A plaque on a wall on Devonshire Street in Cork records the capture of a Fenian in 1865.

JOHN LYNCH THE FENIAN
CAPTURED HERE SEPTEMBER 1865
DIED WOKING PRISON JANUARY 1866

There’s more, this page has quite a bit on him, but also gives a different date for his death.

John Lynch was a widower and publican who lodged in Cork City and became involved with the Cork City Fenians. He was convicted on the word of an informer, John Warner, who stated that Lynch was a colonel in the Fenian organisation in Cork. Lynch was convicted of treason and felony by Judge Keogh in December 1865. Overall the evidence used to convict Lynch was rather weak for the sentence of 10 years penal servitude.

UCC has a photo of him in their archive but unfortunately it’s not online. I’d love to see that and scan it in or take a photo (sans flash) of the photo. Anyone got contacts in the Boole Library? Wouldn’t it be great to see those archived online on pix.ie or flickr?

Lynch, John. Head and shoulders frontal shot in prison garb. Covering folder notes “Died in Woking Prison Hospital 2/6/66. was one of the “Centres” for Cork City. Organizer of St. Patrick’s Day nationalist demonstrations in Athenaeum Club in the 60’s”. [2 items : 16cm x 12cm]

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We spent a pleasant afternoon in Crosshaven today. It was mild enough to actually enjoy a walk up towards the fort on the hill. As I walked past the merries I spotted this plaque. It must have been hidden every other time as I don’t remember it ever being there. The inscription reads:

OUR GRATITUDE TO
Mr Jack Bergin of Pipers Amusements
Who painted and kept this place clean
for 50 years
Crosshaven Tourism Tidy Towns Aug 1988

I guess he retired 21 years ago. I went searching and unfortunately he passed away in the year 2000.

I was sorry to hear that Jack Bergin had died this week. Another link with Pipers in Douglas and Crosshaven is gone. Everybody who ever went on the swinging boats in the “Merries” will remember Jack, with his powerful shoulders he brought the boats to a gentle stop. The brake was a long piece of timber, which he raised under the boat, thereby stopping its movement. I’m told many years ago, perhaps 75 or so, a young boy walked into Pipers in Croshaven looking for work, and for the rest of his working life he became a part of the Piper family. Every springtime he would paint the wall at the entrance and tend the flowers there. Years ago a plaque was erected at the wall in honour of his dedication to the upkeep of the site. My wife summed up Jack Bergin when she heard he had died “he was a gentle man on the boats slowing it down very gently, and putting his hand out to help women and children out of the swing boats”. What more can I say except “Thanks for the rides and the happy memories Jack” Rest in peace.

Heroes are made of people who do the small things in life.

On a completely unrelated topic, congrats to the Blarney hurling team who beat Galway team Cappataggle today in Croke Park!

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Bertie Ahern, who recently announced his resignation as Taoiseach or Prime Minister of Ireland was well known for opening all sorts of events and buildings.

Plaques with his name dot the country.

PS. This image is now hosted on my own server where I have some referrer checks. If you don’t see it in your feed reader please leave a comment!

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While walking along the path in Drake’s Pool and enjoying the sunset we came across this plaque in the ground next to a bench.

“You are the wind upon my face.
You inspired me with your grace.
You are the wind upon my back.
You keep telling me do not look back.
As I walk among the trees.
I can feel your gentle breeze.
Your loving smile and tender care.
I cherish and take with me everywhere
Assumpta
3rd Dec 1950 – 30th Dec. 2002″

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