The Tinneny Family History Site
 

 

The Tinneny Grave Memorial Marker Ceremony

The primary burial plot of the descendants of Thomas Tinneny of Goladuff 1732 -1807 is located in Drummully Cemetery, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland located about 4 miles from Goladuff. The single headstone that marks the gravesite was erected by Thomas’s sons. Since his burial generations of Tinnenys have been buried in the large plot. Among them are brothers Patrick and Edward “Ned” Tinneny both of whom were active members of the Wattlebridge Brigade of the IRA during the Irish war for independence. 

November 24, 2024, about 13 people gathered at the grave to participate in the laying of a memorial marker at the foot of the original headstone. The marker was the idea of Tinneny descendent John McGuinness who had it designed and fabricated. John is the grandnephew of Pat and Ned.

Photo: John McGuinness and his wife Avril at the memorial marker laying ceremony.

 

Photo L-R: Niall O Keefe, John McGuinness and Gerry Wallace.

After the memorial marker was placed Gerry Wallace, who knew Pat and Ned from the time he was a boy, spoke to the assembled attendees. He told of their patriotism, character and some of the engagements that Pat and Ned participated in as volunteers in the Irish Republican Army in support of Ireland's War of Independence. They were members of the Wattlebridge Company, "A" (Clones) Battalion, 1st Monaghan Brigade, 5th Northern Division of Oglaigh na hEireann (Soldiers of Ireland). He also mentioned the price they paid for that activity for the remainder of their lives. Part of which was they were on the run from the British government and not permitted to return to their home at Goladuff since it was located in Northern Ireland.

Photo L-R:  Damian Johnston, Niall O Keefe, John Mcguinness, Eamonn McPhilips.

Following Gerry’s presentation Eamonn McPhilips, Chairman of The Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Society Newtownbutler, addressed the attendees citing Pat and Ned’s service and that of all the Irish patriots. He then read The Proclamation of the Irish Republic, 24 April 1916.

A video by Avril McGuinness of Gerry Wallace and Eamonn McPhillips presentations can be viewed here. Strong wind that day made the video difficult to hear. Recommend sound setting be maximized.

Damian Johnston, on behalf of The Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Society Newtownbutler then laid flowers at the grave commemorating the service of Pat and Ned with John McGuinness and Eamonn McPhilips looking on. Damian is a past chairman of the Society.

The card with the flowers from The Matt Fitzpatrick 1916 Society Newtownbutler with the message “Fuair said bás ar son Saoirse na héireann.”  (They died for Irish Freedom)

Photo: John, Damian and Eamonn paying their respects to Pat and Ned at the presentation of the flowers.

Photo: The black marble memorial marker and flowers in memory of Patrick and Edward’s service.

Photo: Attendees at the ceremony except Avril McGuinness: Left to right: Gerard Donoghue, Niall O Keefe, Francie McCaul, John James Donoghue, Eamonn McPhilips, John McGuinness, Gerry Wallace, Kevin McGuinness, Denise McGuinness, Martin McGuinness, Damien Johnson, Oisin Mckeown.

Patrick and Edward Tinneny were the sons of of James and Mary Ann McEntyre of Goladuff, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, grandsons of John and Margaret McAdam Tinneny of Goladuff, great-grandsons of Hugh Tinneny of Goladuff.and great-great Grandsons of Thomas Tinneny of Goladuff. 

Photos courtesy of Avril McGuinness and Damian Johnston.

 



 
Updated January 21, 2025
 
Copyright  R. Tinneny,  All Rights Reserved, 2002-2025