h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Great article on a great man.
Just last week a statue of him was unveiled in Annascaul. Lovely statue but I can't help feeling that as mentioned in the article, Tom Crean would be somewhat uncomfortable with the attention.

One of the reasons I believe that he remined an unknown in Ireland for so long was that there was a certain 'taboo' associated with Irishmen who 'took the Queen's shilling'. When, after serving in the British forces they tended to keep their heads down...especially in Kerry!

rathlynn

Hi Rathlynn,

Yes, I agree - I think that was the undercurrent. Apparently it was quite common in Kerry (and elsewhere I guess) for many young men who would not be entitled to land to join the army or the navy. So many Irishmen were involved, and died in World War 1 it is quite incredible that it was forgotten for so long. There is definitely a thaw now - a prominent IRA man visited the Somme a year ago or so to commemorate his grandfather who died there.

I must pay a visit to Annascaul soon to check out the statue!



Woodpigeon

Excellent Entry!

But F47997?thread=401621&post=5097507#p5097507