The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois

Pierse McCan Branch of O.N.E unveil a commemorative stone in memory of All Units and personnel who served at McCan Barracks, Templemore

Pierse McCann Branch of O.N.E unveil a commemorative stone in memory of All Units and personnel who served at McCann Barracks, Templemore

Father Francis Gleeson was born on 28 May 1884 at Templemore, County Tipperary, one of thirteen children. He was ordained as a priest in 1910 and went to live in Glasnevin before going to St. Mary’s Home for the Blind in March 1912

Commissioned into the Army Chaplains’ Department and attached to the 2nd Battalion,Royal Munster Fusiliers he served with them at the First Battle of Ypres. During this battle Gleeson is said to have taken command of the battalion after all the officers were incapacitated by the enemy. He was highly regarded by his men for tending to the wounded under fire, visiting the front-line trenches, and bringing gifts.

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72 men form the Templemore joined the Munster Fusiliers and fought in World War 1, never to return. On Saturday Next 31st of May the Templemore Branch of the O.N.E. Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, will unveil a commemorative stone. The Granite stone was found in the military firing range in the Glen of Imaal, has been inscribed as a tribute to both the men of Templemore who died in the Great War of 1914-1918. The stone will flanked by two restored 4.5 inch Howitzer field artillery guns which were used by the British Army during WW1 and the Irish Defense forces in later years.

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The ceremony on Saturday will involve a military parade through Templemore and the unveiling ceremony at the Town Hall @ 2pm. The general public are invited to attend which will be a unique and historic event for the town.