History enthusiasts have discovered the graves of the Manchester Martyrs. The National Graves Association (NGA) has revealed that two of its members have located the burial site of William Philip Allen and Michael O'Brien, both from Co Cork, and Michael Larkin from Co Offaly.
The men – who are commemorated in one of Ireland's most popular songs – were dubbed the Manchester Martyrs after their execution in November 1867 for their alleged role in the death of a policeman during a bid to free two Fenian prisoners in the city.
Colonel Thomas Kelly and his assistant Captain Tim Deasy had been arrested in the wake of the unsuccessful Fenian Rising earlier that year.
The Fenian organisation organised a rescue attempt and an armed attack was organised on a police van carrying the two men to Manchester jail on September 18.
In the ensuing struggle Sergeant Charles Brett was shot and killed.
The two prisoners managed to flee the scene, still in handcuffs, and later fled to America but Allen, Larkin and O'Brien were among dozens of men arrested as anti-Irish feelings grew in the city.
All three were condemned to death and publicly hanged outside New Bailey Prison in Salford in front of a huge crowd.
Their executions sparked a bitter reaction in Ireland and the song God Save Ireland, written by TD Sullivan to commemorate the men, has since been taught in classrooms across Ireland.
Unsuccessful efforts were made to have the men's remains brought home to Ireland and their burial place had remained a mystery for generations.
But NGA Manchester representative Charlie McLauchlan, with the support of Dublin historian Eva O Cathaoir, has discovered that the remains were removed from their prison burial plot in 1991 and reinterred following cremation at Blackley Crematorium in the city.
NGA spokesman Matt Doyle last night paid tribute to Mr McLauchlan and Ms O Cathaoir for their work in finding the graves.
"Great credit is due to both of them," he said.
"It has taken us a long time to find the men and it would never have been possible without Charlie and Eva's hard work and determination.
"Now people living in Manchester who have an interest in Irish history can visit the site."
Ireland-based NGA members recently made their first visit to the Manchester graveyard to place a shamrock and lilies at the burial site.
