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RYAN & AHERN
Ryan and Ahern Estate sign “Ryan and Ahern Terrace” got it’s name in memory of John Ryan of Woodstock and Michael Ahern of Ballyrichard, who were murdered by British Soldiers.
The following is an account of what happened;
“On the eve of the murder John Ryan, who was not in the Movement, walked down the village for The Evening Echo. We had two so we gave him one. He returned home and that night the British Military arrested him at his home, instead of his brother Michael who was on the run. At that time no member of the Volunteers slept at home, it was the custom of the military to raid homes at night, Saturday being the usual night for them to go on the rampage.
On the same night Ahern was taken from his home and both bodies were recovered on Sunday morning. Between masses I with other members of my family watched John Ryan’s father leading a horse drawing a long cart in which the body of his murdered son lay. Never shall I forget that sight: the body was partially covered by the old man’s coat but the booted feet were visible and swayed backwards and forwards with the motion of the cart.
Ahern was one of a family that lived just beyond thwe Rectory, now Healy’s. An avenue leads from The Minister’s Hill to the house, which is not visible from the road. One of his brothers later became an officer in the “Free State Army”, as it was known and there was much resentment about this”

Cross erected to the memory of William Bransfield :
William Bransfield, father of Mary, who was is only child, and then a mere infant was taken from his home which stood near the Curate’s house and since demolished, and shot at a spot across the road.

Cross erected to the memory of Richard Flynn
Richard Flynn, an elderly man, who had no connection with the Movement, was shot outside his house beside the new Boys’ School. On the same night his son, who was dumb, was also taken out and wounded, but managed to crawl into Nagle’s shed where he his until the enemy had gone.

Early Days of the village - Early Roads in Carrig - Pastimes and Customs
The Norman period to Reformation - The Fenians - Carrigtwohill Caves - Ryan and Ahern
Churches - Ballyannon Castle - Barryscourt Castle - The By-Pass
The Boston Band/Old Fair - Tour De France - Ploughing Championships