PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .......
....... In 1880 , the new British Chief Secretary in Ireland , William E. Forester , ordered the arrest of the leadership of the ' New Departure' group - that organisation was , at the time , in a 'head-to-head' conflict with the Brits over the issue of 'rents' .......
Key figures in the 'New Departure' group were rounded-up ; Patrick Egan , Joseph Biggar , Charles Stewart Parnell and John Dillon were amongst those arrested . The 'trial' of the leadership began on 28th December 1880 but collapsed on 23rd January 1881 , and the men were released . William E. Forester strongly objected to the release of the men and attempted to get the verdict overturned - when he failed in this endeavour , he resigned his position in disgust .
The then British Prime Minister , William Gladstone , had his nephew [by marriage] , a 'Lord' Frederick Cavendish , appointed as the new British Chief Secretary in Ireland ; Cavendish , in turn , appointed Thomas Burke , an Irishman ,[a 'Castle-Catholic' ie a 'wannabe Brit'] as his new Under-Secretary .....
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......We were cycling out of Ballingeary , having failed in our mission to draw the Brits out of their barracks . On looking up the road we saw two RIC men on bicycles coming our way - we split up and took both sides of the road ......."
" As they came near us , we dismounted and closed in towards the middle of the road . They had to walk between our lines . We saw at once that they were unarmed . They wore only their bare tight-fitting tunics . They had chanced a run out for the fresh air of the glen road , away from the barracks and the Black and Tans . They passed slowly through our lines , expecting every moment to be stopped . Our coats were opened and they could see our guns here and there , but no gun was drawn . We had a certain amount of sympathy for them . Their faces wore a hunted look . Their own people had turned against them . They were trying to hold on to a job they did not like .
We were hunted enough ourselves , and weak enough , but our own people were on our side . That was the difference , and I'm sure those two RIC men envied us . In any case , we would not be mean with them , and since they did not carry arms we would not subject them to the indignity of a search . No word was spoken and they passed through in silence . Early in the afternoon of the following day , the Black and Tans brought Jer Carthy to the barracks . During their short time in the 'Gaeltacht'(Irish-speaking area) they had learned the use of the suffix which denotes contempt . The Black and Tans now addressed Jer as "Jereen"......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(6 of 15).
The following year (1923), Sean MacBride was one of the thousands of Irish Republican prisoners still jailed by the Free State authorities . He was one of the group working on a tunnel out of Mountjoy Jail which was discovered . While being transferred to Kilmainham Jail , Sean MacBride and Mick Price jumped out of a lorry and escaped after the driver got lost and stopped to get his bearings !
At liberty throughout most of the 1920's , Sean MacBride continued to organise IRA arms shipments and travel the country visiting IRA Units . The founding of Fianna Fail (1926) paved the way for the political upheavals of the early 1930's . It was a decade when the Republican Movement was to be increasingly pushed onto the sidelines as it searched in vain for a political strategy to regain the ground lost to Fianna Fail . The short-lived 'Saor Eire' , of 1931 , was headed by Sean MacBride but never got off the ground after it was denounced by the Catholic Hierarchy and banned by the Free Staters in Leinster House .
When other Irish Republicans tried again to assert the socialism of the Republican Movement , Sean MacBride , with the mainstream IRA leadership , opposed them ....
(MORE LATER).
Friday, March 12, 2004
PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .......
....... Patrick Egan and others resigned from the Irish Republican Brotherhood in August 1877 over the condemnation of the use of politics within a revolutionary organisation . However , within two years , the IRB was involved in the ' New Departure ' grouping , a 'broad-front' organisation of different groups which campaigned for fair treatment for the Irish .......
In October 1879 , Patrick Egan was appointed as Treasurer of one of the 'New Departure' groups , Michael Davitt's 'Land League' ; the British were alarmed that this (publicly-viewed) 'respectable' body was being controlled by those that the Brits viewed as , at best , "suspect" and , at worst , "complete outlaws"-- the then new British Chief Secretary in Ireland , William E. Forester , made his move ...
In 1880 , with the Land War now in full swing (ie the 'New Departure' group was flexing its muscles and had instructed its members and supporters to pay no rent at all , but the Brits had fought back - their 'Land Courts' were fixing rents which most 'tenants' could just about afford - a "divide and conquer" tactic), British Chief Secretary Forester hoped to divide the Irish further and ordered the arrest of the leadership of the 'New Departure' group .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......A local newspaper , ' The Leader ' , had published a parody of local RIC Sergeant Appleby , who had fined a local man for speaking Irish ......."
" Sergeant Appleby learned to mend his hand and later did not give the enemy that information which would make things difficult for the IRA . He definitely saved some local men from the attentions of his own force , the RIC . He continued on with the latter , but he took things as easy as he could . Now he strolled about , his hands in his pockets , his eyes on the ground . We watched for a while and then someone coughed to attract his attention . He looked up quickly and saw the long row of heads and shoulders above him .
Some of the old arrogance latent in him returned . He squared his shoulders and fixed on us a stern and questioning look . Had he resumed his exercise we would have walked away . But he did not . He maintained his posture and his attitude indicated to us that we were quite long enough in the vicinity . But we were in no hurry ...
" He'll read the Riot Act, " someone remarked . My brother Pat spoke : " Clear away out of that ! " he said . Sergeant Appleby shook himself indidnantly . Imagine it ! How the times had deteriorated ! An Officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary being ordered in to his own barracks by an unknown civilian , leaning at his ease on the village bridge , in the company , doubtless , of other disaffected persons ! It was intolerable . But the civilian drew forth a long Webley revolver as if to second his demand . In a way that surprised us , Sergeant Appleby got inside that door and we heard a heavy bolt going home .
We mounted our pushbikes and turned left into the road to the glen . It was straight for the first three hundred yards . Scarcely had we covered one hundred yards when two RIC men on bicycles rounded the distant bend in front of us . In file , half of us took each side of the road ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(5 of 15).
During the Treaty negotiations , Sean MacBride accompanied the Irish delegation to London . He was not there to advise on the negotiations , as some commentators have suggested , but as Michael Collins' aide-de-camp , leader of an IRA Unit sent to guard the delegation and cover their retreat if the conference broke down . He did see clearly how the negotiations were conducted and the growing influence of the British side on Collins and Arthur Griffith . It was Sean MacBride who retold the story of how Michael Collins was taken aside by Lloyd George who showed him a map of the British 'Empire' , put his arm around him and said " Come on , Mike , why don't you come in and help us run the world ! "
Sean MacBride also recalled the mistakes and misjudgements of Irish Republicans in this period : the failure of de Valera's leadership ; the disunity of the anti-Treaty IRA ; the failure to recognise the centrality of partition : Sean MacBride said - " However , remember , I had no opportunity of making my views known , I was young . I was there to serve , and not to discuss policy matters ."
Sean MacBride was part of the Irish Republican garrison in the Four Courts when it was bombarded by the Free Staters . He was later sharing a cell in Mountjoy Jail with Rory O'Connor when the IRA leader was taken out and shot with his three comrades , Joe McKelvey , Liam Mellows and Dick Barrett , on December 8th , 1922 .
(MORE LATER).
(Apologies for that bad link the other day - bad young'fellas get distracted easy and only do a half-job ; that's what happened when our 'Junior' wrote-up that bad link to here . And our Sharon published it without checking .Tsk ,tsk ....)
....... Patrick Egan and others resigned from the Irish Republican Brotherhood in August 1877 over the condemnation of the use of politics within a revolutionary organisation . However , within two years , the IRB was involved in the ' New Departure ' grouping , a 'broad-front' organisation of different groups which campaigned for fair treatment for the Irish .......
In October 1879 , Patrick Egan was appointed as Treasurer of one of the 'New Departure' groups , Michael Davitt's 'Land League' ; the British were alarmed that this (publicly-viewed) 'respectable' body was being controlled by those that the Brits viewed as , at best , "suspect" and , at worst , "complete outlaws"-- the then new British Chief Secretary in Ireland , William E. Forester , made his move ...
In 1880 , with the Land War now in full swing (ie the 'New Departure' group was flexing its muscles and had instructed its members and supporters to pay no rent at all , but the Brits had fought back - their 'Land Courts' were fixing rents which most 'tenants' could just about afford - a "divide and conquer" tactic), British Chief Secretary Forester hoped to divide the Irish further and ordered the arrest of the leadership of the 'New Departure' group .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......A local newspaper , ' The Leader ' , had published a parody of local RIC Sergeant Appleby , who had fined a local man for speaking Irish ......."
" Sergeant Appleby learned to mend his hand and later did not give the enemy that information which would make things difficult for the IRA . He definitely saved some local men from the attentions of his own force , the RIC . He continued on with the latter , but he took things as easy as he could . Now he strolled about , his hands in his pockets , his eyes on the ground . We watched for a while and then someone coughed to attract his attention . He looked up quickly and saw the long row of heads and shoulders above him .
Some of the old arrogance latent in him returned . He squared his shoulders and fixed on us a stern and questioning look . Had he resumed his exercise we would have walked away . But he did not . He maintained his posture and his attitude indicated to us that we were quite long enough in the vicinity . But we were in no hurry ...
" He'll read the Riot Act, " someone remarked . My brother Pat spoke : " Clear away out of that ! " he said . Sergeant Appleby shook himself indidnantly . Imagine it ! How the times had deteriorated ! An Officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary being ordered in to his own barracks by an unknown civilian , leaning at his ease on the village bridge , in the company , doubtless , of other disaffected persons ! It was intolerable . But the civilian drew forth a long Webley revolver as if to second his demand . In a way that surprised us , Sergeant Appleby got inside that door and we heard a heavy bolt going home .
We mounted our pushbikes and turned left into the road to the glen . It was straight for the first three hundred yards . Scarcely had we covered one hundred yards when two RIC men on bicycles rounded the distant bend in front of us . In file , half of us took each side of the road ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(5 of 15).
During the Treaty negotiations , Sean MacBride accompanied the Irish delegation to London . He was not there to advise on the negotiations , as some commentators have suggested , but as Michael Collins' aide-de-camp , leader of an IRA Unit sent to guard the delegation and cover their retreat if the conference broke down . He did see clearly how the negotiations were conducted and the growing influence of the British side on Collins and Arthur Griffith . It was Sean MacBride who retold the story of how Michael Collins was taken aside by Lloyd George who showed him a map of the British 'Empire' , put his arm around him and said " Come on , Mike , why don't you come in and help us run the world ! "
Sean MacBride also recalled the mistakes and misjudgements of Irish Republicans in this period : the failure of de Valera's leadership ; the disunity of the anti-Treaty IRA ; the failure to recognise the centrality of partition : Sean MacBride said - " However , remember , I had no opportunity of making my views known , I was young . I was there to serve , and not to discuss policy matters ."
Sean MacBride was part of the Irish Republican garrison in the Four Courts when it was bombarded by the Free Staters . He was later sharing a cell in Mountjoy Jail with Rory O'Connor when the IRA leader was taken out and shot with his three comrades , Joe McKelvey , Liam Mellows and Dick Barrett , on December 8th , 1922 .
(MORE LATER).
(Apologies for that bad link the other day - bad young'fellas get distracted easy and only do a half-job ; that's what happened when our 'Junior' wrote-up that bad link to here . And our Sharon published it without checking .Tsk ,tsk ....)
Thursday, March 11, 2004
PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .......
.......In August 1877 , the leadership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood decided that its members should back-off from being so heavily involved in politics ; however , the leadership was divided on the issue .......
Patrick Egan , John O'Connor Power , Joseph Biggar and John Barry refused to accept the decision and all four men resigned from the IRB . However , within two years , the IRB was to change its position ; the then leader of the (constitutional) 'Home Rule Party' , Charles Stewart Parnell (possibly sensing an opportunity to divide the 'opposition') launched , in 1879 , in conjunction with John Devoy and Michael Davitt , a group known as the 'New Departure' - this broad-front group consisted of different organisations co-operating with each other ; the IRB , the Home Rule Party and Michael Davitt's 'Land League' .
The 'New Departure' grouping was established on 20th April , 1879 , at Irishtown , County Mayo , and was almost immediately condemned by the Catholic Church - many Parish priests of the day were 'landlords' and stood to lose financially if this New Departure were to win its demand in relation to the Land Acts position : the ' Three F's ' -- Fixity of Tenure , Fair Rents and the rights of Free Sale .
Hardly the stuff of modern-day revolution , but in those days (ie late 19th Century Ireland - only 125 years ago!) it was enough to strike terror into the hearts and minds of the establishent .....
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us were on Ballingeary Bridge , hoping that some from the British Barracks would have followed us . Then we noticed RIC Sergeant Appleby - he was infamous in the area for fining those that spoke Irish , and a local newspaper had published a parody about him over the issue ....... "
" Oh , Paddy dear and did you hear the news thats going 'round -
speak Irish to a policeman now , and you'll be fined five pound .
Sure the light of English learning soon our island will illume ,
for it's fining Irish speakers are the J.P.'s of Macroom .
I met with Sergeant Appleby and I took him by the hand ,
and asked him if the Ballingeary folk the olden tongue had banned -
'Ah, no' , said he , 'they speak it still , and fill my heart with gloom ,
and fifteen miles away , alas , are the J.P.'s of Macroom'.
Now Applebys and grand J.P.'s , who dwell in this dear land ,
must put aside their upstart pride and Irish understand -
we mean to strive and keep alive our tongue 'till crack of doom ,
so to pot with all , both great and small , the J.P.'s of Macroom ! "
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(4 of 15).
From organising IRA Active Service Units , Sean MacBride moved on to helping obtain arms shipments for the IRA from the Continent . The success of these activities and his assessment of the morale and capabilities of the Irish Republican Army led him to oppose the Truce with the British when it came in the summer of 1921 :
" I felt from the experience we were gaining in purchasing arms that we were on the threshold of being able to mount a much larger campaign than we had mounted until then . I felt that , with the arrival of these guns , we could step up the fight considerably . I also considered that the morale of the organisation was good and that there was no weakness in the determination of the Volunteers to see the thing through . "
Sean MacBride continued - " I was therefore very much against the Truce , when it was declared . I was completely against it - violently against it ."
(MORE LATER).
.......In August 1877 , the leadership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood decided that its members should back-off from being so heavily involved in politics ; however , the leadership was divided on the issue .......
Patrick Egan , John O'Connor Power , Joseph Biggar and John Barry refused to accept the decision and all four men resigned from the IRB . However , within two years , the IRB was to change its position ; the then leader of the (constitutional) 'Home Rule Party' , Charles Stewart Parnell (possibly sensing an opportunity to divide the 'opposition') launched , in 1879 , in conjunction with John Devoy and Michael Davitt , a group known as the 'New Departure' - this broad-front group consisted of different organisations co-operating with each other ; the IRB , the Home Rule Party and Michael Davitt's 'Land League' .
The 'New Departure' grouping was established on 20th April , 1879 , at Irishtown , County Mayo , and was almost immediately condemned by the Catholic Church - many Parish priests of the day were 'landlords' and stood to lose financially if this New Departure were to win its demand in relation to the Land Acts position : the ' Three F's ' -- Fixity of Tenure , Fair Rents and the rights of Free Sale .
Hardly the stuff of modern-day revolution , but in those days (ie late 19th Century Ireland - only 125 years ago!) it was enough to strike terror into the hearts and minds of the establishent .....
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us were on Ballingeary Bridge , hoping that some from the British Barracks would have followed us . Then we noticed RIC Sergeant Appleby - he was infamous in the area for fining those that spoke Irish , and a local newspaper had published a parody about him over the issue ....... "
" Oh , Paddy dear and did you hear the news thats going 'round -
speak Irish to a policeman now , and you'll be fined five pound .
Sure the light of English learning soon our island will illume ,
for it's fining Irish speakers are the J.P.'s of Macroom .
I met with Sergeant Appleby and I took him by the hand ,
and asked him if the Ballingeary folk the olden tongue had banned -
'Ah, no' , said he , 'they speak it still , and fill my heart with gloom ,
and fifteen miles away , alas , are the J.P.'s of Macroom'.
Now Applebys and grand J.P.'s , who dwell in this dear land ,
must put aside their upstart pride and Irish understand -
we mean to strive and keep alive our tongue 'till crack of doom ,
so to pot with all , both great and small , the J.P.'s of Macroom ! "
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(4 of 15).
From organising IRA Active Service Units , Sean MacBride moved on to helping obtain arms shipments for the IRA from the Continent . The success of these activities and his assessment of the morale and capabilities of the Irish Republican Army led him to oppose the Truce with the British when it came in the summer of 1921 :
" I felt from the experience we were gaining in purchasing arms that we were on the threshold of being able to mount a much larger campaign than we had mounted until then . I felt that , with the arrival of these guns , we could step up the fight considerably . I also considered that the morale of the organisation was good and that there was no weakness in the determination of the Volunteers to see the thing through . "
Sean MacBride continued - " I was therefore very much against the Truce , when it was declared . I was completely against it - violently against it ."
(MORE LATER).
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .......
.......at 32 years young (in 1873) , the Treasurer of the Irish Republican Brotherhood , Patrick Egan , watched with interest as Donegal lawyer Isaac Butt established the 'Home Rule League' to challenge the Brits , constitutionally , regarding the position of Ireland in their 'Empire' .......
The establishment of the 'Home Rule League' was also noted with interest by the other members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood leadership ; it was decided that Patrick Egan and three other members of the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood - John O'Connor Power , Joseph Biggar and John Barry - would join the 'Home Rule League' , with the intention of 'steering' that group in the direction of the IRB .
Other members of the IRB were encouraged to join the 'League' as well , and a time-scale was set in which to completely infiltrate the 'League' - three years . However , that decision to infiltrate Isaac Butt's organisation was to 'backfire' on the Irish Republican Brotherhood later on ...
The 'three-year' period of infiltration ended in 1876 ; in August 1877 , the IRB Supreme Council held a meeting at which a resolution condemning the over-involvement in politics (ie political motions etc rather than military action) of IRB members was discussed ; after heated arguments , the resolution was agreed and passed by the IRB Council . Not everyone accepted that decision .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
"....... The Brits in Ballingeary Barracks had been spooked by us ; they shut and locked the door and pulled-down the steel shutters . Rifles were pointed out at us ....... "
" We got our bicycles and walked off with them . Stopping on the bridge , we leaned them against its northern wall . Then we stood along the southern side of it , facing the gable of the barracks and the rear portion of that building . Our arms folded , we rested on the parapet . We had some faint hope that the garrison , or some portion of it , might follow us as far as the bridge , even if only to verify that we had gone . In that case we would attack them at the bend , and maybe take a few guns from them . It would be some compensation for a wearying day , and enliven us on our journey home . But again we waited in vain .
We were about to turn away in disgust when a door facing us opened and the old RIC Sergeant came out . His name was Appleby . A few years previously he had gained notoriety by arresting Claude Chevasse , a scholar , for speaking Irish to him . Claude Chevasse was brought before a bench of magistrates in Macroom and fined five pounds , a large sum in those days . I remember reading a parody in 'The Leader' newspaper about the incident ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(3 of 15).
When Sean MacBride returned to Ireland with Maud Gonne in 1918 he joined Na Fianna Eireann. Later in that year(1918), when he had not yet reached his fifteenth birthday , he joined Oglaigh na hEireann . He was an Officer in B Company of the Third Battalion , Dublin Brigade , IRA , which operated an active service unit in the south city during the Black and Tan War . Attacks were carried out on the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries as they travelled to and from Beggars Bush Barracks .
So successful was the IRA Active Service Unit that Michael Collins asked Sean MacBride to act as an IRA Organiser , travelling to boost Rebel Units in parts of the country where there was little action . Sean MacBride later described the role -
- " The last thing any of them wanted was activity in their area . It was alright if it was Cork , Tipperary or Dublin , but let ye leave Wicklow alone . I circumvented all that by putting them out with some of my tough guys in the one operation . After that I had them : there was no going back . "
(MORE LATER).
.......at 32 years young (in 1873) , the Treasurer of the Irish Republican Brotherhood , Patrick Egan , watched with interest as Donegal lawyer Isaac Butt established the 'Home Rule League' to challenge the Brits , constitutionally , regarding the position of Ireland in their 'Empire' .......
The establishment of the 'Home Rule League' was also noted with interest by the other members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood leadership ; it was decided that Patrick Egan and three other members of the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood - John O'Connor Power , Joseph Biggar and John Barry - would join the 'Home Rule League' , with the intention of 'steering' that group in the direction of the IRB .
Other members of the IRB were encouraged to join the 'League' as well , and a time-scale was set in which to completely infiltrate the 'League' - three years . However , that decision to infiltrate Isaac Butt's organisation was to 'backfire' on the Irish Republican Brotherhood later on ...
The 'three-year' period of infiltration ended in 1876 ; in August 1877 , the IRB Supreme Council held a meeting at which a resolution condemning the over-involvement in politics (ie political motions etc rather than military action) of IRB members was discussed ; after heated arguments , the resolution was agreed and passed by the IRB Council . Not everyone accepted that decision .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
"....... The Brits in Ballingeary Barracks had been spooked by us ; they shut and locked the door and pulled-down the steel shutters . Rifles were pointed out at us ....... "
" We got our bicycles and walked off with them . Stopping on the bridge , we leaned them against its northern wall . Then we stood along the southern side of it , facing the gable of the barracks and the rear portion of that building . Our arms folded , we rested on the parapet . We had some faint hope that the garrison , or some portion of it , might follow us as far as the bridge , even if only to verify that we had gone . In that case we would attack them at the bend , and maybe take a few guns from them . It would be some compensation for a wearying day , and enliven us on our journey home . But again we waited in vain .
We were about to turn away in disgust when a door facing us opened and the old RIC Sergeant came out . His name was Appleby . A few years previously he had gained notoriety by arresting Claude Chevasse , a scholar , for speaking Irish to him . Claude Chevasse was brought before a bench of magistrates in Macroom and fined five pounds , a large sum in those days . I remember reading a parody in 'The Leader' newspaper about the incident ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(3 of 15).
When Sean MacBride returned to Ireland with Maud Gonne in 1918 he joined Na Fianna Eireann. Later in that year(1918), when he had not yet reached his fifteenth birthday , he joined Oglaigh na hEireann . He was an Officer in B Company of the Third Battalion , Dublin Brigade , IRA , which operated an active service unit in the south city during the Black and Tan War . Attacks were carried out on the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries as they travelled to and from Beggars Bush Barracks .
So successful was the IRA Active Service Unit that Michael Collins asked Sean MacBride to act as an IRA Organiser , travelling to boost Rebel Units in parts of the country where there was little action . Sean MacBride later described the role -
- " The last thing any of them wanted was activity in their area . It was alright if it was Cork , Tipperary or Dublin , but let ye leave Wicklow alone . I circumvented all that by putting them out with some of my tough guys in the one operation . After that I had them : there was no going back . "
(MORE LATER).
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .......
....... Ireland 1841 - a forced mass exodus began in Ireland - the population fell by two million people in the following one-hundred-and-ten years . Patrick Egan was born in the same year that that exodus began .......
Patrick Egan was born in Ballymahon in County Longford in 1841 . The Egan family moved to Dublin and , as a teenager , he was only 17 years young when the Irish Republican Brotherhood was founded (on 17th March 1858)- he joined the new organisation . Even though he was by now working full-time (in the 'North City Milling Company' in Dublin) he soon became a valuable asset to the Irish Republican Brotherhood , and was appointed to the position of Treasurer of its Supreme Council .
Two years before he joined the IRB ( ie when he was just 15 , in 1856 ), Patrick Egan would have witnessed one of the founders of the then soon-to-be established IRB , James Stephens , walking (for the most part) the length and breadth of Ireland , canvassing the potential for revolution in the country ; that was in 1856 , and James Stephens covered more than three-thousand miles , most of it on foot . When Patrick Egan was 32 years young (in 1873), a well-known lawyer of the time , Isaac Butt , a Donegal man , established the 'Home Rule League' to agitate regarding the position of Ireland within the then British 'Empire' ........
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......We were back in Shorten's Pub in Ballingeary ; we tried the 'drunken ' ruse again , to draw the Brits out from their Barracks . Myself and Dowd Cronin were the first two 'drunks' to leave the bar - the Black and Tans on the wall were watching us as we 'fumbled' our way to the bicycles ......."
" I had 'succeeded' in getting Dowd to take hold of his bicycle . Both himself and the bike rocked perilously while one of the Black and Tans continued to laugh uproariously . Suddenly , the bike, which he held awkardly by the near handlebar , leaned over too much and Dowd fell with it . He put out his hands , let the bike drop , and saved himself from a heavy fall by so doing . But the near pedal struck him sharply on the shins . It was a painful crack , and Dowd had a fiery nature and an explosive temper . The Black and Tan shouted with laughter . Dowd jumped to his feet in a fury .
" What are you laughing at , you bastard , " he said , looking at the happy warrior on the wall . " I'll put you laughing at the other side of your mouth , " he added , his right hand reaching swiftly across his body and grasping his gun . I threw my arms around him and wheeled him about to face the pub . The long bright thirty-eight Smith and Wesson was out in his hand . " Dowd ," I said , " you'll ruin us ! " He slipped back the revolver . We could have managed the pair on the wall easily , and could even have taken their guns from them , but then we would have lost all our bicycles . For , had hostilities started thus , the fire from the barracks would , of course, have been directed on them . The wonder was that we did not lose them as things were , for the two Black and Tansmade themselves scarce immediately .
The door of the barracks was shut behind them and the steel shutters of the windows as well . Rifle muzzles appeared at loopholes . The others came out from the pub . Without undue haste , we took the bicycles and walked away with them ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Mann ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(2 of 15).
He was , first and foremost , an Irish nationalist and patriot. His mother , Maud Gonne , was one of the pioneers of the independence movement spanning from the last century (ie 19th Century) up to the 1940's . His father , Major John MacBride , was one of the sixteen leaders executed by the British after the 1916 Rising .
Sean MacBride's own involvement began at an early age . As a boy he was familiar with veteran Fenians like John O'Leary (who was his godfather) and when he and his mother lived in Paris, Roger Casement was a regular visitor . It was in France , where he was forced to remain during the First 'World' War , that Sean MacBride learned of the death of his father .
(MORE LATER).
....... Ireland 1841 - a forced mass exodus began in Ireland - the population fell by two million people in the following one-hundred-and-ten years . Patrick Egan was born in the same year that that exodus began .......
Patrick Egan was born in Ballymahon in County Longford in 1841 . The Egan family moved to Dublin and , as a teenager , he was only 17 years young when the Irish Republican Brotherhood was founded (on 17th March 1858)- he joined the new organisation . Even though he was by now working full-time (in the 'North City Milling Company' in Dublin) he soon became a valuable asset to the Irish Republican Brotherhood , and was appointed to the position of Treasurer of its Supreme Council .
Two years before he joined the IRB ( ie when he was just 15 , in 1856 ), Patrick Egan would have witnessed one of the founders of the then soon-to-be established IRB , James Stephens , walking (for the most part) the length and breadth of Ireland , canvassing the potential for revolution in the country ; that was in 1856 , and James Stephens covered more than three-thousand miles , most of it on foot . When Patrick Egan was 32 years young (in 1873), a well-known lawyer of the time , Isaac Butt , a Donegal man , established the 'Home Rule League' to agitate regarding the position of Ireland within the then British 'Empire' ........
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......We were back in Shorten's Pub in Ballingeary ; we tried the 'drunken ' ruse again , to draw the Brits out from their Barracks . Myself and Dowd Cronin were the first two 'drunks' to leave the bar - the Black and Tans on the wall were watching us as we 'fumbled' our way to the bicycles ......."
" I had 'succeeded' in getting Dowd to take hold of his bicycle . Both himself and the bike rocked perilously while one of the Black and Tans continued to laugh uproariously . Suddenly , the bike, which he held awkardly by the near handlebar , leaned over too much and Dowd fell with it . He put out his hands , let the bike drop , and saved himself from a heavy fall by so doing . But the near pedal struck him sharply on the shins . It was a painful crack , and Dowd had a fiery nature and an explosive temper . The Black and Tan shouted with laughter . Dowd jumped to his feet in a fury .
" What are you laughing at , you bastard , " he said , looking at the happy warrior on the wall . " I'll put you laughing at the other side of your mouth , " he added , his right hand reaching swiftly across his body and grasping his gun . I threw my arms around him and wheeled him about to face the pub . The long bright thirty-eight Smith and Wesson was out in his hand . " Dowd ," I said , " you'll ruin us ! " He slipped back the revolver . We could have managed the pair on the wall easily , and could even have taken their guns from them , but then we would have lost all our bicycles . For , had hostilities started thus , the fire from the barracks would , of course, have been directed on them . The wonder was that we did not lose them as things were , for the two Black and Tansmade themselves scarce immediately .
The door of the barracks was shut behind them and the steel shutters of the windows as well . Rifle muzzles appeared at loopholes . The others came out from the pub . Without undue haste , we took the bicycles and walked away with them ......."
(MORE LATER).
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .......
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Mann ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(2 of 15).
He was , first and foremost , an Irish nationalist and patriot. His mother , Maud Gonne , was one of the pioneers of the independence movement spanning from the last century (ie 19th Century) up to the 1940's . His father , Major John MacBride , was one of the sixteen leaders executed by the British after the 1916 Rising .
Sean MacBride's own involvement began at an early age . As a boy he was familiar with veteran Fenians like John O'Leary (who was his godfather) and when he and his mother lived in Paris, Roger Casement was a regular visitor . It was in France , where he was forced to remain during the First 'World' War , that Sean MacBride learned of the death of his father .
(MORE LATER).
Monday, March 08, 2004
GREAT TO BE BACK !
WE did'nt go anywhere in particular , just dossed 'round Dublin for a few days and caught up with that thing we have to do now and again to pay the bills .......
Our thanks to 'JUNIOR ' here in the Office for publishing a notice on '1169.....' each day , explaining our absence . He tells me the daily notice " helps to keep the Search Engine Spiders fed " (!)
Have'nt a bleedin' clue what he's on about , but our SHARON tells me he's a smart kid and knows his stuff . And our SHARON , (like yours) is never wrong .......
PATRICK EGAN - founder of 'The Land League' : 1841 - 1919 .
Ireland , 1841 ; Daniel O'Connell was the talk of the island - he was leading a campaign to " repeal the Act of Union ". However , it was known that O'Connell was not in favour of what he termed " separation " ie a free Ireland - instead , he was said to prefer " a close partnership between the two kingdoms ". He would have settled for two 'independent' legislatures , working together in 'common interest', under one (agreed) 'Monarch' .
The man was of a mind that such an approach would win-over English public opinion which , in turn , he reckoned, would bring pressure to bear on Westminster re the 'Irish question'(shades of John Hume's oft-repeated 'mantra' that the British are still in Ireland only because of the "terrorist threat" ; an integrationist ploy which Gerry Adams will , in time , use himself , as he is on the same path as O'Connell and Hume).
Between 1841 and 1951 , the population on this island fell by two million people ; approximately one million died and one million emigrated . Many of the latter died on their way to England , Scotland or America ; that forced exodus began in the same year that Patrick Egan was born .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us were waiting behind the gates of Colaiste na Mumhan , just outside the town of Ballingeary . We were waiting for word from Jer Carthy that the RIC / Black and Tan enemy had left their barracks ......."
" Suddenly Jer dashed in the gate on his bicycle . " There are six on the wall ," he said . The time had come . Quickly , but very smoothly , we got into line on the road and moved off without a hitch . Our pace increasing easily , we rounded the last corner at a high speed indeed . Soon we were rushing past the barracks . There was no one on the wall . Pat threw out his left hand slightly and swung into Shorten's Pub footpath again . Dismounting , he leaned his bike against the wall . We did likewise . " We'll have another drink ," he said . We disappeared inside the door . Again the innocuous drinks were ordered , and again we settled down to watch . Again the faces appeared at the barrack windows , watching for our next move . Another hour passed slowly .
Two Black and Tans came out , wearing their holstered revolvers . They sat jauntily on the wall , their legs dangling . Whistling inanely , they kept time with their heels clicking together . They looked a low type - possible their comrades would be glad to get rid of them , and had induced them to go out for that purpose . It was now approaching six o' clock and our prospects were poor . As a last effort it was decided that the majority would act in a very drunken manner whilst others , less 'drunk' , would be doing their best to take them home . We hoped that others of the British garrison might come out to enjoy the spectacle , or even try their hand at searching and questioning us . Dowd Cronin and I were to try first the effect on the two on the wall . We went through the doorway , Dowd protesting loudly while I held his arm . He did his part well . He swayed to the middle of the road the while he insisted that it was much too early to go home .
I was the youngest member of the party and therefore it appeared reasonable to the audience that I should be quite sober . The Black and Tans on the wall were now laughing immoderately at Dowd's antics and at my difficulty in trying to get him to come home with me ......."
(MORE LATER)>
SEAN MacBRIDE : 1904 - 1988 .
The following information was sent to '1169....' in mid-February last by a 'J.D. , Isle Of Man ' ; we reproduce it here , in 15 parts . 'J.D.' assures us that he/she got the article from an American newspaper , in the late 1980's/early 1990's .
(1 of 15).
Sean MacBride died on the 15th January 1988 ; he was laid to rest on Monday , 18th January 1988 , in Dublin . He leaves a legacy of inspiration and hope to the Irish people and to peoples the world over . His career was unique in Irish and global terms and was marked by a deep trait of individualism motivated by a desire to achieve national and international freedom . While Sean MacBride was an inspiration to most , to some he was a profound embarrassment . Many of those who flocked to pay public tribute to his memory would privately have little regret at his passing . In political terms what he stood for was fundamentally oppopsed to the direction the establishment in Ireland has taken .
MacBride's militant past and his activist present represented a challenge that could not easily be met , such was his stature . Fianna boy , IRA Volunteer , guerrilla fighter , gun-runner , republican prisoner , escapee , Chief of Staff of Oglaigh na hEireann and lifelong campaigner for civil , national and international rights , he remained an activist until the day he died .......
(MORE LATER).
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Friday, March 05, 2004
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Monday, March 01, 2004
Sunday, February 29, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
....... Irish Republican author Brian O'Higgins wrote about Richie Goss and other Republican soldiers in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual' .......
" Those who would make all Ireland free must follow in his and their footsteps or fail . Men talk foolishly today , as they and others have talked for many futile years , of "declaring" the Republic of Ireland . There is no need to declare it . Wolfe Tone and Robert Emmet founded it and made it known to the world .
Daniel O'Connell reviled and repudiated it , but John Mitchel and Fintan Lalor stood beneath its banner and gave it their allegiance . The Fenians made it articulate and preserved it through two generations until the men and women of 1916 proclaimed it in arms . The whole people of Ireland accepted it a few years later , giving it the most unanimous vote that has ever been cast in this country , and it was established and declared on January 21 , 1919 .
It has never been dis-established since , but it has been suppressed by falsehood and by force , and it is suppressed at this moment . Against that force and falsehood , against that unjust and unlawful suppression , the men we honour today - Patrick McGrath , Thomas Harte , George Plant , Richard Goss , Maurice O'Neill and Charles Kerins - did battle unto death . Their blood cries out for only one vengenance - the restoration of the suppressed Republic of Ireland . "
-- Brian O'Higgins , as quoted in ' The Wolfe Tone Annual ' , 1950 , speaking about the remains of the six Irish Rebels which were handed-over to their comrades and relatives on 18th September 1948 .
[END OF - RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......].
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us were in Ben Shorten's Pub opposite the RIC Barracks . The Brits knew we were there , but they did'nt know why . We were trying to draw them out ......."
" We had now been two hours in the pub . We sent Jer Carthy away , after arranging to meet again . After a lapse of a quarter of an hour , we left in a leisurely manner . Some talked loudly , while others walked a little unsteadily . We all laughed loudly and heartily at a few who were acting drunk . But no one of the twelve had touched any drink with a trace of alcohol in it . Getting hold of our bicycles , we started an argument as to which way we should go . All the time we were being keenly watched . Finally , we mounted in a disorderly manner and left in the Bantry direction , away from home . Rounding a few sharp bends of the road to the west , we reached the gate of Colaiste na Mumhan . Entering there , we hid our bicycles inside the hedge of the road and lay down on the grass . Very soon , Jer Carthy appeared again .
" Ye had not turned the second corner , " he said , " when four of them came out and sat on the wall , but they have their revolvers with them this time . " " We must have patience , Jer ," said my brother , " until more of them come out . " Jer went off again . We sat or lay in the shade of the hedge and waited . Every quarter of an hour Jer returned and reported ; " There are three out now ," or " there are five out now ," and so on . At length Pat said to him : " When there are six out , Jer , come and we will have at them . " Again Jer disappeared .
Now started a very long period of waiting , whiled away by a thorough rehearsal of the procedure when we should return to the village . When the word came that we were to grab our bicycles , each would take the place allotted to him in the agreed file and we would then take the last corner at top speed . Riding hard , we would then pull up on the raising of Pat's hand in front , lay down each bicycle swiftly on the road , and get busy . The leading six would then rush the door of the RIC Barracks , while the remainder would attack the men on the wall . It was a chancy business , but every man we had could be relied on to do his part .
Each had eagerly intimated his desire to fight these Black and Tans under any conditions . Certainly , it was half the battle to have such men , and it would go far in countering the advantages possessed by the enemy in quality of arms and position . We waited on . Suddenly Jer dashed in the gate on his bicycle ......."
(TO BE CONTINUED...... ....on Monday , 8th March - if you can't wait , then buy the book !)
SHARON has all the bag's packed and the taxi is outside waiting . We're away for about a week . Hope you will 'click' back next Monday , 8th March . Slan go foill anois ).
....... Irish Republican author Brian O'Higgins wrote about Richie Goss and other Republican soldiers in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual' .......
" Those who would make all Ireland free must follow in his and their footsteps or fail . Men talk foolishly today , as they and others have talked for many futile years , of "declaring" the Republic of Ireland . There is no need to declare it . Wolfe Tone and Robert Emmet founded it and made it known to the world .
Daniel O'Connell reviled and repudiated it , but John Mitchel and Fintan Lalor stood beneath its banner and gave it their allegiance . The Fenians made it articulate and preserved it through two generations until the men and women of 1916 proclaimed it in arms . The whole people of Ireland accepted it a few years later , giving it the most unanimous vote that has ever been cast in this country , and it was established and declared on January 21 , 1919 .
It has never been dis-established since , but it has been suppressed by falsehood and by force , and it is suppressed at this moment . Against that force and falsehood , against that unjust and unlawful suppression , the men we honour today - Patrick McGrath , Thomas Harte , George Plant , Richard Goss , Maurice O'Neill and Charles Kerins - did battle unto death . Their blood cries out for only one vengenance - the restoration of the suppressed Republic of Ireland . "
-- Brian O'Higgins , as quoted in ' The Wolfe Tone Annual ' , 1950 , speaking about the remains of the six Irish Rebels which were handed-over to their comrades and relatives on 18th September 1948 .
[END OF - RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......].
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us were in Ben Shorten's Pub opposite the RIC Barracks . The Brits knew we were there , but they did'nt know why . We were trying to draw them out ......."
" We had now been two hours in the pub . We sent Jer Carthy away , after arranging to meet again . After a lapse of a quarter of an hour , we left in a leisurely manner . Some talked loudly , while others walked a little unsteadily . We all laughed loudly and heartily at a few who were acting drunk . But no one of the twelve had touched any drink with a trace of alcohol in it . Getting hold of our bicycles , we started an argument as to which way we should go . All the time we were being keenly watched . Finally , we mounted in a disorderly manner and left in the Bantry direction , away from home . Rounding a few sharp bends of the road to the west , we reached the gate of Colaiste na Mumhan . Entering there , we hid our bicycles inside the hedge of the road and lay down on the grass . Very soon , Jer Carthy appeared again .
" Ye had not turned the second corner , " he said , " when four of them came out and sat on the wall , but they have their revolvers with them this time . " " We must have patience , Jer ," said my brother , " until more of them come out . " Jer went off again . We sat or lay in the shade of the hedge and waited . Every quarter of an hour Jer returned and reported ; " There are three out now ," or " there are five out now ," and so on . At length Pat said to him : " When there are six out , Jer , come and we will have at them . " Again Jer disappeared .
Now started a very long period of waiting , whiled away by a thorough rehearsal of the procedure when we should return to the village . When the word came that we were to grab our bicycles , each would take the place allotted to him in the agreed file and we would then take the last corner at top speed . Riding hard , we would then pull up on the raising of Pat's hand in front , lay down each bicycle swiftly on the road , and get busy . The leading six would then rush the door of the RIC Barracks , while the remainder would attack the men on the wall . It was a chancy business , but every man we had could be relied on to do his part .
Each had eagerly intimated his desire to fight these Black and Tans under any conditions . Certainly , it was half the battle to have such men , and it would go far in countering the advantages possessed by the enemy in quality of arms and position . We waited on . Suddenly Jer dashed in the gate on his bicycle ......."
(TO BE CONTINUED...... ....on Monday , 8th March - if you can't wait , then buy the book !)
SHARON has all the bag's packed and the taxi is outside waiting . We're away for about a week . Hope you will 'click' back next Monday , 8th March . Slan go foill anois ).
Saturday, February 28, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
.......Shot dead by a Free State firing-squad in Portlaoise Prison on 9th August 1941 , the 26 years young Richie Goss was re-interred in Dowdallshill Cemetery in Dundalk , County Louth , in September 1948 . Brian O'Higgins wrote , in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual'.......
" On September 18 , 1948 , the bodies of Patrick McGrath , Thomas Harte , George Plant , Richard Goss , Maurice O'Neill and Charles Kerins were disinterred in prison yards and given to their comrades and relatives for re-burial among their own . These men were condemned to death and put to death as criminals , as outlaws , as enemies of Ireland . Today , that judgement and verdict is reversed , even by those who were and are their opponents , and they are acknowledged to be what we have always claimed them to have been - true comrades of Tone , of Emmet , of Mitchel , of the Fenians , and of all the heroic dead of our own day and generation .
There was no bitterness in their hearts towards any man or group of men , no meanness in their minds , no pettiness or brutality in their actions . They were , and are , worthy to rank with the greatest and noblest of our dead , and the younger men we salute and pray for and do homage to today are worthy to be their comrades . The only shame to be thought of in connection with those Republicans is that Irishmen slew them and slandered them , as Irishmen had slain and slandered the men of 1922 , for the 'crime' of being faithful soldiers of the Republic of Ireland .
Let us remember that shame only as an incentive to action and conduct that will make recurrence of it impossible ever again . Wolfe Tone built his plan for true indepdence on the resistance tradition of all the centuries from the beginning of the conquest to his own day , and these men who were his faithful followers , knew no plan but his would ever end English domination in Ireland......."
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us had left our bicycles outside Ben Shorten's pub , near the RIC Barracks . A Black and Tan eventually strolled out at his leisure from the barracks but , on noticing the bicycles , walked quickly back inside ......."
" Now , we said , the cat is out of the bag . We wondered what the result would be . It might be very favourable for us . If the Tans wanted to allay their thirst , they would doubtless cross the road to do so . Or if they wanted to satisfy their curiosity they might do likewise . We expected them to come and made preparations for their reception . Scarcely had the Black-and-Tan time to tell his comrades of the plague of bicycles when we saw the reaction to his announcement . Faces peered cautiously from behind every window opening . We took good care that they would see nothing . We had instructed Ben to clear out immediately we would tell him of their coming .
We had hoped that the more venturous among them would prevail , and that a strong party would dash across and enter the bar-room through the wide-opened door . After all , they were a poor-spirited lot . As the time wore on our contempt for them increased . We tried a number of tricks to draw them out . These were largely based on showing them that we were a harmless party , unarmed and out for amusement only . Some sang songs , others went out in their shirt sleeves to check their bicycles , leaving their coats and guns inside . It was no use . Finally , Jer Carthy came up the street on a bicycle and came in . After a consultation with Jer it was decided to try another ruse ....... "
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE- we will be publishing tomorrow [SUNDAY 29th] and then 'closing down' for about a week for ..eh.."necessary maintenance"...yeah.......)
.......Shot dead by a Free State firing-squad in Portlaoise Prison on 9th August 1941 , the 26 years young Richie Goss was re-interred in Dowdallshill Cemetery in Dundalk , County Louth , in September 1948 . Brian O'Higgins wrote , in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual'.......
" On September 18 , 1948 , the bodies of Patrick McGrath , Thomas Harte , George Plant , Richard Goss , Maurice O'Neill and Charles Kerins were disinterred in prison yards and given to their comrades and relatives for re-burial among their own . These men were condemned to death and put to death as criminals , as outlaws , as enemies of Ireland . Today , that judgement and verdict is reversed , even by those who were and are their opponents , and they are acknowledged to be what we have always claimed them to have been - true comrades of Tone , of Emmet , of Mitchel , of the Fenians , and of all the heroic dead of our own day and generation .
There was no bitterness in their hearts towards any man or group of men , no meanness in their minds , no pettiness or brutality in their actions . They were , and are , worthy to rank with the greatest and noblest of our dead , and the younger men we salute and pray for and do homage to today are worthy to be their comrades . The only shame to be thought of in connection with those Republicans is that Irishmen slew them and slandered them , as Irishmen had slain and slandered the men of 1922 , for the 'crime' of being faithful soldiers of the Republic of Ireland .
Let us remember that shame only as an incentive to action and conduct that will make recurrence of it impossible ever again . Wolfe Tone built his plan for true indepdence on the resistance tradition of all the centuries from the beginning of the conquest to his own day , and these men who were his faithful followers , knew no plan but his would ever end English domination in Ireland......."
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us had left our bicycles outside Ben Shorten's pub , near the RIC Barracks . A Black and Tan eventually strolled out at his leisure from the barracks but , on noticing the bicycles , walked quickly back inside ......."
" Now , we said , the cat is out of the bag . We wondered what the result would be . It might be very favourable for us . If the Tans wanted to allay their thirst , they would doubtless cross the road to do so . Or if they wanted to satisfy their curiosity they might do likewise . We expected them to come and made preparations for their reception . Scarcely had the Black-and-Tan time to tell his comrades of the plague of bicycles when we saw the reaction to his announcement . Faces peered cautiously from behind every window opening . We took good care that they would see nothing . We had instructed Ben to clear out immediately we would tell him of their coming .
We had hoped that the more venturous among them would prevail , and that a strong party would dash across and enter the bar-room through the wide-opened door . After all , they were a poor-spirited lot . As the time wore on our contempt for them increased . We tried a number of tricks to draw them out . These were largely based on showing them that we were a harmless party , unarmed and out for amusement only . Some sang songs , others went out in their shirt sleeves to check their bicycles , leaving their coats and guns inside . It was no use . Finally , Jer Carthy came up the street on a bicycle and came in . After a consultation with Jer it was decided to try another ruse ....... "
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE- we will be publishing tomorrow [SUNDAY 29th] and then 'closing down' for about a week for ..eh.."necessary maintenance"...yeah.......)
Friday, February 27, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
....... Ireland 1939 ; 'State of Emergency' declared , 'Emergency Powers Bill' enacted , new Free State 'Justice' Minister appointed . Republicans were rounded-up and imprisoned but , on 1st December 1939 , due to a writ of 'habeas corpus', Richie Goss and fifty-two other Irish Republican prisoners were released from Mountjoy Jail .......
The men reported back to their IRA Unit's and continued the fight - Richie Goss was promoted to the position of Divisional Officer Commanding of the North-Leinster/South Ulster IRA . In July 1941 , Richie Goss was staying in the house of a family named Casey in Longford when it was surrounded by Free State troops and Gardai ; a shoot-out ended in the capture of the then twenty-six years young Richie Goss and the wounding of a Free State Army Lieutenant, resulting in a charge of attempted murder against Goss.
A Free State Military Tribunal returned a "guilty" verdict on Richie Goss and he was sentenced to death . That was in July , 1941 ; on the 8th August 1941 , Richie Goss was taken , under armed guard , from Mountjoy Jail in Dublin and put in the back of a truck . He was forced to sit on his own coffin on the journey from Dublin to Portlaoise Jail . On 9th August 1941 , Richie Goss , 26 years young, was shot dead by a Free State firing squad and buried in Portlaoise Prison yard . In September 1948 - seven years after his execution- his remains were released and re-interred in Dowdallshill Cemetery in Dundalk , County Louth .
A well-known Irish Republican of the time (and still remembered by the Movement to this day) Brian O'Higgins , wrote in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual'.......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us had picked a bad day for our operation ; it was Saint Gobnaits day and Ballingeary would be deserted - we would stand-out too much ......."
" Had we arrived some four or five hours later , we would have passed as a party returning home after the day . We then discussed the value of making a detour and coming into the village from the west . It would look all right just now about midday , we decided, but afterwards we should wait at Shorten's Pub for two hours or more before the time for action . It would do no good now at any rate . What then was to be done ? Postpone the job until next Sunday , go back to the Cingcis at Ballyvourney and enjoy ourselves for the evening ? What do ye say to that ? Would it not be the wise thing to do ? Of course it would , but everytime we had been over-wise we had gained nothing .
Soon we were mounted and speeding down the winding road . Turning right when we met the main Macroom-Bantry road , we crossed the bridge parallel to the gable of the RIC Barracks and fifty yards distant from it . Turning left and in single file , we ran down the short incline and pulled up in front of Ben Shorten's Pub . Leaning our bicycles against its long front wall , we entered . There was no sign of life around the barracks across the way , and despite the warm day , the bar was deserted . Presently , Ben himself appeared . We gave him greeting and while some ordered soft drinks , other of us scanned the windows of the barracks from the depths of the shadows of the bar-room . For a quarter of an hour we saw nothing . Then a Black and Tan strolled out to the gate .
From the moment he had appeared at the doorway he became the object of an intensive study . He carried no arms and appeared wholly at his ease . He bore all the appearance of a person who had just had a good lunch and had walked aimlessly out to idle in the sunshine . He was bareheaded , a big man , young and not ill-looking . Sauntering to the gate , he stopped and stared straight in front of him into vacancy . Then his eyes ranged slowly up and down the road under his feet . Raising his head slightly his gaze appeared to become fascinated ...
We knew what interested him . It was our array of bicycles . He stiffened , rubbed his eyes , half turned , looked again and , completing the turn, walked quickly back and disappeared through the door of the barracks . Now , we said, the cat is out of the bag ......."
(MORE LATER).
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(16 of 16).
After Lennie Murphy's execution by the then IRA , 'The Belfast Telegraph' newspaper carried 87 death notices , including ones from William Moore , Robert 'Basher' Bates and other gang members in the Maze Prison . His Aunt Agnes penned the following tribute to Murphy :
: " Nothing could be more beautiful than the memories we have of you . To us , you were very special and God must have thought so too . "
His mother told reporters : " My Lennie would not have hurt a fly ....."
(As Oscar Wilde put it - " If one tells the truth , one is sure , sooner or later , to be found out .").
[END OF ' THE BUTCHER BOYS '].
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
....... Ireland 1939 ; 'State of Emergency' declared , 'Emergency Powers Bill' enacted , new Free State 'Justice' Minister appointed . Republicans were rounded-up and imprisoned but , on 1st December 1939 , due to a writ of 'habeas corpus', Richie Goss and fifty-two other Irish Republican prisoners were released from Mountjoy Jail .......
The men reported back to their IRA Unit's and continued the fight - Richie Goss was promoted to the position of Divisional Officer Commanding of the North-Leinster/South Ulster IRA . In July 1941 , Richie Goss was staying in the house of a family named Casey in Longford when it was surrounded by Free State troops and Gardai ; a shoot-out ended in the capture of the then twenty-six years young Richie Goss and the wounding of a Free State Army Lieutenant, resulting in a charge of attempted murder against Goss.
A Free State Military Tribunal returned a "guilty" verdict on Richie Goss and he was sentenced to death . That was in July , 1941 ; on the 8th August 1941 , Richie Goss was taken , under armed guard , from Mountjoy Jail in Dublin and put in the back of a truck . He was forced to sit on his own coffin on the journey from Dublin to Portlaoise Jail . On 9th August 1941 , Richie Goss , 26 years young, was shot dead by a Free State firing squad and buried in Portlaoise Prison yard . In September 1948 - seven years after his execution- his remains were released and re-interred in Dowdallshill Cemetery in Dundalk , County Louth .
A well-known Irish Republican of the time (and still remembered by the Movement to this day) Brian O'Higgins , wrote in the 1950 edition of 'The Wolfe Tone Annual'.......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......The twelve of us had picked a bad day for our operation ; it was Saint Gobnaits day and Ballingeary would be deserted - we would stand-out too much ......."
" Had we arrived some four or five hours later , we would have passed as a party returning home after the day . We then discussed the value of making a detour and coming into the village from the west . It would look all right just now about midday , we decided, but afterwards we should wait at Shorten's Pub for two hours or more before the time for action . It would do no good now at any rate . What then was to be done ? Postpone the job until next Sunday , go back to the Cingcis at Ballyvourney and enjoy ourselves for the evening ? What do ye say to that ? Would it not be the wise thing to do ? Of course it would , but everytime we had been over-wise we had gained nothing .
Soon we were mounted and speeding down the winding road . Turning right when we met the main Macroom-Bantry road , we crossed the bridge parallel to the gable of the RIC Barracks and fifty yards distant from it . Turning left and in single file , we ran down the short incline and pulled up in front of Ben Shorten's Pub . Leaning our bicycles against its long front wall , we entered . There was no sign of life around the barracks across the way , and despite the warm day , the bar was deserted . Presently , Ben himself appeared . We gave him greeting and while some ordered soft drinks , other of us scanned the windows of the barracks from the depths of the shadows of the bar-room . For a quarter of an hour we saw nothing . Then a Black and Tan strolled out to the gate .
From the moment he had appeared at the doorway he became the object of an intensive study . He carried no arms and appeared wholly at his ease . He bore all the appearance of a person who had just had a good lunch and had walked aimlessly out to idle in the sunshine . He was bareheaded , a big man , young and not ill-looking . Sauntering to the gate , he stopped and stared straight in front of him into vacancy . Then his eyes ranged slowly up and down the road under his feet . Raising his head slightly his gaze appeared to become fascinated ...
We knew what interested him . It was our array of bicycles . He stiffened , rubbed his eyes , half turned , looked again and , completing the turn, walked quickly back and disappeared through the door of the barracks . Now , we said, the cat is out of the bag ......."
(MORE LATER).
THE BUTCHER BOYS .
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(16 of 16).
After Lennie Murphy's execution by the then IRA , 'The Belfast Telegraph' newspaper carried 87 death notices , including ones from William Moore , Robert 'Basher' Bates and other gang members in the Maze Prison . His Aunt Agnes penned the following tribute to Murphy :
: " Nothing could be more beautiful than the memories we have of you . To us , you were very special and God must have thought so too . "
His mother told reporters : " My Lennie would not have hurt a fly ....."
(As Oscar Wilde put it - " If one tells the truth , one is sure , sooner or later , to be found out .").
[END OF ' THE BUTCHER BOYS '].
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
Thursday, February 26, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
.......In early 1938 , the then IRA Chief of Staff , Sean Russell , ordered Richie Goss to go to Dublin ; preparations were underway for a bombing campaign in England .......
Within months , Richie Goss was in England , helping to organise IRA Units , safe-houses etc for the campaign ; he was arrested in Liverpool in May 1939 for refusing to account for £20 in his possession (!) and was sentenced to seven-days in Walton Jail - when released , he reported back to the IRA in London .
About two months later , he returned to Ireland but was unlucky enough to be grabbed by the Free Staters in their round-up of known and suspected IRA members and supporters , in September that year (1939) ; on 2nd September 1939 , the Leinster House Administration (Free Staters) had issued a statement saying that , because of " the armed conflict now taking place in Europe , a National(sic) emergency exists affecting the vital interests of the State . "
On the following day (3rd September 1939) , the 'Emergency Powers Bill' was enacted (ie to all intent and purpose - 'martial law'). Days later (on 8th September 1939) a new Free State Minister for 'Justice' was appointed - the ferociously Anti-Republican Gerald Boland . All known or suspected Irish Republicans were rounded-up , but a Republican-minded lawyer , Sean MacBride (whose parents had fought alongside the IRA) supported the Republican prisoners and , on 1st December 1939 , due to a 'habeas corpus' application , Richie Goss and fifty-two other Republican prisoners were reeased from Mountjoy Jail .
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......We were on our way to Ballingeary ; we passed through all the old historical places which we knew well , especially Atha Bhuadh which , according to tradition , will one day be the scene of our ultimate triumph ......."
" Crossing Atha Bhuadh by the little bridge , we were soon climbing the steep and wooded slope of Gort-an-Imill . Reaching the top , we paused to regain our breath and to view a most unusual and beautiful extent of rugged scenery . Mounting , we cycled down into Renanirree , on the road from Macroom to Beal a' Ghleanna and Ballingeary . Three further miles of a stiff uniform climb , on the bicycles , brought us to Beal a' Ghleanna . Here we rested and discussed the final arrangements for our project . When we mounted again it would be all a downhill three-mile run to the village of Ballingeary and , barring accidents , a non-stop one .
But now a serious question was raised , a question which should , there and then , have put a stop to our visit for that day . We had , we all admitted reluctantly , picked out the worst possible day in the year for the job . Why the devil had we not thought of that last night ? Most of the young people of Ballingeary and district had just passed by the RIC Barracks on their way north to Ballyvourney . So had people from places as far distant as Bantry . The enemy had just seen the last of them pass an hour ago . The RIC knew well where they were heading for . The village would be almost deserted .
Then twelve young men on bicycles would come from the north ........"
(MORE LATER).
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(15 of 16).
Some gang members , however , will be due for release in the coming decade (ie -the 1990's). One is already out and , of course , many of those involved in the murders were never brought to justice and are still walking the streets of Northern Ireland (sic).
At least 17 people who were implicated in some of the killings were never brought before the courts , mostly due to insufficient evidence against them . Lenny Murphy , who walked out of prison in July 1982 , three years after the jailing of his gang , had killed again within 24 hours . He met his own death at the hands of a Republican assassination squad , as he parked behind his girlfriends house one evening that Autumn (1982).
Enemies within the Loyalist camp , it is thought , may have helped to set him up .
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
.......In early 1938 , the then IRA Chief of Staff , Sean Russell , ordered Richie Goss to go to Dublin ; preparations were underway for a bombing campaign in England .......
Within months , Richie Goss was in England , helping to organise IRA Units , safe-houses etc for the campaign ; he was arrested in Liverpool in May 1939 for refusing to account for £20 in his possession (!) and was sentenced to seven-days in Walton Jail - when released , he reported back to the IRA in London .
About two months later , he returned to Ireland but was unlucky enough to be grabbed by the Free Staters in their round-up of known and suspected IRA members and supporters , in September that year (1939) ; on 2nd September 1939 , the Leinster House Administration (Free Staters) had issued a statement saying that , because of " the armed conflict now taking place in Europe , a National(sic) emergency exists affecting the vital interests of the State . "
On the following day (3rd September 1939) , the 'Emergency Powers Bill' was enacted (ie to all intent and purpose - 'martial law'). Days later (on 8th September 1939) a new Free State Minister for 'Justice' was appointed - the ferociously Anti-Republican Gerald Boland . All known or suspected Irish Republicans were rounded-up , but a Republican-minded lawyer , Sean MacBride (whose parents had fought alongside the IRA) supported the Republican prisoners and , on 1st December 1939 , due to a 'habeas corpus' application , Richie Goss and fifty-two other Republican prisoners were reeased from Mountjoy Jail .
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......We were on our way to Ballingeary ; we passed through all the old historical places which we knew well , especially Atha Bhuadh which , according to tradition , will one day be the scene of our ultimate triumph ......."
" Crossing Atha Bhuadh by the little bridge , we were soon climbing the steep and wooded slope of Gort-an-Imill . Reaching the top , we paused to regain our breath and to view a most unusual and beautiful extent of rugged scenery . Mounting , we cycled down into Renanirree , on the road from Macroom to Beal a' Ghleanna and Ballingeary . Three further miles of a stiff uniform climb , on the bicycles , brought us to Beal a' Ghleanna . Here we rested and discussed the final arrangements for our project . When we mounted again it would be all a downhill three-mile run to the village of Ballingeary and , barring accidents , a non-stop one .
But now a serious question was raised , a question which should , there and then , have put a stop to our visit for that day . We had , we all admitted reluctantly , picked out the worst possible day in the year for the job . Why the devil had we not thought of that last night ? Most of the young people of Ballingeary and district had just passed by the RIC Barracks on their way north to Ballyvourney . So had people from places as far distant as Bantry . The enemy had just seen the last of them pass an hour ago . The RIC knew well where they were heading for . The village would be almost deserted .
Then twelve young men on bicycles would come from the north ........"
(MORE LATER).
THE BUTCHER BOYS .
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(15 of 16).
Some gang members , however , will be due for release in the coming decade (ie -the 1990's). One is already out and , of course , many of those involved in the murders were never brought to justice and are still walking the streets of Northern Ireland (sic).
At least 17 people who were implicated in some of the killings were never brought before the courts , mostly due to insufficient evidence against them . Lenny Murphy , who walked out of prison in July 1982 , three years after the jailing of his gang , had killed again within 24 hours . He met his own death at the hands of a Republican assassination squad , as he parked behind his girlfriends house one evening that Autumn (1982).
Enemies within the Loyalist camp , it is thought , may have helped to set him up .
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
.......In January 1934 , a Mr. Joseph McGrory from Dundalk assisted the Free State Gardai in their inquiries into a hold-up ; two IRA men were arrested as a result and , in February 1934 , McGrory's house was bombed - his wife died in the explosion . Richie Goss and two others were sentenced to three months (in March 1934) for refusing to explain their whereabouts on that February night .......
Then , in early July 1935 ,four IRA men were arrested and charged with the death of Mrs. McGrory - those men were Richie Goss , Eamon Coffey , Thomas Walsh and Bernard Murphy(all from Dundalk). The Free Staters had received information from an informer that five men were responsible for 'The McGrory Incident' - the four men named above , and one other ; James Finnigan . However , Finnigan was already in jail again , this time serving fifteen months for possession of weapons .
The informer was Matt McCrystal , an IRA man and , on his evidence, the first-ever 'murder trial' before a Free State Military Tribunal went ahead . But it was not successful - on 20th July , 1935 , after a five-day hearing , all the accused were acquitted .
Richie Goss was ordered to go to Dublin by Sean Russell , the then IRA Chief of Staff, in early 1938 , as his expertise in explosives was needed to prepare for the up-coming bombing campaign in England .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......At short notice , we had assembled twelve IRA men - most of us were poorly armed , but we were all determined to attack Ballingeary Barracks . We had intended to base ourselves opposite the Barracks, in Shorten's Pub . But there was trouble ahead ......."
" We settled on reaching Ballingeary Village at about a quarter to two on Whitsunday . We left Ballyvourney just after noon , cycling away in twos and threes . People were still coming towards the place while we were going away from it . That in itself was not a good start , but would do no harm , since there was no means of quick communication between the two places at that time , and the people we met would mind their own business .
We cycled southward over the bridge of the Sullane and , turning east , we wound around the base of the Curragh Hill to Cathair Cearnach (the Fort of the Champion) in the valley of the Dubh-Glaise (the Dark Stream). Our road led us upstream and westward for a mile along the only placid stretch of the Dubh-Glaise , until we reached Atha-Bhuadh (the Ford of Victory). On either side of us the little green fields showed bravely on the steep slopes they had conquered from the Curragh and Rahoona Hills .
In front of us rose Gort-Ui-Rathaille , its foot-hills covered with stunted oak , birch , hazel and holly . Above us , in a clear sky , the noonday sun of May shone brightly . Within us were the thoughts of youth , stimulated by the legendary associations of our surroundings - Cathair Cearnach of ancient victories and Atha Bhuadh which , according to local tradition , will one day be the scene of our ultimate triumph ......."
(MORE LATER).
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(14 of 16).
Sentencing eleven gang members , including William Moore , 'Big Sam' McAllister and Robert 'Basher' Bates , for their parts in nineteen murders , Mr. Justice Turlough O'Donnell talked of this " catalogue of horror " , and told William Moore - " You pleaded guilty to eleven murders carried out in a manner so cruel and revolting as to be beyond the comprehension of any normal human being . I see no reason whatever why you should ever be released . The facts speak for themseves and will remain forever a lasting monument to blind sectarian bigotry , " he told the court .
In all , the Shankill Butchers were given 2,000 years imprisonment , to run in concurrent sentences . British legal history was made with the 42 life sentences handed down , the largest number ever given out in one sitting .
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
.......In January 1934 , a Mr. Joseph McGrory from Dundalk assisted the Free State Gardai in their inquiries into a hold-up ; two IRA men were arrested as a result and , in February 1934 , McGrory's house was bombed - his wife died in the explosion . Richie Goss and two others were sentenced to three months (in March 1934) for refusing to explain their whereabouts on that February night .......
Then , in early July 1935 ,four IRA men were arrested and charged with the death of Mrs. McGrory - those men were Richie Goss , Eamon Coffey , Thomas Walsh and Bernard Murphy(all from Dundalk). The Free Staters had received information from an informer that five men were responsible for 'The McGrory Incident' - the four men named above , and one other ; James Finnigan . However , Finnigan was already in jail again , this time serving fifteen months for possession of weapons .
The informer was Matt McCrystal , an IRA man and , on his evidence, the first-ever 'murder trial' before a Free State Military Tribunal went ahead . But it was not successful - on 20th July , 1935 , after a five-day hearing , all the accused were acquitted .
Richie Goss was ordered to go to Dublin by Sean Russell , the then IRA Chief of Staff, in early 1938 , as his expertise in explosives was needed to prepare for the up-coming bombing campaign in England .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......At short notice , we had assembled twelve IRA men - most of us were poorly armed , but we were all determined to attack Ballingeary Barracks . We had intended to base ourselves opposite the Barracks, in Shorten's Pub . But there was trouble ahead ......."
" We settled on reaching Ballingeary Village at about a quarter to two on Whitsunday . We left Ballyvourney just after noon , cycling away in twos and threes . People were still coming towards the place while we were going away from it . That in itself was not a good start , but would do no harm , since there was no means of quick communication between the two places at that time , and the people we met would mind their own business .
We cycled southward over the bridge of the Sullane and , turning east , we wound around the base of the Curragh Hill to Cathair Cearnach (the Fort of the Champion) in the valley of the Dubh-Glaise (the Dark Stream). Our road led us upstream and westward for a mile along the only placid stretch of the Dubh-Glaise , until we reached Atha-Bhuadh (the Ford of Victory). On either side of us the little green fields showed bravely on the steep slopes they had conquered from the Curragh and Rahoona Hills .
In front of us rose Gort-Ui-Rathaille , its foot-hills covered with stunted oak , birch , hazel and holly . Above us , in a clear sky , the noonday sun of May shone brightly . Within us were the thoughts of youth , stimulated by the legendary associations of our surroundings - Cathair Cearnach of ancient victories and Atha Bhuadh which , according to local tradition , will one day be the scene of our ultimate triumph ......."
(MORE LATER).
THE BUTCHER BOYS .
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(14 of 16).
Sentencing eleven gang members , including William Moore , 'Big Sam' McAllister and Robert 'Basher' Bates , for their parts in nineteen murders , Mr. Justice Turlough O'Donnell talked of this " catalogue of horror " , and told William Moore - " You pleaded guilty to eleven murders carried out in a manner so cruel and revolting as to be beyond the comprehension of any normal human being . I see no reason whatever why you should ever be released . The facts speak for themseves and will remain forever a lasting monument to blind sectarian bigotry , " he told the court .
In all , the Shankill Butchers were given 2,000 years imprisonment , to run in concurrent sentences . British legal history was made with the 42 life sentences handed down , the largest number ever given out in one sitting .
(MORE LATER).
(NOTE - this site/blog will be winding itself down over the next few days -temporarily- as the '1169...' crew have mutinied ! They tell me they have'nt had a holiday since July 2003 , and are now insisting on a week off . Ya just can't get good help these days......)
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
.......at 19 years young in 1934 , Richie Goss was picked up by the Free State Special Branch and asked to account for his movements ; he refused .......
He was brought before a Free State Military Tribunal and sentenced to three months in prison ! The prison sentence was related , according to the ' Court' , to what became known as ' The McGrory Incident ' :
: In Dundalk , County Louth , on 9th January 1934 , a debt-collector (who was also said to be a member of the right-wing 'Blueshirt'[Fine Gael] party) was held-up by armed men and his bag of cash was taken . In making inquiries in the area about the robbery , the Free State Gardai(police) were assisted by a local man , a Mr. Joseph McGrory , from Chapel Street , Dundalk : two IRA men were jailed as a result of the evidence given by McGrory .
On the night of 11th February 1934 , a bomb was thrown through the front window of the McGrory house ; the explosion killed Joseph McGrory's wife . On 23rd March 1934 , Richie Goss and two others (James Finnigan and Matt McCrystal) were sentenced to three months in jail because they refused to " enter into recognisances " ie 'explain their whereabouts' on the night of the McGrory incident .
Then , in early July 1935 , four IRA men were arrested and charged with the death of Mrs McGrory .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
"....... Volunteer Jer Carthy had been busy ; he had got the measure of the local RIC Barracks , which also housed a Black and Tan Unit . Fourteen armed men in all......."
" Jer had noticed how , for the past three or four Sunday's since the weather had got fine , a number of the Black and Tans regularly sat on the wall after lunch . The number varied , but on one occasion as many as ten were there together . At least seven or eight had always come out . What did we think of it ? Very few of them had ever come out armed . They sat on the wall talking and joking and commenting on the people who passed them by . They did not appear to be anticipating any attack , in the daylight at any rate . The only caution they displayed was that they did not go far afield from their barracks .
We decided to get in touch with all the Volunteers who possessed revolvers . These weapons were very scarce at the time , as were all other types of firearm . Before midnight we had mustered twelve men . Of these , only four carried service revolvers . Six were armed with smaller bore guns , while two could almost truthfully be said to be unarmed with miserable pocket revolvers . Little planning was necessary . To get into Shorten's Pub without attracting the attention of the enemy across the road was the first and most vital part of the operation .
It should also have been the easiest . Yet it was that which thwarted our scheme ....... "
(MORE LATER).
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(13 of 16).
It was only , finally , in 1977 , that the Butchers made a fatal 'mistake' - they left a victim alive . 20-year-old Gerard McLaverty , dumped in an alleyway after being beaten and tortured with a knife , identified key gang members , including 'Big Sam' McAllister . The RUC searched McAllister's home and found a butcher's knife sticking out of the floorboards beside the bed , another knife under the bed , plus two butchers knives and a sharpening steel in the kitchen .
The knives ranged in size from six to ten inches , and the sharpener showed signs of heavy use . The breakthrough had been made . Most of the gang broke down under police questioning , some " crying like babies ."
(MORE LATER).
.......at 19 years young in 1934 , Richie Goss was picked up by the Free State Special Branch and asked to account for his movements ; he refused .......
He was brought before a Free State Military Tribunal and sentenced to three months in prison ! The prison sentence was related , according to the ' Court' , to what became known as ' The McGrory Incident ' :
: In Dundalk , County Louth , on 9th January 1934 , a debt-collector (who was also said to be a member of the right-wing 'Blueshirt'[Fine Gael] party) was held-up by armed men and his bag of cash was taken . In making inquiries in the area about the robbery , the Free State Gardai(police) were assisted by a local man , a Mr. Joseph McGrory , from Chapel Street , Dundalk : two IRA men were jailed as a result of the evidence given by McGrory .
On the night of 11th February 1934 , a bomb was thrown through the front window of the McGrory house ; the explosion killed Joseph McGrory's wife . On 23rd March 1934 , Richie Goss and two others (James Finnigan and Matt McCrystal) were sentenced to three months in jail because they refused to " enter into recognisances " ie 'explain their whereabouts' on the night of the McGrory incident .
Then , in early July 1935 , four IRA men were arrested and charged with the death of Mrs McGrory .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
"....... Volunteer Jer Carthy had been busy ; he had got the measure of the local RIC Barracks , which also housed a Black and Tan Unit . Fourteen armed men in all......."
" Jer had noticed how , for the past three or four Sunday's since the weather had got fine , a number of the Black and Tans regularly sat on the wall after lunch . The number varied , but on one occasion as many as ten were there together . At least seven or eight had always come out . What did we think of it ? Very few of them had ever come out armed . They sat on the wall talking and joking and commenting on the people who passed them by . They did not appear to be anticipating any attack , in the daylight at any rate . The only caution they displayed was that they did not go far afield from their barracks .
We decided to get in touch with all the Volunteers who possessed revolvers . These weapons were very scarce at the time , as were all other types of firearm . Before midnight we had mustered twelve men . Of these , only four carried service revolvers . Six were armed with smaller bore guns , while two could almost truthfully be said to be unarmed with miserable pocket revolvers . Little planning was necessary . To get into Shorten's Pub without attracting the attention of the enemy across the road was the first and most vital part of the operation .
It should also have been the easiest . Yet it was that which thwarted our scheme ....... "
(MORE LATER).
THE BUTCHER BOYS .
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(13 of 16).
It was only , finally , in 1977 , that the Butchers made a fatal 'mistake' - they left a victim alive . 20-year-old Gerard McLaverty , dumped in an alleyway after being beaten and tortured with a knife , identified key gang members , including 'Big Sam' McAllister . The RUC searched McAllister's home and found a butcher's knife sticking out of the floorboards beside the bed , another knife under the bed , plus two butchers knives and a sharpening steel in the kitchen .
The knives ranged in size from six to ten inches , and the sharpener showed signs of heavy use . The breakthrough had been made . Most of the gang broke down under police questioning , some " crying like babies ."
(MORE LATER).
Monday, February 23, 2004
RICHIE GOSS : 1915-1941 --- A REVOLUTIONARY IRISHMAN .......
....... Ireland , 1933 ; Richie Goss had joined the IRA - he was 18 years young . The Nationalist population in the Six Counties was under seige .......
The then 'Grand Master' of the anti-Nationalist 'Orange Order' , a (British Senator) 'Sir' Joseph Davison , stated - " When will the Protestant employers of Northern Ireland (sic) recognise their duty to their Protestant brothers and sisters and employ them to the exclusion of Roman Catholics ? It is time Protestant employers realised that whenever a Roman Catholic is brought into their employment it means one Protestant vote less . It is our duty to pass the word along - Protestants employ Protestants . " !
That was the sentiment of those times - the blatant sectarianism that existed , and which Richie Goss , amongst others , hoped to bring to an end .
He was 18 years young , an IRA member and learning to use explosives - in early 1934 , at 19 years of age , Richie Goss was picked-up by the Free State Special Branch(political police) and asked to account for his movements ; he refused .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......My brother Pat and myself were in Ballyvourney for the Whitsunday celebrations ; we met another Volunteer , Jer Carthy from Ballingeary , our Intelligence Officer . He told us of a possible plan of attack on the enemy ......."
" For some time past , Jer had been closely watching the movements of the RIC and the Black and Tans in Ballingeary . The RIC had recently been reinforced by Black and Tans , and their combined strength was now fourteen men . They all lived together in the RIC Barracks in the middle of the village , across the street from Shorten's public house .
The road proper between the Barracks and Shorten's Pub was not a very wide one . Three cars abreast would fill it . The RIC Barracks was an ordinary two-storey house with a door in the middle . About fifteen feet in front of the building a wall ran along the edge of the roadway . It was breached by a small gateway straight opposite the front door . The wall was about three feet high . On a fine sunny day it would be an inviting and not uncomfortable seat for an active and leisurely young man .
Seated on it , his legs dangling , he would have a close view of everyone who passed by on the highway , or passed through the doorway of the pub across the road . The pub , like the Barracks , stood back from the roadway but had no wall or other obstruction in front . Like the poles of a magnet , one building attracted while the other repelled ......."
(MORE LATER).
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(12 of 16).
An excerpt from a confession by one of the Shankill Butchers , 'Big Sam' McAllister , illustrates how the gang had used their knowledge of the law -
--" I was out in a car with another fellow who I don't wish to say ....we were looking for a Taig (a Catholic) for a kicking . There was a hatchet in the car and I took it with me and got out of the car . As this man walked by me on his own , I hit him over the head with the wooden part of the hatchet . I hit him about twice . It was only meant to give him a digging . He was not meant to be killed . I think drink was the biggest cause of this . "
In fact , neither of the gang members were drunk on this occasion , and the ill-fated "taig" , 49-year-old Cornelius Neeson , died from a fractured skull , a broken leg and multiple lacerations to the head , face , shoulder and hand .
The pathologist concluded that all the blows were delivered with considerable severity from the hatchet , and from fists and feet ....
(MORE LATER).
....... Ireland , 1933 ; Richie Goss had joined the IRA - he was 18 years young . The Nationalist population in the Six Counties was under seige .......
The then 'Grand Master' of the anti-Nationalist 'Orange Order' , a (British Senator) 'Sir' Joseph Davison , stated - " When will the Protestant employers of Northern Ireland (sic) recognise their duty to their Protestant brothers and sisters and employ them to the exclusion of Roman Catholics ? It is time Protestant employers realised that whenever a Roman Catholic is brought into their employment it means one Protestant vote less . It is our duty to pass the word along - Protestants employ Protestants . " !
That was the sentiment of those times - the blatant sectarianism that existed , and which Richie Goss , amongst others , hoped to bring to an end .
He was 18 years young , an IRA member and learning to use explosives - in early 1934 , at 19 years of age , Richie Goss was picked-up by the Free State Special Branch(political police) and asked to account for his movements ; he refused .......
(MORE LATER).
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
BALLINGEARY BARRACKS .....
".......My brother Pat and myself were in Ballyvourney for the Whitsunday celebrations ; we met another Volunteer , Jer Carthy from Ballingeary , our Intelligence Officer . He told us of a possible plan of attack on the enemy ......."
" For some time past , Jer had been closely watching the movements of the RIC and the Black and Tans in Ballingeary . The RIC had recently been reinforced by Black and Tans , and their combined strength was now fourteen men . They all lived together in the RIC Barracks in the middle of the village , across the street from Shorten's public house .
The road proper between the Barracks and Shorten's Pub was not a very wide one . Three cars abreast would fill it . The RIC Barracks was an ordinary two-storey house with a door in the middle . About fifteen feet in front of the building a wall ran along the edge of the roadway . It was breached by a small gateway straight opposite the front door . The wall was about three feet high . On a fine sunny day it would be an inviting and not uncomfortable seat for an active and leisurely young man .
Seated on it , his legs dangling , he would have a close view of everyone who passed by on the highway , or passed through the doorway of the pub across the road . The pub , like the Barracks , stood back from the roadway but had no wall or other obstruction in front . Like the poles of a magnet , one building attracted while the other repelled ......."
(MORE LATER).
THE BUTCHER BOYS .
FROM THE BOOK ' The Shankill Butchers : A Case Study of Mass Murder ' , by Martin Dillon . Published by HUTCHINSON .
(Reviewed by Niall O'Flynn , and published in ' The Evening Press ' newspaper , Tuesday , 1st August , 1989 , page 6 ).
(12 of 16).
An excerpt from a confession by one of the Shankill Butchers , 'Big Sam' McAllister , illustrates how the gang had used their knowledge of the law -
--" I was out in a car with another fellow who I don't wish to say ....we were looking for a Taig (a Catholic) for a kicking . There was a hatchet in the car and I took it with me and got out of the car . As this man walked by me on his own , I hit him over the head with the wooden part of the hatchet . I hit him about twice . It was only meant to give him a digging . He was not meant to be killed . I think drink was the biggest cause of this . "
In fact , neither of the gang members were drunk on this occasion , and the ill-fated "taig" , 49-year-old Cornelius Neeson , died from a fractured skull , a broken leg and multiple lacerations to the head , face , shoulder and hand .
The pathologist concluded that all the blows were delivered with considerable severity from the hatchet , and from fists and feet ....
(MORE LATER).
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