Dungarvan
Observer 29th June 1940
Prominent IRA Man's Death
The late Mr. Thomas Veale, Kinsalebeg
Impressive Funeral
Tribute
We regret to announce the
death, at an early age and following a brief illness, of Mr. Thomas Veale,
Moord, Kinsalebeg. A member of a
popular, highly respected and widely known family, deceased who was of a most
genial and unassuming disposition, was a general favourite and his untimely
demise cast gloom over his native district.
He played a prominent part in Ireland's fight for freedom. A member of the Republican movement since its
inception as a leading and active member of the IRA, he took part in several
engagements and proved himself an unselfish and fearless solider and had
several narrow escapes and underwent severe hardships. On being arrested he was interned for a long
period and underwent 21 days' hungerstrike at Newbridge [Curragh camp, Co.
Kildare]. This ordeal and other
privations he underwent on active service adversely affected his health, which never
fully recovered and no doubt accelerated his early death. At the cessation of hostilities he continued
to take an active part in the National Movement, always putting his country's
cause before any personal considerations.
In a word, in the period of Ireland's greatest travail he was one of her
most faithful sons. His sad death leaves
a void that is hard to fill and deepest sympathy is extended to his bereaved mother,
sisters, brothers and relatives. A huge concourse
from all parts of West Waterford and East Cork accompanied the remains to
Kinsalebeg Church. Included in the sad
procession was a big body of deceased's former comrades of the Old IRA, who despite
the fact that there was a hearse in attendance, carried the coffin in relays
the whole way to the Church. Here the remains
were received by Very Rev. Fr. Murphy, P.P., Clashmore; Rev. Fr. Power. C.C.
do; Rev. Fr. O'Donovan, C.C. Waterford and Rev. Fr. Dawson, C.C. Subsequently the interment took place in the
adjoining cemetery in the presence of a huge concourse of mourners and amidst
many manifestations of deep regret. The chief mourners included - Mrs. Veale
(mother); Statia Veale, Mrs. Allen (sisters); John Veale and Patrick Veale
(brothers); James Meskill, Thomas Meskill, John Meskill, James Meskill, Thomas
Meskill, Master Allen, Mrs. Leahy, Alice Meskill, Lena Meskill, Joe Meskill, Mary Flavin, Michael Flavin,
Thomas Cashman, Mrs. Cashman. A number of beautiful floral wreaths and Mass
cards were handed in and numerous messages of sympathy were received.