Fermanagh - Bannagh Chapel

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Ireland Genealogy Projects Archives
Fermanagh Index
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File contributed by: John Cunningham

BANNAGH CHAPEL


In the Bannagh River Valley the settlement of Bannaghmore 
usually referred to as Bannagh grew up at the upper end of a 
deep gorge where the river could be crossed. Below this 
there was an extensive area of bog and swamp, which has been 
largely drained and replaced by verdant grassland. The name 
Bannagh is difficult to define exactly but with the 
principal part of the word deriving from the word "ban" 
meaning "white" in Gaelic the area probably got its name 
from the white appearance of the area when covered in 
blossoming bog cotton. Today Bannagh has a flourishing 
Community Centre replacing the old hall, which was in 
association with the nearby Roman Catholic chapel. The hall 
is the sole surviving member of the traditional triumvirate 
of hall, school and chapel common in rural area. These are 
more usually associated with Roman Catholic tradition but 
Ardess Church of Ireland near Kesh had a similar type of 
organisation.

The origins of Bannagh chapel seem to date to the era of 
Roman Catholic Emancipation c 1838. However there have been 
dated headstones discovered in houses nearby, used as 
lintels etc and found in modern renovations, which suggest 
that there was a Cemetery on the site from a much earlier 
period, and probably some form of mass house (probably) 
wooden. Bannagh had an importance in the past, which it 
manages to totally hide in the present day. It was on the 
ancient road between Kesh and Pettigo, which stayed on the 
high ground and avoided the swampy bog land through which 
the modern road runs. The ancient road bridge near Bannagh 
Community Centre still stands as a memorial to the 
importance of this ancient route. Today this old bridge is 
in urgent need of repair. Just upstream from the bridge is 
an even more ancient bridge of large boulders by which the 
peoples as far back as the Stone Age would have crossed the 
Bannagh River. The spaces between the boulders allowed the 
river to pass and the gaps were easily bridged by pieces of 
timber or for that matter could be easily jumped. However, 
the area had another even more important attraction other 
than just a crossing place. It had a sulphur spa well which 
today can still be seen staining the river near the old 
boulder bridge. The minerals from the well were a form of 
medicine for man and beast in the past and where they occur 
in nature even today are a centre of attraction. There is no 
doubt but that a settlement developed here on account of the 
conjunction of medicinal well and important ancient route 
way. There was probably an Iron Age fort at Bannagh c 2,000 
years ago since there is a tradition that a rath occupied 
the site of the present chapel and Cemetery , which was 
flattened out when the chapel was being built. This rath was 
probably the old burying ground. In many places they 
traditionally were for example at Slavin Old Cemetery near 
Belleek.

At the time of the Plantation of Ulster there was obviously 
a settlement of importance at Bannagh or at least an 
indication of its ancient importance when the entire land 
grant given to Sir Edward Blennerhassett of Norfolk in 1610 
was titled as "Bannaghmore." This huge estate ran about 
twelve miles all the way to present day Belleek but yet took 
its name from Bannagh suggesting the ancient importance of 
this locality. When Bannagh School was being built in 
1869-70 a great number of headstones were buried under a 
corner of the building. These came to light again when the 
school was demolished to add to the area of the Cemetery in 
recent times. At the opening of the school the estimation of 
the age of the chapel was that it was in existence about 30 
to 34 years. Leaving aside a period of about 3 years to 
build the chapel suggests its erection to be between 1838 
and 1842. In the renovation of John Brimstone's house in 
recent times a stone was discovered to ... Mc Alister ... 
age 70 ... 1779. None of the inscriptions in Bannagh are 
very ancient but in memory of all those unnamed as well as 
those named this is the current record of those interred 
here.

ARCHDALL

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

BAIRD

BAIRD. In loving memory of John Baird, Kesh died 27th July 
1980 aged 62 years. R.I.P. Erected by his wife and family.

BAILLIE

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

BALLIS

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

BEACOM

BEACOM. In loving memory of William Thomas Beacom died 17th 
October 1982 aged 47 years R.I.P.

BROGAN

TAGGART. In loving memory of our dear mother Sarah Taggart 
died 5th April 1969 aged 54 years. Her brother Thomas 
Simpson died 18th May 19 1975 aged 57 years. Her grandson 
baby Rodney James Brogan died 25th September 1977. R.I.P.

CAHILL

(Small brass plaque.) Pray for Thomas Cahill Esq. D. I. Kesh 
the donor of these Stations. (Donated the Stations of the 
Cross to the church.). (Church Interior.)

(Framed picture) In memoriam. Pray for the soul of James 
Cahill, Ballymurphy, who died on the 9th of October 1909, 
and of his brother, Thomas Cahill, D. I. who died in 
Enniskillen, 15th Nov. 1919. R.I.P. (Church Interior.)

CLARKE

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

COLEY

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

CORRIGAN

EVES. In Memoriam, James M. Eves New Street Ederney died 
29th June 1971. His wife Rose Anne died 4th Nov 1977. R.I.P. 
(Rose Anne, known as Cissie, nee Corrigan of Glengeen, 
Fintona, County Tyrone.)

CORRIGAN. In loving memory of Thomas Corrigan died 22nd 
March 1921 aged 64 years. His sister Mary died 3rd April 
1932 aged 80 years. R.I.P. Erected by his sister Mary.

CULLEN

CULLEN. In loving memory of Dan Cullen died 19th Aug 1979 
aged 71 years Alphonsus (Fonty) Cullen died 16th December 
1989 aged 75 years Margaret Thomas nee Cullen died 21st Nov 
1991 aged 88 years. R.I.P.

CULLEN. In loving memory of Anne Jane and John Cullen their 
brother Hugh his wife Mary their daughter Elizabeth. R.I.P. 
CULLEN. ROSCULBAN.

CUNNINGHAM

GILROY. Roisin Gilroy nee Cunningham died 3rd February 1999 
aged 49. Rest in Peace.

CUNNINGHAM. In loving memory of Brian Cunningham N.T. New 
Street Ederney died 17th Aug 1964 aged 49. His wife May died 
13th May 1973 aged 55 years. R.I.P.

DEVLIN

DEVLIN. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the souls of 
Joseph Devlin who died December 1934 aged 40 years. His wife 
Brigid died 26th Nov 1970. R.I.P.

DOHERTY

DOHERTY. In loving memory of a dear mother Mrs Margaret 
Doherty who died Nov 1943 and a devoted sister Mary Cairns 
who died 26th January 1977. R.I.P.

DOLAN

DOLAN. Erected by Sergt. Dolan R.I.C. Kesh in memory of 
Frances Rose Dolan who died 5th Oct 1897 aged 10 years. 
Martha died 4th Sept 1897 aged 8 months. Thomas died 23rd 
March 1898 aged 3 years. R.I.P.

DOONAN

DOONAN. In loving memory of Bernard Doonan died 9th July 
1904 aged 52 years. Also his wife Mary Anne died 23rd Feb 
1925 aged 65 years. Erected by their son John. R.I.P.

DOOWE

DOOWE. In loving memory of Jane Doowe died July 15 1894 aged 
88?

EDWARDS

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

ELLIOTT

ELLIOTT. In loving memory of Anne Elliott, Drumiagh, died 
2nd Sept 1914 aged 80. Also her brother James died 25th Jan 
1915 aged 74. Elizabeth Elliott died 20th July 1953. John 
Elliott died 29th December 1961. Both died at Drumoyagh, 
Kesh. Erected by their sister Margaret. R.I.P.

EVES

EVES. In loving memory of William Eves, Gortgeeran 22nd July 
1980 aged 66 years. R.I.P.

EVES. In loving memory of Joseph P. Eves died 6th Dec 1981 
aged 70 years. R.I.P.

EVES. Gortgeeran and Ederney. In loving memory of Mary Anne, 
Joseph, their son James, daughters Catherine, Josephine. 
Rest in Peace.

EVES. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the soul of 
Patrick Eves, Kesh who died 31 Dec 1953 aged 79 years. His 
wife Jane died 11th October 1973. R.I.P. Erected by his wife 
Jane. [Owner of Eves' Pub in Kesh]

EVES. In Memoriam, James M. Eves New Street Ederney died 
29th June 1971. His wife Rose Anne died 4th Nov 1977. R.I.P. 
(Rose Anne, known as Cissie, nee Corrigan of Glengeen, 
Fintona, County Tyrone.)

EVES. Erected in loving memory of John Eves, Doorah who died 
6th Dec 1902 aged 64 years. His wife Catherine died 21st 
March 1922 aged 82 years. Mary Eves, Ederney died 4th Feb 
1921 aged 48 years. Jane A. Eves, Ederney died 25th Nov 1918 
aged 28 years. Ellen Eves died 27th June 1937 aged 57 years. 
Adam Eves died 6th Aug 1950 aged 66 years. His sister Rose 
Anne died 4th June 1955 aged 80 years. John James Eves died 
6th May 1961 aged 84 years. Cathleen Eves died 26th Dec 1966 
aged 33 years. Mary Eves died 21st Aug 1973 aged 72 years. 
R.I.P.

EVES. Pray for the souls of William Eves, Carrickoughter 
died 3rd March 1930. His daughter Roseann died 19th November 
1923. His sons John died 20th Dec 1955. William J. died 5th 
February 1965. Adam died 3rd April 1970. Daughter Margaret 
died 18th November 1971. His wife Rose died 31st January 
1978 and daughter Susan died 19th February 1979. R.I.P.

FLYNN

FLYNN. In loving memory of William and Margaret Flynn, Kesh 
and their daughter Sarah died 10th May 1965. R.I.P.

GALLAGHER

GALLAGHER. Our Lady of Lourdes pray for the repose of the 
soul of Frank Gallagher, Ednamohill who died 8th Dec 1983. 
R.I.P.

GALLAGHER. In loving memory of Thomas Gallagher, Bannagh 
died 29th March 1944 aged 69 years. His wife Mary A. died 
26th Dec 1969 aged 87 years. R.I.P.

GALLAGHER. "Jesus Mercy Mary Help." Pray for Edward 
Gallagher, Portinode died 21st Dec 1944. His wife Mary Anne 
died 13th Dec 1924 and son John died 5th Dec 1973 aged 78 
years. His wife Annie died 27th Apr 1976 aged 78 years. 
R.I.P.

GALLAGHER. Erected by Kate Gallagher U.S.A. in memory of her 
beloved father William Gallagher who died Dec 8th 1896 aged 
74 years. Also his wife Brigid Gallagher died August 3rd 
1917 aged 78 years. R.I.P.

GILLESPIE

GILLESPIE. Pray for the soul of Catherine Gillespie died 5th 
March 1969 and her husband James died 9th May 1982. R.I.P.

GILROY

GILROY. Roisin Gilroy nee Cunningham died 3rd February 1999 
aged 49. Rest in Peace.

GOSSET

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

HACKETT

HACKETT. In memory of John Hackett died 20th Aug 1934.

JOHNSTON

(Small brass plaque.) Pray for John Johnston Esq. A generous 
benefactor of this church. (Church Interior.)

KEARNS

KEARNS, In loving memory of Ellen Kearns, Boa Island died 
19th October 1972. Rest in Peace. Always remembered by 
family in Manchester and Birmingham.

KEOWN

KEOWN. Erected in memory of Ann Keown who died July 8th 1889 
aged 63 years. By her son James Keown died Jan 18th 1910 
aged 58 years. R.I.P.

KEOWN. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the soul of 
William James Keown, Drumgowna died 7th March 1963. His wife 
Margaret Jane died 18th April 1986 aged 87. Their son John 
James died 31st July 1989 aged 59 years. R.I.P.

KEOWN. Pray for William Keown, Portinode died 18th Sept 
1963. His wife Mary Agnes died 16th May 1969. R.I.P.

KEOWN In loving memory of a devoted husband and father 
Brendan died 15th June 1992. His loving daughter Jacqueline 
died 3rd November 1973 aged 10 years. Rest in Peace.

KEOWN. Erected by Charles Keown and his wife Ellen of 
Portinode in memory of their beloved son, Constable Patrick 
Keown, killed Cliffoney, County Sligo 25th October 1920 aged 
25 years and Charles Keown who died 22nd July 1922 aged 67 
years and Ellen Keown who died 24th Decr 1924 aged 61 years. 
Her sons Edward died 8th Jan 1969 aged 72 years, Charles 
died Feb 1970 aged 77 years. R.I.P. (See below)

Constable Keown R.I.C.

Constable Keown was killed in an ambush in which three other 
policemen were killed near Grange, County Sligo, while a 
number of others were seriously wounded. A patrol of nine 
had left Cliffoney Barrack and crossing towards Moneygold 
they were ambushed at a small wood. According to the 
Impartial Reporter the scene on that Monday evening was 
horrifying with the dead lying on the road where they had 
fallen and the wounded lying moaning. Three Policemen were 
missing. Reprisals were expected especially as it was said 
that the attackers used expanding bullets (dum dums) Five 
houses were burned in Cliffony, a house belonging to a man 
called Mc Glone at Tullaghan as well as other houses along 
the Sligo Road especially those of known Sinn Feiners. The 
following account appears in pp138/9. “A police patrol, 
consisting of a Sergeant and eight Constables who were 
stationed at Cliffoney Barracks, was ambushed between Grange 
and Ahanlish at Moneygold, eight miles from Sligo. Three of 
the patrol were killed outright, namely Sergeant Perry, 
Constable Laffey and Constable Keown. Perry, a fifty-one 
year old married man with ten children, was from Ballivor, 
Co., Meath. He had twenty-six years police service having 
had no other employment before joining the RIC. Laffey, was 
forty-one, married with five children and came from County 
Galway. He had nineteen year's police service having 
previously been a farmer. Constable Keown was twenty-five 
and single. From Co., Fermanagh, he had four months police 
service, having been a farmer before joining the RIC. He had 
first joined the RIC on 3rd May 1919 but had been discharged 
as unfit by the Force Surgeon. He rejoined on 3rd June 1920. 
Constable Lynch was removed to the County Infirmary where he 
died from his wounds on 27th October 1920. A thirty-three 
year old married man with two children from Co., Cavan; he 
had twelve years' police service, having been a farmer prior 
to joining the RIC. Two other Constables, Clarke and 
O'Rourke, wounded during this incident were removed to a 
Dublin Hospital. A lorry conveying the bodies of two of the 
dead officers to Boyle had an inscription displayed in large 
letters, which read: “A Sinn Fein victory three widows and 
seventeen orphans.” The ambush was carried out by an IRA 
unit under the command of William Pilkington, the Sligo 
Brigade Commandant, who eventually became OC of the IRA's 
Third Western Division. In 1924 Pilkington joined a 
Redemptorist Order, and was ordained a priest in 1931.

KEYS

KEYS. In loving memory of Anthony Keys, Kesh, died 19th 
September 1993 aged 47 years. Rest in Peace. "Gone from our 
home but not from our hearts."

LAFFEY

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

LYNCH

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

MAGUIRE

MAGUIRE. In loving memory of Gerald Maguire died 6th April 
1991 aged 60 years. His wife Noelle Frances died 6th May 
1993 aged 66 years. Grandchild Claire Rachel Maguire 
17th-18th November 1982. "Rest in Peace."

MAGUIRE. In loving memory of Mary Anne Maguire, Glendurragh 
Prk, died Aug 1988 aged 65. R.I.P.

MAGUIRE. Pray for the soul of Thomas Maguire, Boa Island, 
his wife Catherine and their niece Margaret Mc Hugh and 
their son Patrick Maguire and their son Thomas and their son 
Vincent. R.I.P. (On another stone on the grave.) Thomas died 
1939. Catherine died 1940. Margaret died 1964. Patrick died 
1978.

MAGUIRE. Pray for the souls of Joseph Maguire and his 
beloved wife Mary Alicia. R.I.P.

MAGUIRE. In loving memory of Margaret Maguire, Rosculban 
died 18th April 1918 aged 56 years. Her husband Hugh, sons 
Joseph, died 20th Jan 1919 aged 20 years. James died 22nd 
Feb 1919 aged 17 years. Also Patrick Owen Maguire died 13th 
May 1992 aged 65 years. R.I.P.

MAGUIRE. In loving memory of John Maguire, Clonaweil died 
23rd May 1973 aged 64 years. His wife Rose died 16 Dec 1973 
aged 60 yrs. R.I.P.

McANERN

MC ANERN. In loving memory of David Mc Anern died 19th July 
1982 aged 13 years. "What a friend we have in Heaven." 
R.I.P.

McCABE

MC CABE. Pray for the souls of Catherine Jane Mc Cabe, 
Ardshankill, Boa Island, who died 8th October 1968. Her 
brother Francis who died 15th April 1972 and brother John 
who died 21st March 1975. R.I.P.

MC CABE. Pray for John Mc Cabe, Boa Island died 18th Jan 
1938. His wife Brigid died 25th Sept 1945. Their children 
Edward died 10th Jan 1969. Mary died 27th Dec 1971. Vincent 
died 14th June 1981. R.I.P.

MC CABE.Have mercy on the souls of James and Margaret Mc 
Cabe who died August 1928 and 1955 and daughter Ellen who 
died 9th June 1966. R.I.P.

McCAFFREY

MC CAFFREY. In memory of George and Anne Mc Caffrey. R.I.P.

MC CAFFREY. In loving memory of Elizabeth Mc Caffrey, 
Drumgowna who died 27th Feb 1924 aged 72 years. R.I.P. 
Erected by her daughter Susan, her sons Dan and Martin 
U.S.A.

MC CAFFREY. 2867009 Private B. Mc Caffrey, Gordon 
Highlanders 26th December 1920 aged 22. "Eternal rest grant 
him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him." (Died in 
India as a result of malaria)

McCARNEY

MC CARNEY. Of your charity pray for the repose of the soul 
of Very Rev Patrick Mc Carney P.P. Blackbog 1927-1950 who 
died 19th Nov 1950 in the 49th year of his priesthood. 
R.I.P.

MC CARNEY. Catherine Mc Carney, Spa House, died 9th December 
1941. Requesciat in Pace. Amen.

McCRORY

MC CRORY. In loving memory of James Mc Grory, Drumard died 
19th Feb 1963 aged 78 years. His wife Mary Ellen died 20th 
Nov. 1977 aged 87 years. R.I.P. Erected by their son, 
Michael.

McELRONE

MC ELRONE. In Memoriam. James Mc Elrone, Bannagh died 14th 
of October 1987 aged 72 years.

MC ELRONE. In loving memory of Charles Mc Elrone, Bannagh 
died 1st October 1953 aged 44 years. His parents Sarah died 
6th May 1957 aged 80 years. James died 7th August 1959 aged 
81 years and grandmother Sarah Eves died 3rd April 1925 aged 
80 years. R.I.P.


McFARLAND

MC FARLAND. In loving memory of William Mc Farland died 23rd 
Feb 1993 aged 88 years. Also his children Dympna, John, 
Eileen and Thomas who died in infancy. R.I.P.

McGARRITY

MC GARRITY. In loving memory of Mary Mc Garrity who died 9th 
Nov 1943 aged 60 years. Her husband Patrick died 13th Jan 
1946 aged 80 years. Their daughter Annie Mary died 8th March 
1920 aged 20 years. Their son Hugh died 31st Jan 1959 aged 
55 years. Patrick died 25th Feb 1984 aged 74 years. R.I.P.

McGEE

MC GEE. In loving memory of Brigid Mc Gee died 31st March 
1963 and daughter Mary Calgie died 16 March 1992.

McGLONE

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

McGRORY

MC CRORY. In loving memory of James Mc Grory, Drumard died 
19th Feb 1963 aged 78 years. His wife Mary Ellen died 20th 
Nov. 1977 aged 87 years. R.I.P. Erected by their son, 
Michael.

McHUGH

MAGUIRE. Pray for the soul of Thomas Maguire, Boa Island, 
his wife Catherine and their niece Margaret Mc Hugh and 
their son Patrick Maguire and their son Thomas and their son 
Vincent. R.I.P. (On another stone on the grave.) Thomas died 
1939. Catherine died 1940. Margaret died 1964. Patrick died 
1978.

McMAHON

MC MAHON. In loving memory of Philip Mc Mahon, 
Carrickoughter died 16th Aug 1969. His son James died in 
infancy. His uncle John Mc Mahon died 3rd Oct 1931. His 
sister Annie Mc Mahon died 2nd Nov 1933. His wife Mary died 
29th September 1990 aged 89 years. R.I.P. Erected by his 
wife Mary.

McMANUS

MC MANUS. Pray for the soul of Mary Theresa Mc Manus, 
Rosculban, Kesh died 21st May 1927. R.I.P.

McMULLAN

Mc MULLAN. In loving memory of Monica died 18th October 1991 
aged 55.

MONAGHAN

MONAGHAN. In loving memory of Isabella Monaghan died 9th 
April 1969 also John Monaghan who died 15th February 1990.

MONAGHAN. In memory of Michael Monaghan died Dec 1947. Wife 
Catherine died Jan 1963. Mary died Aug 1970. Hugh died Mar 
1973. Michael Monaghan died 28th Nov 1975. My Jesus Mercy.

MORRIS

MORRIS (nothing else).

NOBLE

NOBLE (nothing else).

NUGENT

NUGENT. In loving memory of Lawrence Nugent, Feddans died 
8th June 1985 aged 64 years. "Rest in Peace."

NUGENT. In loving memory of A. J. Nugent, N.T. died 16th 
July 1919 aged 62 years and his wife, Mary Anne, who died 
August 5th 1930, aged 71 years. Also their sons Patrick died 
23rd March 1942. Joseph died 8th Dec 1971. His wife Margaret 
died 21 March 1974. R.I.P.

O'CONNOR

O'CONNOR. In loving memory of Mary E. O'Connor died 9th Jan 
1970 aged 56 yrs. Her husband William died 27th March 1992 
aged 82 yrs.

O'CONNOR. In loving memory of Denis O'Connor died 21st March 
1935. James O'Connor died 26th July 1986. R.I.P.

O'CONNOR. In loving memory of Denis O'Connor who died on the 
5th February 1971 aged 70 years and his wife Catherine who 
died on 19th March 1935 aged 69 years. Also Joseph O'Connor 
who died on 14th June 1955 aged 51 years and Mary Jane 
O'Connor who died on 25th July 1956 aged 56 years. R.I.P.

O'DONNELL

O'DONNELL. In loving memory of Thomas O'Donnell.

O'DONNELL. In loving memory of Rose O'Donnell who died on 
the 28th of June 1934 aged 74 years. R.I.P.

O'REILLY

O'REILLY. To the memory of Thomas Joseph dearly beloved son 
of B. O'Reilly, of Kesh died the 8th of April 1884.

O'ROURKE

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

PERRY

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

PILKINGTON

(see long note re: Constable Keown)

PLACE

PLACE (Nothing else).

ROSS

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

SCALLON, SCALLAN

SCALLON. In loving memory of Rose Scallon, Boa Island died 
30th April 1974. Her husband George died 10th April 1978. 
R.I.P.

SCOLLAN. Pray for the soul of Anne Scollan who died 25th 
July 1923 aged 70 years also her loving husband George 
Scollan who died 8th Feb 1938 aged 84 years and their son 
Edward who died 5th Feb 1959 aged 79 years. His wife Mary 
died 24th Dec 1982 aged 86 years. R.I.P. "On whose soul 
sweet Jesus have mercy."

SCALLON. In loving memory of Bernard Scallon, Boa Island who 
died Dec 4 1920. His wife Mary who died April 16 1955. Their 
son Edward who died Dec 18th 1963. Also their son Patrick 
who died May 22nd 1969. R.I.P.

SHERIDAN

SHERIDAN. In loving memory of Charles Sheridan, Kesh, died 
10th Nov 1972. His wife Mary died 6th Feb 1986. R.I.P.

SIMPSON

TAGGART. In loving memory of our dear mother Sarah Taggart 
died 5th April 1969 aged 54 years. Her brother Thomas 
Simpson died 18th May 19 1975 aged 57 years. Her grandson 
baby Rodney James Brogan died 25th September 1977. R.I.P.

SLEAVIN

Michael Sleavin. V.C. Unmarked grave.

Corporal Michael Sleavin, a holder of the Victoria Cross and 
survivor of the Indian Mutiny is buried in Bannagh. He 
served in the Royal Engineers. He died on the 15th of August 
1902. The following is the account of his funeral, which was 
printed in the Fermanagh Times on August 28th 1902. The 
funeral of Michael Slevin V. C. whose death at the age of 76 
occurred on the previous Wednesday at his residence, 
Dromard, near Kesh took place on Saturday 16th and was 
attended by several of the local gentry and a large portion 
of the respectable inhabitants of Kesh and the surrounding 
neighbourhood who, by their presence, testified their 
respect and esteem for the deserved hero. Sleavin, though 
one of the bravest soldiers the British Army has produced 
for a century, was a man of the most unassuming character, 
never parading his deeds of fame in India or elsewhere, 
living very quietly on a farm on the Archdall property and 
whenever alluding to the heroic part he took in the taking 
of Jhansi, for which he received the Victoria Cross, always 
ended by saying, "that in doing a soldier's part he only did 
his duty to his Sovereign and Country." Sleavin was enlisted 
for the Royal Artillery in Lowtherstown (Irvinestown) so far 
back as 1847. Being a mason by trade (it is said of him that 
at the age of 20 he had already built several houses in Kesh 
for the late Mr William Archdale) he was soon transferred to 
the Royal Engineers. He served in that Corps in Bermuda, 
Mauritius and in India; his entire service in the British 
Army extending to a period of more than 24 years. He retired 
from the services in 1871 with not only a high personal 
character but, in possession of the India Mutiny Medal with 
clasp and wearing the highest distinction his Sovereign 
could confer on him - "For conspicuous valour in the 
presence of the enemy" namely the Victoria Cross. The 
history of his behaviour in the presence of the enemy as 
given by his commanding officer, for which he won the 
Victoria Cross is here worthy of record.

No 109 of 1858. From Captain John Ballis, Executive 
Engineer, Jhansi. TO Lieutenant J.B. Edwards, R.E. 
Commanding 21st Co Royal Engrs, Gwalior. Dated Jhansi, 26th 
October 1858.

Sir, I reply to your semi-official letter of the 4th inst 
requesting me to state the circumstances of an act of 
gallantry performed by Corporal Sleavin 21st Company Royal 
Engineers, at the capture of Jhansi, I have the honour to 
forward the following detailed statement for your 
information. On the failure of the attempt to escelade on 
the left attack to which I was attached as an assistant 
field engineer. I proceeded round to the breach and joined 
the column of the night attack under Brigadier Stewart, 
which had forced its way to within a short distance of the 
Palace. In reaching this position the column suffered very 
severely from the flank fire of the Fort at a point where it 
had to cross a small open space at the junction of several 
streets, upon which the enemy's matchlock men concentrated 
their fire. Dr Stack H.M. 86th Regiment was killed there as 
I reached it, and several other officers and a number of the 
men had been wounded. It occurred to me that by running a 
rough parapet across the opening, a direct communications 
with breach and a safe removal of the wounded would be 
secured and the line of buildings thus connected would form 
an advanced parallel of great importance in the event of the 
enemy (as was to be expected) holding out at the front. I 
pointed this out to Capt Coley the Brigade Major and he 
requested me to put the plan into execution immediately. I 
directed Corporal Sleavin, 21st Company Royal Engineers who 
with one or two others of the company was present with the 
column to commence the construction of the parapet by piling 
up doors and bedsteads, boxes and such other materials as 
were obtainable from the surrounding houses so as to afford 
the required cover. He commenced at once and the enemy 
perceiving our intention opened a severe musketry fire upon 
the spot. Scarce a plank was laid without being struck and 
frequently perforated by bullets and from the great command 
the enemy had over us at less than 200 yards distance it was 
almost impossible to raise the parapet sufficiently to avoid 
exposure. A Sepoy of the 25th Bombay Native Infantry was 
shot through the head close to me while pushing forward 
materials for the sap and several others wounded and I was 
compelled to substitute continuous rope to carry forward a 
constant supply of materials to the sap. Corp Sleavin 
however who was at the head of the sap and consequently much 
exposed, maintained his position under this heavy fire with 
a cool and steady determination worthy of the highest praise 
and he continued his work until the capture of the Palace 
had placed the greatest part of the town in our possession 
and open up a safe line of communication with the camp by 
the Poncha and other gateways. As there was no longer any 
necessity for exposing the men at the sap I directed 
Corporal Sleavin to withdraw and suspend the completion of 
the work till nightfall. Capt Coley, Major of Brigade, 1st 
brigade C.I.F.F and Lieut Gossett C.E. who personally 
assisted in the construction of the parapet will, I have no 
doubt, add their testimony in support of this statement and 
I shall be most gratified with their aid. It may be the 
means for obtaining for this brave man the due recognition 
and reward for an act of gallantry unsurpassed, if not 
unequalled throughout this campaign - I have the honour to 
be sir, Your most obedient servant (signed) John Baillie 
(Captain) Executive Engineer and Sub Assistant Engineer, 
Central India Field Force.

It is only right and proper to note that Dr. Stack of the 
86th Regiment referred to above as having been killed, was 
the brother of the present day Bishop of Clogher. He was the 
surgeon of the Regmt, a man of great height, powerful 
physique and a brave soldier. When Sir Hugh Ross (afterwards 
Lord Strathairn) commanded the column, which took Jhansi the 
86th Royal Irish County Down's formed part of his force. 
Jhansi was defended by 20,000 rebels under the command of 
the famous Tantia Topee. The rebel chief advanced with his 
men with a view to raise the siege while Sir Hugh who was 
investing the place slipped a way (leaving only a few men 
behind) quietly on the rebels track and coming up with them 
close to a river dealt them such a blow as utterly 
annihilated them leaving most of them dead on the river 
bank. In connection with the great victory a recently 
published history states, "Central India, when much trouble 
had arisen from the brave and able Ranee or Prince of Jhansi 
and the very skilful General Tantia Topee, was conquered in 
a most brilliant campaign conducted in 1858 by Sir Hugh 
Ross, afterwards Lord Strathairn." It was on Sir Hugh's 
return to storm the town and citadel that proceeded to deal 
with the wounded and the other side as well as he could. His 
C.O. (Stuart) ordered him to retire, but Surgeon Stack 
refused, saying he would not leave while a single wounded 
man was unattended. He had got nearly through his work 
binding up the wounded and making the poor fellows as 
comfortable as he could under a heavy fire. He had dressed 
almost the last man and put a knapsack under his head had 
gone back to his supplies and handed a draught to one of his 
attendants to give him. The attendant crept to the gap in 
the wall, came back and said, Doctor I can't do it." Dr. 
Stack took the cup from the attendant went over to the wall 
to the wounded man and was in the act of pressing the cup to 
the lips of the wounded man when he was shot through the 
heart by a piece of telegraph wire - and so ended the life 
of a noble soldier, a kind and skilful physician, while 
another Fermanagh person in the person of Mick Sleavin leads 
a party of brave fellows who in the face of death rescue Dr. 
Stack's body from mutilation by the enemy. Had Dr. Stacks 
lived he, no doubt, would have been awarded the Victoria 
Cross. But his friends have the consolation in the thought 
that he died doing his duty to his fellow man, while his 
epitaph is indelibly written on his country's mind. Dr 
Stack's remains lie in Jhansi beneath a beautiful slab of 
white marble taken from the Ranee's Palace. Corporal Michael 
Sleavin was buried in Bannagh Cemetery in the Parish of 
Drumkeeran (Tubrid).

STACK

(see long note re: Michael Sleavin)

STEELE

STEELE. In loving memory of Anthony Joseph Steele died 15th 
March 1969 aged 55 years. His wife Margaret Alice died 25th 
Dec 1971 aged 59 years. Baby Judeth Steele died 1953. 
Anthony Noel died 20th Dec 1975 aged 25 years and deceased 
members of the family. R.I.P. (On the same grave) In loving 
memory of our dear sister Margaret Steele died 30-10-1935 
also our parents, James died 8-7-44. Sarah died 30-10-46. 
R.I.P.

TAGGART

TAGGART. In loving memory of our dear mother Sarah Taggart 
died 5th April 1969 aged 54 years. Her brother Thomas 
Simpson died 18th May 19 1975 aged 57 years. Her grandson 
baby Rodney James Brogan died 25th September 1977. R.I.P.

THOMAS

CULLEN. In loving memory of Dan Cullen died 19th Aug 1979 
aged 71 years Alphonsus (Fonty) Cullen died 16th December 
1989 aged 75 years Margaret Thomas nee Cullen died 21st Nov 
1991 aged 88 years. R.I.P.

WALMSLEY

WALMSLEY. In loving memory of Mary Anne Walmsley died 3rd 
August 1964 aged 74 years. Her son James died 8th Feb 1969 
aged 37 years. Her grandson Sean died 29th April 1972 aged 4 
years. R.I.P.

SLEVIN

SLEVIN (nothing else).