The annual commemoration in memory of Fr Michael Griffin takes place this Sunday in Barna, proceeded by a memorial Mass in Barna Church at 12 noon.
The commemoration will involve a wreath laying ceremony at the monument at Cloch Scoilte, Barna, where the remains of Fr Griffin were found on November 14 1920. The death of Fr Griffin during the War of Independence caused widespread revulsion of the activities of British crown forces and his death made front page news in The New York Times.
Fr Griffin was a sympathiser of the Republican movement locally and its believed his murder was a direct reprisal by British forces for the kidnapping and courtmartialing of local school teacher James Joyce, who was believed to have been an informer to the RIC.
All are welcome to the commemoration. The guest speaker will be Galway historian William Henry, author of Blood for Blood, The Black and Tan War in Galway.
