poem ‘The Avenue of Patriotic Names’ which celebrated the Janesboro housing estate, whose avenues are called after the signatories to the 1916 Proclamation.

The book is available from local bookshops.