Liberty Square, Mullinahone

This beautiful photo was shared by Tommy Crotty & we started chatting about where the “Liberty” of The Square came from.

Could this be the origin of the name?

1323–1715: Cross Tipperary was an Irish comprising of lands in the County of Tipperary which were excluded from the “County of the Liberty of Tipperary”. This was the part of the county under the jurisdiction of the Butlers, Earls of Ormond.

In England, Wales & Ireland, palatine counties or “Liberties” were areas ruled by a nobleman enjoying special authority & autonomy from the rest of a kingdom or empire. The nobleman swore allegiance to the king yet had the power to rule the county largely independently of the king. Mullinahone was such a land under the jurisdiction of Slievardagh. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Tipperary)

These were abolished & replaced by their respective counties as a result of their holders’ involvement in rebellions; Tipperary (1716) after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715.

1899: No further land definitions were created for Tipperary until Tipperary was divided into a North & South Riding in 1899

1919–1921: The Irish War of Independence was fought in Ireland from 1919 to 1921 resulting in the end of British rule in most of Ireland.

Was it from British rule & the assignment of “liberties” that Mullinahone had “Liberty Square”?

Was it when British rule ended, Mullinahone saw it as an opportunity to now call the heart of their village “The Square”?

…. or is it all a coincidence?

Does anyone know anything more about the name “Liberty Square”?

Thank you so so much Tommy for sharing the photo!