Centenary commemoration held to honour two north Louth men

Last month saw a local commemoration held at the top of the Gyles Quay road to mark the centenary since the execution of Josie Ferguson and Thomas McKeown, where a stone was erected in their honour in December 2016.

Cooley Peninsula based Fianna Fáil Councillor Andrea McKevitt led the commemoration ceremony on December 28, which was held in conjunction with Dundalk and District Old IRA. 

Cllr McKevitt, said “I was delighted with the turnout at the event on Saturday past and it is heartening that both descendants for the Ferguson and McKeown families were eager to get on board in remembering these local men.” ‘’to be remembered’’ was the wish of the late Josie Ferguson in a letter to his mother ahead of his execution. 

Caothaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Conor Keelan, spoke of the importance of the families and community remembering these men. 

Wreaths were laid at the stone, by Catherine Gaskin a member of the Ferguson family and Martin Bashford laid a wreath on behalf of the McKeown family. Local musicians Roisin and Ciaran Crawley provided music on the day. 

The Proclamation was recited by Valerie Ferguson at the event, and Stephen McKevitt said the rosary. The event was concluded with the national anthem. Councillor McKevitt stated how important this event was, “these men played a part in our history and it is our duty to remember them and the ultimate sacrifices they made’’.