Templeneiry Church,Bansha, (March 2023)
Darby Ryan(1779 – 1855) is to be remembered and celebrated in Bansha tonight – Thursday August 24th. All are welcome to attend.
The Bansha native was an active member of his community and left a strong legacy reflecting pride in his community, native language and a desire for self-determination and justice. His legacy includes poetry and satire – the best known of which may be the song “The Peeler and the Goat”. He was a “versifier”.
The event is being led by an ad hoc committee formed to expand on plans proposed by Darby Ryan’s great, great, great grandchildren to restore and rededicate his gravestone in Templeneiry Church, Bansha. John and Claire Grogan, siblings, now resident in New York began the project last year. Support from local community members and assistance from the Aherlow Fáilte Society, Tipperary County Council and Billy Morrissey/Project ADR will see a multifaceted event begin at 7pm.
The event is planned with both outdoor and indoor elements weather permitting.
The restored and most interesting gravestone will be rededicated, this will be followed with music, song and poetry associated with Darby Ryan. Events are then to move into Templeneiry Church for an address by Dr Des Marnane, John Grogan will speak about his connections and the event will conclude with an open forum. Light refreshments will follow.
“This celebration is a timely connection and an inspiration for further study, engagement and appreciation of our local heritage and folklore. Heritage matters, it is our identity. – Billy Morrissey, Foxfort”
The Committee have also compiled a Commemorative Booklet for the occasion – available on the night or at Catherine O’Connell’s shop, Main street, Bansha.
Committee members: Mary Alice O’Connor, Donnchadh O’Dhuibhir, John Grogan, Nancy Murphy, Kitty O’Donovan, Johnny Murphy, James & Breda Hayes, Helen Morrissey, Liam Bergin, Nuala Gleeson, Anne Whyte and Billy Morrissey.
“The Galtees bold and stupendous size,
there stand in open view
which in sublimity outvies the Andies of Peru” – Darby Ryan
