The Hegarty Collection includes stories and artifacts from the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War.
Military and pension records revealed the roles that the Hegarty Family played in the fight for freedom.
To preserve these records and to tell their story, Jim put pen to paper and wrote “The Hegartys of the Laurels”.
The crucial roles that siblings John Joe, Nan and Mamie Hegarty played in the War of Independence have finally been uncovered and their heroism has been recognised.
THE
HEGARTY
SIBLINGS
The Hegarty siblings put their young lives at risk on many occasions and documents in the Irish Military Archives have revealed details of their activities.
Their parents Patrick & Elizabeth (née Walsh from Grenagh) supported and encouraged their children and allowed their home, The Laurels to be used as an arms dump, Brigade House, bomb factory, safe house and intelligence hub.
John Joe, Mamie and Nan like so many others never spoke of their experiences during the War of Independence and Civil War.
The Hegarty’s stories are unique to them and highlight their commitment, dedication, loyalty and courage. Click on their images to read their stories.
THE
STORY
CONTINUES
The story of the Hegarty Family has resonated with many families around Ireland and has revealed further historical connections to The Laurels.
Several new projects to commemorate the bravery of so many unsung heroes have come about since the launch of the book. The bravery of women and the roles they played are now being highlighted and acknowledged and their stories are also now being told.
The Book Launch
In April 2022, Cork City Library very generously hosted the launch of the “The Hegartys of the Laurels” as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival
The Exhibition
Cork County Council and the “Rescue Camden” Volunteers in Camden Fort Meagher offered to exhibit the Hegarty Collection during the 2022 season.
The Memorial Garden
In April 2023, Togher Tidy Towns in conjuction with Cork City Council and supported by Togher Historical Association and Ballyphehane Commemorative Association, honoured Nan & Mamie Hegarty by dedicating a Memorial Garden in Clashduv Park, Togher to them.
The Film
As part of their Decade of Commemorations programme, Cork City Council in conjuction with Club Ceoil, Ballyphehane commissioned the production of a film to tell the story of the Hegarty family and the roles they played in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War
The Calendar
To acknowledge and celebrate the role of women in revolutionary times, Cork City Library produced a commemorative calendar for 2024 which features Nan & Mamie Hegarty amongst the many brave women of Cork.
The Blog
The Togher Historical Association has included the story of the Hegarty Family and their family home in their blog.
Many thanks to Billy O’Brien & Kathleen O’Keeffe for highlighting their story
Commemorations
The Decade of Centeneries charts the historical development of Ireland from 1912 to 1923, a decade which was the most turbulent and transformative experienced by Ireland in the 20th century.
The Irish Government designated the period 2012 to 2023 for a commemorative programme of activities
Connections
While researching and writing “The Hegartys of the Laurels”, many other stories have emerged and long forgotten Irish Volunteer and Cumman na mBan connections to the Hegarty Family are being rediscovered.
Please contact us if you have any stories or information relating to the Hegarty Family that you would like to share
Get in Touch
We would be delighted to hear from you if you have any stories or information connected to the Hegarty Family of The Laurels.