A MOST SPECIAL DAY - FOR A MOST SPECIAL MAN
On the 6th July 2024 in Nohoval Churchyard at the Church of Ireland a most memorable and moving tribute was conducted to the memory of the interment of John Sullivan - V C ( Victoria Cross ) by the Dedication and Blessing of a recently installed Headstone. The late John Sullivan was, at the time of his death, living in Ballindeasig, Nohoval - however he was born in Bantry.
There is a unique situation attached to WHY this belated event occurred. What made this day and reason for the Blessing and Dedication unique was that John had died on the 28th June 1884, so therefore 140 years has passed by.
John was laid to rest in a secret grave, which cannot now be located within the church graveyard, so the recently erected gravestone is in an area that has simply been chosen; so that his memory cannot now be forgotten.
A full account of the history of the life and tremendous bravery of John Sullivan VC appeared in the Tracton News Sheet of February and March 2024.
A very short summary of John is that he was awarded for his most brave act in battle, which was carried out on the 10th April 1855, the Victoria Cross; the Highest military medal for outstanding bravery in the British Forces. In this instance it was during the Crimean war; whilst he was serving in the Royal Navy as he was then based at Sevastopol. He was also awarded France’s ‘Ordre national de la - Légion d'honneur’ ; which is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil for his acts of bravery. He was also awarded the Crimean medal (‘Inkerman & Sevastopol’ clasps) & the Sardinian medal (‘Al Valore’). Then in 1858 he duly received, as a result of his outstanding act of bravery towards a fellow seaman/colleague whilst being based in Canada; the prestigious - Royal Humane Society award medal.[1]
The ceremony in Nohoval was conducted by the Rector, Reverend James Power of Templebreedy, Church of Ireland, and he was ably assisted by Cannon George Murphy of Nohoval Catholic Church, for the Blessing. The full service was to take place at the actual Headstone, however strong showers meant that the inside of Nohoval church was used, and such were the numbers attending that many people were standing around the rear and isles of the Church.
The Rector, gave a most spiritual and fitting tribute to the life and supreme bravery of John Sullivan VC. It should be noted that this was the Rector's first official duty, as he was only installed as Rector 3 days prior !!! Appropriate Bible readings ensued and Psalm 107 was used.
A reading of St. Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 4; was read by Padraig Walsh. Padraig was involved with the Research of John.
A most comprehensive and illuminating detailed account and tribute by Tracton born Fergal Browne of the life and many acts of extreme bravery, as well as his family background were recounted. Fergal is the principal and most worthy researcher of John Sullivan and indeed he is the pivotal instigator of this dedication event and headstone being erected. (Link below for the full article.)
On the 6th July 2024 in Nohoval Churchyard at the Church of Ireland a most memorable and moving tribute was conducted to the memory of the interment of John Sullivan - V C ( Victoria Cross ) by the Dedication and Blessing of a recently installed Headstone. The late John Sullivan was, at the time of his death, living in Ballindeasig, Nohoval - however he was born in Bantry.
There is a unique situation attached to WHY this belated event occurred. What made this day and reason for the Blessing and Dedication unique was that John had died on the 28th June 1884, so therefore 140 years has passed by.
John was laid to rest in a secret grave, which cannot now be located within the church graveyard, so the recently erected gravestone is in an area that has simply been chosen; so that his memory cannot now be forgotten.
A full account of the history of the life and tremendous bravery of John Sullivan VC appeared in the Tracton News Sheet of February and March 2024.
A very short summary of John is that he was awarded for his most brave act in battle, which was carried out on the 10th April 1855, the Victoria Cross; the Highest military medal for outstanding bravery in the British Forces. In this instance it was during the Crimean war; whilst he was serving in the Royal Navy as he was then based at Sevastopol. He was also awarded France’s ‘Ordre national de la - Légion d'honneur’ ; which is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil for his acts of bravery. He was also awarded the Crimean medal (‘Inkerman & Sevastopol’ clasps) & the Sardinian medal (‘Al Valore’). Then in 1858 he duly received, as a result of his outstanding act of bravery towards a fellow seaman/colleague whilst being based in Canada; the prestigious - Royal Humane Society award medal.[1]
The ceremony in Nohoval was conducted by the Rector, Reverend James Power of Templebreedy, Church of Ireland, and he was ably assisted by Cannon George Murphy of Nohoval Catholic Church, for the Blessing. The full service was to take place at the actual Headstone, however strong showers meant that the inside of Nohoval church was used, and such were the numbers attending that many people were standing around the rear and isles of the Church.
The Rector, gave a most spiritual and fitting tribute to the life and supreme bravery of John Sullivan VC. It should be noted that this was the Rector's first official duty, as he was only installed as Rector 3 days prior !!! Appropriate Bible readings ensued and Psalm 107 was used.
A reading of St. Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 4; was read by Padraig Walsh. Padraig was involved with the Research of John.
A most comprehensive and illuminating detailed account and tribute by Tracton born Fergal Browne of the life and many acts of extreme bravery, as well as his family background were recounted. Fergal is the principal and most worthy researcher of John Sullivan and indeed he is the pivotal instigator of this dedication event and headstone being erected. (Link below for the full article.)
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Rector James Power then led the congregation and special guests out to the site of the headstone – it is on the North side of the Churchyard, about midway near the road.... A large party of standard bearing ex Service Society members principally under the auspices of The Royal British Legion passed the headstone to form a Guard of Honour. Prayers and dedication, a poem and further Prayers was then undertaken by Rector Power.
The ‘Last Post’ and consequent ‘Reveille’ was played superbly by a lone Bugle player – Roy Kelleher - ...During these two pieces of music all flags were lowered to symbolise the death of John Sullivan with a two minutes silence to pray, and give thanks for John’s life and the rising of the flags again symbolises the Resurrection. The sound of that Bugle echoed in the graveyard and well beyond and greatly added to this, a most moving tribute …. |
Gerry Donovan, of Cork British Legion, read that most beautiful ode/poem, which starts of with “ They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.... We will remember them” [2]
This last phrase is echoed by all attendees, “We will remember them”, which is a time honoured tribute said at most ceremonies similar to this. I get, a chilling of the spine when it is said, as it is so fitting to the tribute of so many, similar to John, but there by the Grace of God go I.
The Blessing was conducted jointly by, Reverend James Power and Canon George Murphy.
This last phrase is echoed by all attendees, “We will remember them”, which is a time honoured tribute said at most ceremonies similar to this. I get, a chilling of the spine when it is said, as it is so fitting to the tribute of so many, similar to John, but there by the Grace of God go I.
The Blessing was conducted jointly by, Reverend James Power and Canon George Murphy.
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Then the Solemn laying of wreaths occurred and these were placed on the white ensign; it was started by Mr. Josselin Le Gall – Honorary French Consul – Cork - followed by the Royal Navy Association represented by Mr. Robert Buchanan, then the Royal British Legion (Cork Branch) represented by Mr. Vincent Dower, then the Royal Munster Fusiliers represented by Mr. Oliver Griffin, and then finally the Western Front Association represented by Mr. Gerry White.
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The Standard/Colour Party was then sprightly brought to attention and dispatched, and thus the Memorial Service of John Sullivan VC was concluded.
Afterwards, everyone was invited into Nohoval Church of Ireland for refreshments and a chance to socialise. The refreshments were outstanding, and Nohoval congregation provided all. A wonderful community spirit of open hospitality was ensured, there was no better way to end this, a most moving tribute.
It should be noted that the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association paid for the instantiation of the new Headstone. Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Society, Shane McCormack and especially Fergal Browne as well as the Nohoval Select Vestry of the Church of Ireland, and all the people earlier mentioned, all contributed to this most memorable situation and event. For Rector James Power it was a superb way to start his Ministry and we wish him all the very best, and also for his wife Fiona as they start their incumbency for Templebreedy Group of Churches. Canon George Murphy was eager to come ‘out of retirement’ to take part.
It was a fitting tribute to a man and his immediate family that once farmed in Tracton... The 140 years passing testifies, “we WILL remember them” is not just a passing phrase; rather it became a reality on July 6th 2024. May John Sullivan VC Rest in Peace forevermore.
[1] Mr. Fergal Browne...Tracton News Sheet- February & March 2024
[2] Source: The London Times (1914) - an Ode of Remembrance by Laurence Binyon, “For the Fallen”
Afterwards, everyone was invited into Nohoval Church of Ireland for refreshments and a chance to socialise. The refreshments were outstanding, and Nohoval congregation provided all. A wonderful community spirit of open hospitality was ensured, there was no better way to end this, a most moving tribute.
It should be noted that the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association paid for the instantiation of the new Headstone. Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Society, Shane McCormack and especially Fergal Browne as well as the Nohoval Select Vestry of the Church of Ireland, and all the people earlier mentioned, all contributed to this most memorable situation and event. For Rector James Power it was a superb way to start his Ministry and we wish him all the very best, and also for his wife Fiona as they start their incumbency for Templebreedy Group of Churches. Canon George Murphy was eager to come ‘out of retirement’ to take part.
It was a fitting tribute to a man and his immediate family that once farmed in Tracton... The 140 years passing testifies, “we WILL remember them” is not just a passing phrase; rather it became a reality on July 6th 2024. May John Sullivan VC Rest in Peace forevermore.
[1] Mr. Fergal Browne...Tracton News Sheet- February & March 2024
[2] Source: The London Times (1914) - an Ode of Remembrance by Laurence Binyon, “For the Fallen”
Roger Clough – ex Ballinaclashet
ⓒ Roger Clough July/August 2024
ⓒ Roger Clough July/August 2024
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A fascinating full history of the life of John Sullivan VC can be found here:
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For full location and directions to Nohoval Curch Co.Cork please use these links:
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SOMEWHERE IN THIS GRAVEYARD IS THE ACTUAL BURIAL SITE OF JOHN SULLIVAN VC.
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VICTORIA CROSS & GEORGE CROSS ASSOCIATION
Click button for a direct link to John Sullivan VC. For local VC & GC information and contact details please click below:
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To read more about Tracton's local history visit our Tracton Genealogy & Local History Group's webpage
