He embodied courage.

And as we all get to grips with a new way of life in the battle against a global pandemic, it’s fitting that we look to a true Cork hero for inspiration.

Today marks the centenary of Lord Mayor Tomás Mac Curtáin’s death.

There were several events planned that have been postponed in line with Ireland’s #COVID19 measures. Instead, St. Peter’s Cork remembers him today with a short, poignant video.

“It was after midnight when Mac Curtáin’s neighbours heard “a thundering knock at a door followed by shots up and down the street”. Witnessed by his pregnant wife and young children, disguised RIC constables burst into Mac Curtáin’s home, shooting him dead as he came from his bedroom.” reads a description of the horrific scene.

“Soon after, British soldiers and the RIC searched the house, including around the bed where the Lord Mayor was now laid out. It was the morning of Mac Curtáin’s 36th birthday. The murder outraged the public and brought near-universal condemnation.”

Watch this short clip, which features photographs and videos from the time:

Remembering Tomás | Today marks the centenary of Lord Mayor Tomás Mac Curtáin’s death. There were many events planned in Cork but in line with Ireland’s #COVID19 measures, they have been postponed. Instead, we remember him with this short video #Cork1920 pic.twitter.com/5MzrHRTxYh

— St. Peter’s Cork (@StPetersCork) March 20, 2020

St. Peter’s Cork is currently closed but the yearlong anchor exhibition Cork 1920 will reopen after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and continue until the end of the year.