Centenary of shooting of Ballinagh republican

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Captain Tom Sheridan who died aged 23, from wounds received in an engagement with British forces at Kilsallagh, near Ballinagh, on May 27, 1920.

As officer in Command of the Drumbrade Volunteer Company, the young , Drumcrow man organised a hold up of British police in order to procure arms. Orders were that this was to be done without causing loss of life. On being called to surrender one of the policemen unexpectedly opened fire and wounded both Tom and his brother, Packie.

Badly wounded, Tom was taken to the Mater Hospital in Dublin, where he died two days later. His brother, Packie, was taken to Jervis Street Hospital where he spent six weeks before going ‘on the run’ until the truce was signed in 1921.

As a result of the engagement, the Sheridan family home in Drumcrow was set ablaze by Crown forces that night while members of the family, Tom’s parents, sister and two other brothers, were in the house. Thankfully, they escaped from the fire.

Information on the engagement and the subsequent harassment of the Sheridan family can be found in the exhibitions in the National Museum in Collins Barracks, Dublin, and in the County Cavan Heritage Museum in Ballyjamesduff. Fuller information can be obtained in the book, ‘What if the Dream Come True…’, written by Tom and Packie’s brother, Seán. This book is available in the Cavan County Museum and it can be accessed on the website, www.cavantownlands.com

A cross [pictured above] marks the spot at Kilsallagh where the engagement took place. Because of the Covid-19 situation, plans for a commemoration had to be cancelled.

Tom and Packie’s brother, Michael, was imprisoned during the War of independence and he subsequently worked strenuously with his brother, Seán, to establish Fianna Fáíl firmly in County Cavan. He served as a TD for the county for 30 years.