Execution
On 8 December 1922, Richard Barrett was executed along with three other Republican leaders, Rory O'Connor, Liam Mellows and Joe McKelvey by the Irish Free State in revenge for the IRA's killing of TD Sean Hales. One significant member from each province was executed, Barrett representing Munster. Ironically, Barrett was a member of the same IRA brigade as Hales during the Anglo-Irish War and both were childhood friends. The executions were ordered by Justice Minister Kevin O'Higgins. In reprisal for O'Higgin's role in the executions, the Anti-Treaty IRA murdered his father and burned his family home in Stradbally, County Laois. Anti-treaty members would later assassinate O'Higgins as well. (See also Executions during the Irish Civil War). Barrett is now buried in his home county Cork following the government's exhumation and re-interment.
A poem about the execution was written by Galway clergyman Pádraig de Brún.
Read more about this topic: Richard Barrett (Irish Republican)
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