Stories from Old Newspapers

 

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.