Mr Kennedy Davin

The death of Mr. Kennedy Davin on December 22nd last, at his residence at Ballydoyle, Cashel, after a prolonged illness, Reaves another gap in the ranks of the freedom fighters of that formidable force – the 3rd Tipperary Brigade. Kennedy was the eldest son of the late Denis Davin of Rathsallagh, Fethard, who was himself a Ffenlan.

The connection between the Fenian period and the later struggle for freedom was strikingly illustrated in Kennedy’s case by his discovery of a cache of Fenian rifles and ammunition on his father’s farm – weapons which were later used effectively flaring the Black-and-Tan period by the Rosegreen Company of Volunteers. Kennedy, was with the Rosegreen Company of the Irish Volunteers when it mobilised on Easter Monday, 1916, under instructions from the late Pierce McCann – instructions later cancelled when the “countermanding order” came from Dublin.

When hostilities broke out again following the fight at Sologheadbeg, Kennedy serves with the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade. One of the main tasks of his Company was to provide a reasonably safe retreat for the command post of the Brigade and the maintenance of regular reports and despatches from all battalions in the Brigade to Fleadquarters. They were also responsible for the construction of well-equipped field dugouts and secret rooms where the Brigade, Battalion and Divisional officers could meet, consult and plan without disturbance from enemy raiding parties.

As the struggle intensified Kennedy rare, if ever, slept under his own roof. In 1922 he succeeded, his own brother, Jerome, as O/C of the 1st Battalion and continued in command until the “cease fire”. His comrades had the greatest confidence in his calm courage in the face of danger.

Some years ago when he was on the point of death following a severe operation, his old comrade, the late Dan Brien, wrote to one of his family: “What a great man is going from Ireland! He was one of the greatest and best. Sean Treacy had more confidence in Kennedy than in any other man he had ever met…”. High commendation, indeed, from two such distinguished soldiers of Ireland. Office and requiem mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated in Rosegreen Church by his brother, Rev. Canon Francis Davin, P.P., Borrisoleigh.

A large gathering of his friends and former comrade attended the obsequies. On Christmas eve, the coffin draped in the Tricolour and with full military honours, Kennedy was interred in Rosegreen cemetery, Mr. Michael Davern gave a moving oration at the graveside. All who knew Kennedy Davin will sympathise with his widow, Mary Davin, his sons and daughters, and his surviving brothers and sisters, in their great loss.

Ar dheis De, fmeasg saidiuiri na h-Eireann go raibh a anam uasal.