Sgt John Murray VC & John Byrne VC DCM

In the February 2006 issue of the DLI Association Bulletin the Secretary reported on the approach that had been made to the Association by a group residing in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny. 

The members of the group were proposing to erect a memorial plaque recognising John Byrne VC DCM who was born in the village.  They also indicated that they would also wish to provide a memorial for Sgt John Murray VC who was a resident at Derrinlough in County Offaly.

Financial and physical assistance had been requested.

The John Byrne memorial plaque is now in place and was unveiled by Mr Kevin Storey, Secretary of the DLI Association, on 17th October 2006.

The plaque at Market Square, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

The Family of John Byrne VC DCM with DLI Association representatives

(Mr Kevin Storey, DLI Association Secretary, left centre)

It is believed that John Murray was buried in a family grave, the site of which has now been located. It is the intention to mount a special plaque dedicated to the memory of Sgt John Murray VC as soon as a site has been agreed.

Sgt John Murray VC

John Murray won his VC on 21st June 1864 in New Zealand at Te Ranga where he killed at least eight of the enemy and rescued John Byrne from certain death.

He was the third soldier of the 68th Regiment to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

He died a widower at his sister's house at Derrinlough on 8th April 1911 aged about eighty years. The local barracks at Birr and the Leinster depot band gave him a full military funeral.