Joe MacDonagh Remembered

This photo was taken on the evening of Christmas Day at the entrance to the 1916 Memorial Garden in Cloughjordan. Members of the Cloughjordan Heritage Group placed a candle in tribute to Joe MacDonagh,  youngest brother of Thomas,  on the anniversary of his death on Christmas Day 1922. 

Critically ill on December 22nd, during the Civil War, Joe was removed from Mountjoy Jail to the Mater Hospital, where he was treated for acute appendicitis. Syncope from shock was recorded as the cause of is death, three days later. He was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Described by his contemporary, Máire Ní Shúiligh, as being ‘gifted with a brilliant wit and a lively mind’ his  life’s achievements, though still in his thirties and married with three children, included; Civil Servant, Schoolmaster, Insurance Broker, elected MP, member of the first Dáil Éireann representing North Tipperary, and member of Dublin Corporation are documented in the Thomas MacDonagh Museum.