War of Independence Commemorative Military Memorial

This memorial at Shankill Cross is a 35-foot-tall stone monument topped with three soldier figures standing on a pedestal. An open book carved into the base displays the names of 41 local volunteers, with additional inscriptions on surrounding stone tablets honoring those who fell.

The memorial was inaugurated in September 1963 to honor members of the Irish Republican Army who fought during the War of Independence from 1920 to 1923. Its establishment marked an important moment in officially recognizing this chapter of history at the local level.

The entrance gate displays the word 'Saoirse', meaning freedom in Irish. Inscriptions on the memorial honor in both Irish and English those from the region who gave their lives for independence.

The site is located near Elphin and is easily accessible from the road. There are limited parking facilities nearby, so it helps to plan your visit during quieter times or look for signage marking the location.

The project took six years to complete and sparked local discussions about whether to include Brigadier Michael Dockery's name on the monument. These debates reflected how the community grappled with decisions about who should be remembered and honored.

Location: County Roscommon

Inception: 1963

GPS coordinates: 53.83920,-8.21840

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41