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Papers: List of recent meetings |
De La Salle by Paddy Sexton |
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John Terry Sherlock - Irish Volunteer |
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Members and friends of Skerries Historical Society were treated to a thoroughly researched paper by Frank Whearity in his lecture entitled "John Terry Sherlock - Irish Volunteer " on Tuesday 11th. June, 2002. The Sherlock family home was at No. 7, Cabra Terrace (now called Sherlock Terrace) and it was from here he was taken out at night and shot in what was then a field nearer the town. His mother, Jane (nee Duff), died in 1925 aged 60. His father Michael worked as a farm labourer for McDonaghs. It is said that the death of his son affected him so badly that he disappeared for months and remained out on Shenick Island working the land there for McDonaghs. He later worked for the Holy Faith Convent and died in the 1950s aged 91. Terry Sherlock, as he is best known locally, was born in 1897 and grew up in the town of Skerries, Co. Dublin. His life was short, but when he was cut down in cold blood by the Black and Tans on the night of the 27th. October, 1920, though not much more than a boy, he had played a part in the struggle for independence in Ireland. Terry was a member of the local St. Patrick's GAA club, an organisation which fostered nationalistic ideals. At the time many Irish men in this part of Ireland, including his two brothers, joined the British Army to fight the first World War. Terry followed a different drum, joined the 1st. Battalion of the Fingal Brigade of Volunteers, carried a weapon and probably took part in the Battle of Ashbourne. |
During the 1916 rebellion, almost 200 of the North Staffordshire regiment landed in Skerries. Terry Sherlock, Thomas Hand and others were arrested and taken to Wakefield prison. He was eventually released and returned to Skerries but went on the run after "The Sack of Balbriggan". However he sometimes slept at home and was there when the Black and Tans called after midnight, on October 27th. 1920. He was taken out to be questioned and later shot nearby.
The spot where he fell dead, is marked by a plaque fixed to a wall, at the entrance to a housing estate named in his honour, Sherlock Park. Terry's remains lie buried, in the Holmpatrick cemetery, in his family's plot. His parents had an inscription put on the headstone: In sad and loving memory of their dear son Terry Who gave his life for Ireland on 27th. October 1920. Aged 22 years. Nearby, jus a few metres away, stands a memorial to Terry and two other Irish Volunteers. This is in the centre of the graveyard beside the steps leading from the lower to the higher section. The inscription reads: who gave their lives for Ireland during the struggle for ndependence.
Joe Clinton proposed the vote of thanks to Frank Whearity and complimented him on the depth of his research. The large attendance thoroughly agreed. |