Military Honours
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-16
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Louis O'Hara (SF), Galway East

The individual in question is Patrick Morrissey of Athenry. Patrick joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1907. He later joined the Irish Volunteers in Athenry in 1914. Athenry was one of the main focal points of the 1916 Rising outside of Dublin. Patrick played a key role locally in that. He was subsequently imprisoned in Kilmainham and then in Wales. He was active once again during the War of Independence as part of the Derrydonnell brigade of the IRA. One of his relatives, Michael Morrissey, has conducted extensive research into the role Patrick played in the Rising, the 1918 election and the War of Independence. There is a lot of supporting documentation, books and different sources on his active role in the Army. Michael has attempted a number of times to apply for a medal with the evidence he has collated to date but, due mainly to the passing of time, this has not been accepted. Will the Department engage with Michael on this application and ensure that, in some way, Patrick's service can be recognised?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:28+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-16