Edward ‘Ned’ Stapleton’s life and role in the War of Independence were almost forgotten after his horrific death late in the Civil War. Even that tragedy was quickly overshadowed by reprisal atrocities in its wake. So his pre-Truce IRA and National Army service went unrecognised for more than a hundred years.But now, thanks to the fantastic efforts of his grandnephew, Commemoration Group member Anthony Valentine, Ned’s military service has finally been certified. And we can now try to do justice to this unsung Volunteer who also helped to burn the Custom House.Origin and BackgroundEdward Joseph Stapleton’s parents Edward senior (a Float-man) and Julia née Morris married in Dublin, 1890. The following year their first child, James, was born at Echlin ...
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