O’Sullivan’s role in raising the tricolour 1948 | Evidence of Commemoration

O'Sullivan headstone in Glasnevin Cemetry

As historians, we research and seek evidence to support a historical fact. In the case of Gearóid Ó’Suilliobháin, after his passing in 1948, various forms of commemoration back-up the fact that he was the person who raised the Irish Tricolour on the GPO in 1916.

His Gravestone in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin

The inscription indicates that he raised the flag of Ireland over the G.P.O.

An Generál Gearóid Ó Suilliobháin
d'árduigh bratac na hÉireann os cionn
Árd-Oifig an Puist seactain na Cásca 1916
agus do lean den troid go dtí an deire
d'éag 26 Márta 1948

Translation: “General Gearóid Ó’Suilliobháin raised the flag of Ireland over the GPO Easter Week 1916 and contributed to the fight to its end; died 26th March 1948”

An oration at his funeral, 1948

His distinction was celebrated in poetry at his funeral mass by Diarmuid O’Hegarty, his friend, and a veteran of the war of independence:

“It was Gearóid Óg unfurled the Republican Flag / High in Freedom’s breeze”

(Rev. Patrick J. Doyle, Bureau of Military History, witness statement 807, p14)

Wall Plaque in Skibbereen

Wall Plaque to Gearóid O’Sullivan in Skibeereen

A wall plaque erected in 1966 in his native Skibbereen, Co. Cok.

In Your Opinion

In your view, what is the special role played by each of these (a funeral oration, a gravestone, a wall plaque) in recalling the life of Gearóid O’Sullivan?

Supporting Material

Waymarking Website provides information about the plaque in Skibbereen.
Rev. Patrick J. Doyle (Bureau of Military History, witness statement 807, p14)