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The first shots of the War of Independence have been commemorated a century on.<\/p>\nThe first shots of the War of Independence have been commemorated a century on.<\/p>\n
The Soloheadbeg Ambush took place in Co Tipperary on January 21, 1919.<\/p>\n
Royal Irish Constabulary officers James McDonnell and Patrick O\u2019Connell were killed by members of the Third Tipperary Brigade of the IRA in the incident close to Limerick Junction.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, almost 100 years later, relatives of all involved and those who died, gathered together to mark the date.<\/p>\n
A mass of remembrance was celebrated by the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Kieran O\u2019Reilly, at Solohead church.<\/p>\n
A formal commemoration followed at the Soloheadbeg Ambush Memorial during which Culture Minister Josepha Madigan laid a wreath on behalf of the government.<\/p>\n
Ms Madigan said it was a great honor to be at Soloheadbeg, and described it as a \u201cdeeply moving event\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are no longer at war with our past,\u201d she told those gathered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can commemorate it in its entirety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can honor all those who fought, without forgetting those who died, because we live in an Irish Republic that cherishes all its political traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monday will also mark the centenary of the first sitting of Dail Eireann.<\/p>\n
An event will take place at the Mansion House in Dublin, where it the first sitting took place on January 21, 1919 to mark the 100th anniversary.<\/p>\n
President Michael D Higgins will deliver the keynote address.<\/p>\n