Athenry Local History

Athenry Ladies History: Irish Country Women's Association of Athenry by Ronan Killeen

2012-02-04T19:32:00.000Z

For a while I have been asking about the Irish Country Women's Association and by a small piece of luck by having been given a gift off another Researcher like myself of the old Athenry Journal's. We see only today now that past has become important as future generations will ask question and revise over local history itself. Here is a short summary of the Athenry's 'Irish Country Women's Association'.

In 1910 the Irish Country Women's Association was founded to give women 'a chance to express opinion, socialise, and to take part in handcrafts, debating and cookery'. A lady named Angela Connolly founded the Athenry organisation in 1958. The committee consisted of Mrs. Dr. Brennan (President), Angela Connolly (Hon. Sec.), Mrs. Taylor of the Town House Athenry (Treasurer) and Mrs. Frawley (Co. Organiser Galway) weret the ones who offically started the guild, along with members Mrs. A. Qualter (Aggie Qualter who wrote the history book Athenry Since 1780), Abbey Row, Mrs Ciss Curran, Boyhill; Miss M. Kennedy, ", Mrs Coffey, Old Church St; Mrs. Mary Monaghan of Blaine; Maureen Healy and Mary Donlon (Morrissey).

Subsequently, Angela was appointed Federation President which was a three year term where her duties consisted of 'presiding county meetings, meeting guild members and sorting out any problems' . Anglea, Aggie and a Mrs. Johnson-Green (Oughterard) came first at a County Debate on the subject of 'Manners Maketh Man' but lost to their next opponents who were members known as The Toast Masters Club were the subject was 'Should Ireland Joine N. A. T. O.?'.
The A. I. C. A. also took a trip to a place known as 'The Grianán' which was the headquarters of the I. C. A. were the then famous singer Máire Ní Scolaidhe visited them and sang for them which the A. I. C. A. appreciated.

If anyone has any info on this subject I would very much appreciated it - contact athenrylohis@gmail.com

My Publications by Ronan Killeen

2012-01-27T17:39:00.000Z

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry Railway Station', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, No.2, (Athenry Community Council, February/March 2011) p12

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry and the Easter Rising 1916', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, No.3, (Athenry Community Council, March/April, 2011) p18

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry Western Sack & Bag Factory', Athenry News & Views,Vol.2, No.4, (Athenry Community Council, April/May, 2011) p18

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry Postal History', Athenry News & Views,Vol. 2, Issue No. 5, (Athenry Community Council, May/April, 2011) p21

Killeen, Ronan, 'Irish Republican Women', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, No.6, (Athenry Community Council, September/October 2011) p12

Killeen, Ronan, 'Ways of Tracing Your Athenry Ancestors', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, No.7, (Athenry Community Council, November/December, 2011) p12

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry Railway Hotel - A Brief History', Athenry News & Views, Vol. 2, No. 8, (Athenry Community Council, December/January, 2012) p6

I will be putting my publications into a file in the ADC, Athenry in the coming weeks for any future historian or member of the public would like to read my previous articles. In the next article I will be a full year writing for the Athenry News & Views.

Local Historian,
Ronan Killeen

How to Reference an Article?

2012-01-22T18:26:00.000Z

History books and Journals (Academic Magazines) do a lot of research from the sources they use such as other books, journals themselves, old newspapers, genealogical records, photographs and minute books. These sources are always and should be referenced. Lets start with the most common used source in an article - the book. You will see all these sources used near the end of the history book.

Book

In any reference bar newspaper or genealogical record it always starts with the author's surname so a book I will take for example will be Land, Revoultion and Nationalist Politics by Dr. Fergus Campell.

A book is referenced this way; author's surname, author's name, title of book in italics, then the name of the publisher and year in brackets)

So it would go like this Fergus, Campell, Land, Revoultion and Nationalist Politics in the West 1891-1921, (Oxford University Press, 2005).

'Dr.' is left out of the reference. If you are referencing this on a page from a book in a thesis you can do it the same way as above but after '(Oxford University Press, 2005)' put the page no. in e.g ' (Oxford University Press, 2005) p6'.

You will find the publishers on the spine of the history book or after the main title page.

Journal

A journal is slightly different. So for example I will take the Athenry News and Views as an example. Journals have issue and volume numbers that books don't have. So to reference a journal it is authour surname, name, 'Title of Article not in italics', Title of magazine/journal in italics, volume number, issue number, which results in below:

Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry Western Sack & Bag Factory', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, No.4, (April/May, 2011) p18.

No.4 = the issue number of the journal

Thesis/Disserations

(A) An undergratuate dissertation = Killeen, Ronan, Capital Punishment in Galway 1885-1923, (Unpublished B. A. Dissertation, Department of Humanities, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, 2011)

(B) A MA (Masters) Thesis = The only thing that changes here is the degree so the the undergratuate thesis becomes in brackets (Unpublished M. A. Thesis, School of Humanities, Galway-Mayo Insititute of Technology, 2011

(C) PhD Thesis = Once again the only change is in brackets (Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Humanities, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, 2011)

Websites
This is simple all you have to do is copy and paste to the url e.g http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2776758945557745334&postID=421950787267289651 to your footnote.

In you blog you could be reference the national archives website in you bibliography just type in http://www.nationalarchives.ie/ but it you want to reference something specfic on the national archives like those in the railway hotel you have to copy and paste it to your footnote or whatever type of reference you are using and type in http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Athenry/Cullairbawn/1385360/.

Manuscript

This is our very last piece to look at in this article/lesson of some sort.

National Library of Ireland, Dublin, MS. 8499, Photostat Copy of a Draft a War Bulletin by P. H. Pearse, Commandant General of the Army of the Irish Republic, 27 April 1916.

A Little Bit More Bureu of Military History by Ronan Killeen

2012-01-03T14:28:00.049Z

This should give the reader more of a deeper look into the Bureu of Military History which has been featured in the article by Dr. Ferghal McGarrry - 'Too Many Histories: The Bureue of Military History' in the Nov/Dec issue of History Ireland which you can get in Burke's Newsagents.

WS = Witness Statement

In the case of the Irish Civil war 1922-1923 and the Treaty negotiations were excluded from the Bureu’s sphere of activity, a practical decision given its ambition to secure co-operation from veteran’s on both sides of the civil war divide. Army officers were given the task of gathering ino off former revolutionaries.

Then oral accounts were written by the witness but more frequently they were based on their oral testimony and composed into ‘coherent statements by the investigators before being approved and signed by witness statements.’
After the archive of the WS were compiled they were sealed into 83 steel boxes in the strongroom of Government buildings where the documents remained unavailable for public or scholary scrutiny until the release in 2003 following the death of the last witness.

There are some problematic issues with the WS for example the bias of oral history, the shape of historical memory, the selective nature of the testimony collected and the reliability of the witnesses memories. In some of the content of the WS from the BMH some are 'egocentric, self-serving or others to justify actions or settle scores.
What is interesting about the unknown volunteers according to Dr. McGarry's article is that the 'unknown volunteers believed in the importance of recording th minor role they played in an event that they regarded as he most important of their lives. They make no great claims as to the wider significance of their actions and are characterised by modesty rather than vanity or self-interest.'

Of course, there were some veterans who refused come forward for the reasons of betraying confidences or just wished to forget the past. One member of a 'Flying Column' explained that his memories were tainted with 'feeling aversion and self-disgust'. The well known Éamon De Valera - the leader of the government that established the Bureu and the former IRA chief-of-staff Richard Mulcahy. Another reason why others refused to record a statement to the Bureu was perhaps their distrust of the project or their antipathy to the state.
One lady, Elizabeth Farrell - who was best known for handing over Padraig Pearse offer of surrender to Brigadier General Low, declined on the grounds that 'all governements since 1921 had betrayed the Republic'. Another lady Pauline Keating, who did submit a statement, was astonished by her former comrades the Cumman Na mBan that 'they would rather burn anything they had than give it to the Bureu...I suggested that the information might beof interest to future generations, but I did not succeed in convincing them'.

To read more read:

McGarry, Fearghal, 'Too Many Histories: The Bureu of Military History and Easter 1916, History Ireland, November/December 2011 issue, p26-29

Bibliography
McGarry, Fearghal, The Rising, Ireland, Easter 1916, (Oxford Press 2010)

Ryan, A, Witness: Inside the Easter Rising, (Dublin, 2005)

ALH 60th Article Christmas Special:...And the men of '16 returned from Frongoch by Ronan Killeen

2011-12-17T20:55:00.030Z

This shall be a short general article for Christmas. Frongoch will be put into more detail in the new year. On the Friday 23 December 1916. The men who were interned for the activism in the Easter Rising were released. 146 of these men were from the districts of Athenry and Oranmore. The majority of men looked sickly (I would like to point out food in Frongoch was not always the best at one point a doctor was appointed to look at one type of meat which was not fit for the men to eat at all, Sean Mahony talks about this in his book Frongoch Internment Camp: Birth of Revoultion).
One account of the treatment is given in the Irish Independent 26 December 1916 'We had four months of porridge for breakfast and dinner, and if it wasn't for the parcels that came some would have died of hunger'.

The men of Frogoch were greeted cheerfully by their family and friends as they arrived home. An Irish Independent representative travelled with the released men on their homeward journey getting intersing interviews. The men of Frongoch got on remarkeably well with the Prison Adjudant who told the men of their release. Men were delighted to hear the news and marched to the nearest railway station singing Irish songs and the the Welsh town of Bala gave the Irish men a good-natured send off.

I will put Frongoch Interment Camp into better detail in the new year. For thos of you who are interested in the Bureu of Military History. There is an article on p26-29 of this bi-monthly edition of History Ireland which can be bought in Burke's newsagents.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all readers of Athenry Local History,

Local Historian,
Ronan Killeen

Athenry Tidy Town's Future Projects by Ronan Killeen

2011-12-07T18:13:00.002Z

Recently on the 26 September 2011 I gave a presentation to the Athenry Tidy Town's on Athenry and the Easter Rising which I was priviliged to do. The ATT would appreciate any help you can give on the following future projects below.

Athenry Tidy Towns group have three medium to long term projects that we are about to get started on. You may be able to help us with some background or history to each of these projects. The projects that we have in mind are as follows;-

2016 Commemoration Park

We believe that Athenry was one of the few places outside of Dublin that participated in the 1916 rising and would like to create a commemoration park.

Walled garden Project

This project is to develop a walled garden on the outskirts of Athenry just before the approach road to the motorway. You can see the remaining walls on the left hand side of the road as you approach the motorway. We believe that these walls were once part of a fort or barracks that was situated in this part of Athenry. This may have been the Newford Military Camp which had been a British barracks before the Free State.

River Clarin Hydroelectric Project

This rather ambitious project is to set up a micro hydropower station on the River Clarin using the power of the water to generate electricity. A similar project was developed several years ago by NUIG engineering department and is used to power some University buildings in Nuns Island Galway. The background to our project is that several years ago a mill was situated close to the Castle on the River Clarin and apparently the mill used waterpower for its operation. Do you have any local history on the Mill – maps plans photographs showing water wheel etc? This was known as Taylor's Mill.

You can also contact local historian Ronan Killeen at athenrylohis@gmail.com or the Athenry Tidy Towns Group e-mail at athenrytt@gmail.com.

Morse Code used in Athenry Post Office and Railway Station by Ronan Killeen

2011-12-06T22:06:00.003Z

When I was previoulsy doing an article on the Athenry Post Office, I was given a this item from a person that worked in the Athenry Post Office pre-1950's in the image of what Morse code looked like. It was used in Athenry Post Office and also the railway station. The Morse code would go to three different area's from Athenry which were Galway, Ballinasloe and Loughrea.

If anyone else knows about Morse code used in Post Offices do let us know please at athenrylohis@gmail.com or just leave a comment below the article.

A = .-

B = - . . .

C = - . - .

D = - . .

E = .

F = .. - .

G = - - .

H = ....

I = . .

J = . - -

K = - . -

L =. - ..

M = - -

N = - .

O = - - -

P = . - - .

Q = - - . -

R = . - .

S = . . .

T = -

U = .. -

V = . . . -

W = . - - -

X = - . . -

Y = - . - -

Z = - - ..

Bureu of Military History by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-30T22:03:00.004Z

Time after time on this blog (and on others of mine) many of you would have seen the words witness statements and Military pensions. There is a great source for historians known as the Bureu of Military History. I have summarised what the Bureu of Military of History is about for readers who thoroughly enjoy military history.

On the 1 January 1947 the Bureu of Military History was established by Oscar Traynor the then Minister for Defence and former Captain of the Irish Volunteers. The objective of the BMH (Bureu of Military History) was ‘to assemble and co-ordinate material to form the basis for the compilation of the history of the movement of independence from the formation of the Irish Volunteers on 25 November 1913 – 11 July 1921’. (Courtesy of the Bureu of Military History) Over a period of ten years the BMH contains the following;

• 1,773 Witness Statements (WS)

• 334 Contemporary Documents (CD)

• 42 Photograph’s (P)

• 12 Voice Recordings (VR)

• 210 Action Sites Easter Week (ASEW)

• PC

All of the above was collected for the Bureu by individuals that took part in the activites of that time. Well known figures who helped compile documents for the BMH were High Court Judge, Cahir Davitt (Son of agriarian agitator Michael Davitt), Sean T. O’Ceallaigh former president of Ireland 1949-1959 and Kathleen Clarke (Widow of Thomas Clarke) and of course the ordinary men and women involved in the indpendence movement.

Many of the papers in the BMH cover the Howth Gun Running, Easter Rising, formation of the first Daíl, and the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence.

The voice recordings give researchers an opportunity to hear the stories of individuals in their own word an example of this would be Áine Ceantt, widow of Eamonn Ceannt recounts the first meeting of the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in her homt at Dolophin’s Barn, in Dublin.

During the 1950’s the Air Corps took photographs of action sites Easter Week to illustrate aspects and thinking behind the positions taken by the rebel garrisons in the rising. The BMH is a magnificent source for historians. The Bureu also illustrates the complexity of a number of Volunteers who had serving in the British Army and the later became involved in the Nationalist movement, while the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) Officers assisted the Crown’s enemies.

Individuals involved with events of the time were given a chance to record their ovwn stories, members of the group were the Irish Volunteers, IRA, Cumman Na mBan, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), Sinn Féin, the Irish Citzen’s Army, relatives of deceased individuals and people not associated with any organisation were sought out to give a broad range of as possible to the collection.

In 2003 the Witness Statements of Co. Galway became publicly available for academic research as you will notice the statements are used in Dr. Fergus Campell’s book Land, Revoultion and Nationalist Politics in the West 1891-1921. This book can be got in Athenry Library.

The people who’s witness statement that are apart of Athenry area are the following:

James Barrett, Member of the IRB, 1913, Officer IRA, Galway, 1920-1921

Sean Broderick Officer IV, Galway, 1916; Officer, IV, and IRA, Galway 1917-1921

Stephen Jordan Former TD, Member IRB and IV, Galway, 1906-1916; Member IRA, Galway, 1919-1921

Daniel Kearns Captain of the IRA, Galway 1921

Paddy King Captain IRA, Galway, 1921

Gilbert Morrissey Officer IV and IRA, Galway, 1913-1921

I will be reading more into this during the week. Two more articles and I will be on my 60th article (bar 3 articles which are more 'How to's' than anything else. Will be lighting things up as we come into the Christmas season and I am trying to escape from my 'dark toned' articles.

Athenry's Institutionalised through the Irish Census 1901 and 1911 by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-30T22:00:00.002Z

Did you know that you can look at the hardcopy of the census were from Athenry in the Galway Jail on Nun's Island, the Workhouses of Galway City and Loughrea, the Magdalene Laundry of Foster Street (Sometimes known as Foster Place in the census) and St. Brigid's Psychiatric Hospital in the census. You will also know that derogative terminology was used in the past (of course a different time period) were today things are politcally correct because they have to be otherwise it is offensive or biased.

Galway Jail

1 Go to http://www.nationalarchives.ie/.

2 Click on Holdings.

3 Click on 'Search the records for census 1901 and 1911' tab.

4 Then go to 1901 census, type in Nun's Island in the townland section.

5. Look for initials on the census.

6. When a census with a whole bunch of initials come up click on prison return K or 2 or 3 and so on you will find people who are in jail some from Athenry I think

Here is the link http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Galway_West_Urban/Nun_s_Island/1375803/ and her is the link to the map of the jail http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,529510,725481,7,8 that is the 6" map and here is the 25" map http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,529510,725481,7,9. The jail was on the site of the Cathedral today.

Magdalen Laundry/Asylum of Foster Street

In the above steps from Galway Jail begin at step 4.

1. Type Foster Street into townland section and look for initials.

2. Click on the initals and scroll to the bottom and there it will say Prison return K (Though it is called household by 1911). You will notice that the occupations of these women were either Laundress or General Servant's here is the link http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Galway_Urban/Forster_Street/1373304/. Here is the 6" inch map were it called a 'Widows and Orphans Asylum' but in the 25" map it becomes Magdalene Asylum.

Loughrea Workhouse (You could do the same for Galway Workhouse but most Athenry people went towards Loughrea according to the census)

1. Go to the townland section and then type in Knockanima.

2. There is the initails -click on them.

3. Scroll down and click on workhouse return and so on.

Loughrea Workhouse on 25" map http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,562631,715761,6,9 it dosen't seem to be there on the 6" map so it may have been built later. The 6" inch maps are dated back as far the 1840's.

St. Brigid's Psychiatric Hospital Ballinasloe

1. In the 1901 census type in Townparks.

2. Look for the initials and click on them

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see derogative terminology used during that period were it says the words 'Return of idiots and lunatics in institutions (Form I)'. Today it is called St. Brigid's Psychiatric Hospital Ballinasloe. Here is the link http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Ballinasloe_Urban/Townparks/1367517/. Click on the 'Return of idiots and lunatics in institutions (Form I) including the numbers to read into the reasons why people from Athenry and other places got there.

On both the 6" inch map http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,585670,731063,7,8 and 25" http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,586340,731104,7,9 inch map it was called the Connaught District Lunatic Asylum

Hope this is some use to anyone who has interest in Irish institutions.

A Shop Ledger from 30's and early 40's by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-22T17:37:00.000Z

For those of you who owned an Athenry shop for generations you may be very lucky to have a ledger that goes back as far as 1930's. As you can see in both photograph's.

More Historic Websites for the Athenry Historian by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-22T11:53:00.001Z

On the http://www.athenry.net/ website I came across this link which was very well designed by Mr. Brian Quinn. Enjoy folks. If you like Athenry's local history you will love this http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&source=embed&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=105407764576914012779.000480a6758209aeb1671.

Also for the local historian you can find several things on this website instead of going to a county library http://www.irishnewsarchive.com/Default/Skins/SEARCH/Client.asp?Skin=SEARCH&enter=true&AW=1321962249803&AppName=2.

Also the Landed Estates in Athenry through the National University of Ireland. Unfortunetly it won't open for me properly but it might for some open Shawe-Taylor: Landed Estate http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0h&oq=nuig+&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADSA_enIE399IE400&q=nuig+shawe-taylor+landed+estate

Finding Athenry's History through the Record of Protected Structures by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-20T23:44:00.000Z

1. You must have google earth

2. When you do go to http://www.galway.ie/

3. Click on Map Zone on the very top right corner

4. Then on the left hand side of the screen you will see Google Earth on the menu

5. After you click on scroll down to Google Earth- Record of Protected Structures.

6. Then you should see all the survey that was done in the county of Galway on different buildings.

Athenry on the Ordinary Survey Maps by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-20T23:39:00.000Z

Did you know you can look at the historical maps of Athenry online?

Historic 6" map http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,550504,727753,6,8

Historic 25" map (this is more clearer but the town is cut out off it for a reason I don't know) http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,550504,727753,6,9

A little bit more of Athenry and the Irish War of Indpendence Part 2: A Night time raid at the Cleary hosue of Abbey Row by Ronan Killeen

2011-11-06T14:22:00.000Z

After the pavilion was burned in 1921 were the tragic death of Bill Freaney occured there was a mix up believing that it may have been a Cleary in Abbey Row who's body was burned in the fire. In July 1921 a bunch of armed men entered the household of Thomas B. Cleary, with blakened faces. A Galway Correspondent for the Freeman's Journal stated that it was one of his sons dead body found in the pavilion but as many of us from Athenry today know it was Bill Freaney.

According to the Freeman's Journal 'A score of armed men, with blackened faces, entered the house, and taking him out declared (our Galway Correspondent states) that it was probably one of his sons whose dead body had been found in the pavilion. If that was not so, they alleged, it was the men who were at his house who had set fire to it. They threatened to shoot, and shots were also fired over his father's head. The latter was subsequently thrown into the stream
When permitted to go back to the hosue he found it had been thoroughly searched. His wife, he adds, prayed for one of the raiders, who acted very kindly to herand attended to her when she collapsed. This man subsequently went into the garden to search for her son, who was afraid to return, and brought him back to the house. He spoke with an English accent, said Mr. Cleary and recognised the picture of the Sacred Heart.
Police officers subsequently called to the house, which is withing a shotre distance of the barrack and meade inquiries regarding the affair. Mr. Cleary and his three sons were interned in at Frongoch after the 1916 rebellion. One son, Thomas, is at present in Ballykinlar.

This is from the Freeman's Journal date 8 July 1921 which would be 3 days before the Truce.

A little bit more Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) Part 2: Those Realeased for the Corporel Diviney Murder

2011-11-05T12:09:00.002Z

There has been a contradiction in the papers about the Corporel Stephen Diviney murder who was possibly shot by the Irregular IRA during the time of the Irish Civil War. One contradiction is that he was shot outside O' Neill's and there other is outside Brodericks house (Now both Kelly's Pharmacy and The Fields of Athenry gift shop were the raiders were shooting into) but after those 13 men were imprisoned in Galway Jail on Nun's Island (The site of the Cathedral) more were realeased in this extract letter from the Connaught Tribune 18 November 1922

Sir- On the 12th of October, we the undersigned were realesed from Galway Gaol unconditionally. We ask you to publish this for those who are Masters in the art of 'spreading the news'. They have gone to extremes to injure us in signing the 'form'.
We were never asked to sign the form for as stated before our realease was unconditional hoping you will give this space in your paper.

THOMAS O'CLEIRIGH
P. J. DALY, ATHENRY
C. DALY ATHENRY
P. O' REAGAN JR.
Since the murder of Corporel Stephen Diviney the military authorities to remain indoors after 10pm. The people of Athenry were dis-satisfied with this curfew and stated that no person in Athenry was responsible for the murder Corporel Stephen Diviney and the towns-people of Athenry should not suffer for the acts strangers in their town.

Athenry Petty Sessions 1914: Drunk or not and no lights!

2011-11-02T17:23:00.000Z

Extract from the Connaugt Tribune 14 Febraury 1914.

Soir. is short for solicitor

'Athenry Petty Sessions held on Friday week, before, Messrs. Joseph Kilbride, R.M. (presiding) and S. Shawe-Taylor, J.P. Lord Ashtown sought possession of a cottage, held by Michael McDonagh, at Monivea, barony of Kilconnell. Mr. H. Davidson soir., Ballinasloe, appeared for Lord Ashtown; defendent did not appear
   Mr. John Egan, stewart, deposed, that the defendants held a cottage at a weekly rent of 1s. One year's rent was due - Possession was gramted and John Keogh, Ballinasloe, was named as special baliff to execute the decree.
   Sergeant Minchin, Athenry, summoned Patk. Kennedy for drunkness, at Park on January 26th.

Defendant (Patk.):   I say I was not drunk!

Chairman: Have you any doubt he was drunk, Sergeant.

Complainant: I have no doubt your worship, there was a young man with whom I placed him in charge to take him home. He came to the barracks to make a complainent about his son, with whom he had a row, and finished himself before going home.(laughter in court)

Defendant: Who did you leave me in charge of?

Witness: A servant boy of Michael Coyne's Athenry.

Defendant: What day was that?

Witness: On the night of 26th.

Defendant: What day of the week was it Friday or Monday?

Witness: I decline the awnser.

Chairman: Wait and we will find out.

Defendant: I say I was not drunk.

Chairman: Prove it. Have you any witness?

Defendant: I will leave it to your worship. It is as good.

Chairman: Was he ever up before?

Witness: Not in the last 12 months.

Patk Kennedy was fined 1s (s =shilling) and costs.

The following were fined for not having lighted lamps attached to their vechiles after sunset. Wm. Rabbitt, M. Coffey, Ed. Forde, John Connelly, P. Healy,Tim Murray, Constable Courtney was the complainant.
John O'Brien was fined 1s, and 4s. and 6d in costs. ( I believe there may have been a mistake here and that the paper may have been a misprint were it should mean £1 not 1s, 4s and 6d) for permitting a cart, his property to be on the public street at Athenry without having any persons in charge. Michael Treacy fined 1s and costs for using lighted vechile, and his mother was fined 6d and costs for not having her name affixed to her cart.

A meeting for the Irish Volunteers in Athenry 1914 by Ronan Killeen

2011-10-31T19:50:00.000Z

Since 1913 the 'spirit of the Irish Volunteers' continued to grow in Ireland. On Sunday 8 February 1914 in Athenry's Town Hall a.k.a Murphy's Hall/ Athenry Community Hall a meeting was held in Athenry with over 200 men being enrolled. One speaker that day said it was like 'bring the water to Galway Bay to ask the men of Athenry to join the Irish Volunteers'.
   Three men George Nicholls, B.A., solicitor, B.Cusack and J. V. Fahy, solicitor, where given a warm welcome when the arrived at the meeting in Athenry by the assembled crowd. Rev. Cannon Canton and Rev. Father McGough gave apologised through letters that the could not appear. A short while later George Nicholls was was then formally introduced to the crowd.

George Nicholls gave his speech first in Irish then in English he said that he 'felt very proud at being very proud at being asked to propose the following resoultion:That a corps of the Irish Volunteer's be formed in Athenry, and the members be enrolled at the close of the meeting. Nicholls believed that the Irish Volunteers were the most important organisation in the county at the present time in his own opinion.
   'This reason for this was because the Volunteers were going through the most critical time in Irish history because a home rule bill would bring a certain amount of liberty to the Irish nation.' Nicholls continued 'If, however, for any unssen calamity the present bill could not be carried into law, or if anything should happen in a nature of deafet of the Government. The Home Rule Bill would then be in a very critical condition, unless there was a well-organised and displined body of men in the country, prepared not only to ask Unionist Governement to accede to their demands and but to compel them to give a better measure (loud applause).

Nicholls continued 'Ireland had too long been asking on its knees fair play from England; they (the Irish Volunteer's) were now in a position to band themselves together, to train and to arm and to go before England and demand a full measure of liberty. The Volunteer movement by men of every brand of nationalism, and it is the only one at present embracing within its ranks (the end of this sentence was followed by applause).
   'The two men who first concieved the idea of the Volunteers were Mr. John McNeill, the Vic e-President of the Gaelic League and the old land league movement, as represented by Mr. Kettle had come together into one great National, trained and displined army. The second place in Ireland he (Nicholls) was proud to say that took up the movement was Galway.
   '...And if there ever was a town in which there is a strong regiment fo the Volunteers, it was Athenry.' Nicholls stated that 'some people are under the impression that it was only Sinn Féin under another name, and was out against the Party. To contest Nicholls above statement he read out two extracts:

'In the first of which Mr. John Redmond threatened Mr. Arthour Balfour if anything happened to the Home Rule Bill he will have four-fifths of the Irish people rise up in arms to secure the liberty of the country. Suppose the British Government decided to do nothing   To back up Nicholls statements he read out two extracts the first one being ‘Mr. John Redmond threatened Mr. Arthur Balfour if anything happened to the Home Rule Bill he will have four fiths of the Irish people up in arms, to secure the liberty of the country. Suppose the British Government were to do nothing, what will Mr. Balfour’s attitude be if four fifth’s of the Irish people declare their intention to take up arms in order to claim that settlement which the representive house has offered to them and has only withheld under threats of violence?

These are the realities of the situation, and I observe that they are not touched upon in Mr. Balfour’s interesting dialetic.
   Mr. J.P. Farrell, an active Member of the Irish Party stated he ‘would be proud to see the young men of Ireland drilled properly, not for any violent or disorderly intent, but for the purpose of being, as they would be under Home Rule –a safeguard to the country.
   When the word to drill is given every young nationalist should drill.' After this a third extract was read out who was not a member of the Irish Party but an Irish nationalist who contributed to Irish national music than any living man and that person was no other Dr. H. W. Gratton Flood who sais in the letter; 'The Volunteer movement is the sign of the times, the sign of , a sign of an awakened nation. A virile organistion such as the Volunteers is bound to prove a most valuable asset to the building up of an Irish Ireland.
   It will make for displine, self-respect, physical culture, military training and a right feeling of self reliance. It muse lead in to far reaching Ireland a Nation. (Followed by applause).

At that same meeting a letter from Colonel Moore had said that 'a German army in the event of an invasion by the country could reach Athlone from Galway inside 48 hours. That was quite possible, but very improbable if facing that German armythere was a trained body of soldiers. If England was threatened with an invasion the first thing she would do would not protect Ireland, but her, own country and her own interests. Every soldier would be withdrawn from Ireland. England would first, justly so.That should teach the Irish people a lesson'
   Colonel Moore believed that 'If Ireland was invaded tomarrow, there would be no army tommarrow, they would have no army to defend them unless they have the men of Athenry would do somehing' (Laughter was heard in the Hall).

To read more read Connaught Tribune 14 February 1914 under the headline The Volunteers; ENTHUSIASTIC PROCEEDINGS IN ATHERNY TOWN HALL; 200 members enrolled; addresses by Messrs. Geo Nicholls, B.A.; Bryan Cusack, and J. V. Fahy, Soir.

Education in Athenry by Ronan Killeen

2011-10-29T20:39:00.004+01:00

Scoil Chroí Naofa and Presentation College Athenry were found by Nano Nagle the foundress of The Presentation Order in the year of 1826 403,000 Irish children were thaught in Hedge school's.
   Athenry had its own hedge school known as Watty's which was situated at Court Lane near Dempsey's Slaughter house. Between the ruined house once known as Ms. Finn's house and the house to the very left of the Old Handalley used to be a primary school which was built under the Deptartment of Education.

By 1875 on the register of the primary school there was 55 boys and 35 girls. In 1907 Mrs. Dolan became the last lay principal of the school and on 2nd Janurary 1908 by urgent request of Cannon Canton to Archbishop Most Reverand John Healy asked The Presentation Order to set up a convent in Athenry and to to teach in the girls school.
   Canon Canton kindly vacated the house to the order of nuns which became their new home. The nuns thought there until Sacred Heart was built in 1910. Sacred Hart was toaccomadate 150 pupils but by 1912 there were 181 on the register. Then a new classroom had to be built onto the school at the um of $325. By March 1913 classes began commencing in that room.

Sacred Heart a.k.a Scoil Chroí Naofa was built by the contractor John Broderick who became president of the Irish Volunteers in 1914 according to his son Sean Broderick T.D. Old IRA witness statement in 1950. There were five nuns and two lay teachers on staff and Sr. Paul was the first principal of that school.
   In the case of the boys they were though from Junior Infants up to First Class and then continued their education in the Boys School. If they were fortunate enough they could go to De La Salle Brothers in Loughrea, St. Mary's, or the Bish in Galway or St. Jarlath's in Tuam but many of the boys emigrated. The girls at Sacred Heart were though up to seventh class and learned all their subjects through Irish. The children were thaught for their primary certificate.

A list of the staff in Sacred Heart in the 1930's below:

Infants thaught by Sr. Dominic
First Class thaught by Sr. Baptist
Second Class thaught Sr. Ignatius
Thrid and Fourth Class thaught by Sr. Ignatius
Fifth Class thaught by Cecilia
Sixth Class thaught by Sr. Agnes

Sr. Baptist had been one of the principals of the old school and was a choir teacher for the children. Displine in the school was strict and penmanship was known to be very important. Each child had a pen, nib, ink and a sheet of blotting paper to prevent blobs. Two children seated to a desk and each desk had two inkwells which had to be filled every week. On FridradsyEvery Friday all the ink weels were washed in the Tap Room.
   Parents bought school books in the school after been given the booklist needed for their children's education and would send the required amount of money to the class teacher. Boys and Girls recieved their first Holy Communion in 1st class and the girls at Sacred Heart would make their Confirmation in 6th class. As already mentioned the boys by the end of 1st class would move to the Boys school or a different school.

Tracing the Royal Irish Constabulary in the UK by Ronan Killeen

2011-10-29T19:52:00.002+01:00

Here is another e-mail I got about a year back for tracing the RIC in the National Archives of the UK though you won't see much difference between this e-mail and the one from the National Archives of Ireland

Dear Ronan,

With reference to your enquiry, the original service and pension records

of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are in the custody of The

National Archives (UK), Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW4 9DU,

England.

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

The National Archives holds microfilm copies of the R.I.C. service

registers which record such information on individual members of the

force as age on joining, any former occupation, height, religious

affiliation, by whom recommended, native county (but not name) of wife,

places in which stationed, any promotions and reason for leaving the

force.

The information on R.I.C. members is recorded under each individual

member's service number. The service number of any member is obtained

by searching in the surname indexes to the service registers. However,

I regret that, because of the volume of requests for information we

receive, we are unable to devote the time necessary to undertake

searches in the surname indexes to determine service numbers. Unless it

is possible for us to be advised of an R.I.C. member's service number,

we have to request that persons seeking information relating to the

career of a former member of the R.I.C. visit our reading room to

conduct personally any such research.

The National Archives is open to the public between the hours of 10.00

am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday - with the exception of public

holidays. Archives are produced for inspection from 10.00 am to 4.30

pm.

Publications:

Herlihy, J, The Dublin Metropolitan Police - A short history and

genealogical guide

(Dublin, 2001).

----------, The Royal Irish Constabulary - A complete list of officers

and men, 1816-1922, (Dublin, 1999).

How do I trace my Royal Irish Constabulary Ancestor by Ronan Killeen

2011-10-26T19:05:00.003+01:00

To prevent confusion this is an e-mail I got from the National Archives...

The information on R.I.C. members is recorded under each individual

member's service number. The service number of any member is obtained

by searching in the surname indexes to the service registers. However,

I regret that, because of the volume of requests for information we

receive, we are unable to devote the time necessary to undertake

searches in the surname indexes to determine service numbers. Unless it

is possible for us to be advised of an R.I.C. member's service number,

we have to request that persons seeking information relating to the

career of a former member of the R.I.C. visit our reading room to

conduct personally any such research.

The National Archives is open to the public between the hours of 10.00

am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday - with the exception of public

holidays. Archives are produced for inspection from 10.00 am to 4.30

pm. Alternatively, a professional researcher may be commissioned to

undertake such research on your behalf and a list of these is available

on our website at:

www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy/researchers.html

An index to the R.I.C. records is available by subscription at:

www.ancestry.co.uk

Note that the index is still a work in progress.

R.I.C. website:

http://irishconstabulary.com

Publications:

Herlihy, J, The Dublin Metropolitan Police - A short history and

genealogical guide

(Dublin, 2001).

----------, The Royal Irish Constabulary - A complete list of officers

and men, 1816-1922, (Dublin, 1999).

Watty's Hedge School by Ronan Killeen

2011-10-01T18:13:00.000+01:00

During the penal era in Athenry there exisited a hedge school known as Watty's Hedge School which had been situated at Court Lane near Dempsey's Slaughter House in 1808. In 1826, 403,000 Irish children were thaught in Hedge school's.
Nano Nagle, founder of The Presentation Order, defied Penal Laws to open schools for children in Cork City.

Athenry Excavation Reports for the Archaeologist by Ronan Killeen

2011-09-28T18:16:00.000+01:00

Here is a link to all the excavation reports for Athenry between 1972-2008

http://www.excavations.ie/Pages/Search.php?year=&county=Galway&site_no=&site_name=Athenry&site_type=&report_text=&author=&grid_ref=&smr_no=&excavation_license_no=&Submit=Do+Search

My Articles by Ronan Killeen

2011-09-27T17:35:00.000+01:00

Dear Readers,
For those of you who have read my article on p12 of the Athenry News & Views, Vol.2, Issue 7, September/October 2011 entitled Irish Republican Women, it was my own desicion not mention the men's names in the photograph. There are two reason's for this, the first one is because of my 480 word limit per article I write and secondly, my main focus was the women not the men. Why women and not men you ask? It is because at the moment I am working on my own Athenry Ladies History which I feel in my opinion is underwritten.
I have wrote about the article that mainly focused on the men in 1916 which you can find in the back issue of Athenry News & Views (Killeen, Ronan, 'Athenry and the Easter Rising 1916', Athenry News & Views, Vol.2., Issue 3, Mar/Apr 2011, p18).
You should find my articles in the 'Reference Folder' of Athenry Library including the picture of the Cumman Na mBan which also includes the names of men as well as women from 1966. As I have said before I am on a word limit of 480, so I do apologise if some people do not get mentioned. If any of you miss an article of mine in the Athenry News & Views it will be put into the 'Reference Folder' of the Athenry Library.

Moving on, I would like to know who could e-mail about a British barracks that would have been out in Newford, Athenry one time. I know that there was an Royal Irish Constabulary hut out there in the early 20th century. I would apprecaite it if anyone could send on information about the British barracks that would have been there one time.

Another, question to the public is - would anyone know about tunnels going between Esker-Athenry during the penal era (18th century a.k.a. 1700's) which priests would use to escape detection?

Furthermore, anonymous e-mails will be ignored.

Kind regards to all readers,
Ronan Killeen

Railway Trouble! by Ronan Killeen

2011-09-13T00:14:00.000+01:00

In the 19th century when the railway came it created employment for those of Athenry. Athenry Railway was connected to Tuam, Ennis and Limerick. In 2010 Ennis and Limerick re-opened but the Athenry Railway-Tuam Railway did not. The railway also gave prosperity to Athenry town but it did have a darkside to it aswell.

In 1860 a lady from the neighbourhood of Athenry was returning by rail from Dublin, and failing to find accomadation for the night at Athenry decided to walk home. to Ryehill four miles from the town. She later found out that at a distance two gentlemen were following behind her.
Due to the fact that the lady was on her own, she quickly becam alarmed. The lady decided t run along the road as fast as she could to find out that she was right that she was being pursued by these men. She hid in the potato furrow which belonged to the plantations of General Hall, Knockbrack. The two pursuiters passed her several times a feew feer from her, fortunately she haerd a noise of a cechile pasin the road, she screamed at the top of her voice. The driver was rector of Athenry, Rev. Mark Perrin who pulled up, helping the woman into his car. The Irish Times reported that; 'This is not the only occurrence of the like nature which has lately taken place in the neighbourhood, owing entirely to the number of bad and lawless character's employed, on hanging about the wrks of our Tuam and Athenry Railway'.
More to come on this article...............................................

A short history of Athenry House

2011-09-12T16:02:00.000+01:00

The Town House was bult by John Lopdell between 1822 and 1830. It was originally know as 'River View' before it was called Athenry House. By 1865, the river Clarin with its roman-arched bridge, was brought through the estate lending added charm to the place.
Dr. Henry John Wellington Leonard died there in 1893, leaving an invalid wife, and a raised family of one son and four daughters. Historian Aggie Qualter remembers her going to Athenry House 'I remember two big tennis tournaments at Town House during WWI, both within a few weeks. Judging from the crowd that attended , they may well have been the County championships. I'll never know. The gentry came from all over - in landaus, carriages, and bell-ringing pony traps. The Lobdells (Lopdells), Roes, Halls and Concannons came on bicycles (bikes were status symbols in those years).

The reason why I have not written much about the Leonard's here is because I am saving that for a future article.

Kind Regards,
Ronan Killeen

A little bit more Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War: Shots in to the houses of Athenry's Ex-R.I.C. and Contradictions by Ronan Killeen

2011-09-12T15:52:00.000+01:00

In Janury 1922 four months before the outbreak of the Irish Civil War (5 June 1922). It was decided to disband the Royal Irish Constabulary. Who had suffered many attacks in the past by Republicans. In Athenry. On the 12 June 1922 it was reported in the Irish Independent.

'Many attacks on ex-policemen and civilians and raids on ouses are reported, principally from the West of Ireland, the most serious incident occurring at Athenry, were the raiders used rifles and a machine gun, and at Ballinasloe were a number of ex-policemen were beaten.
   A number of ex-policemen in Athenry got notice to leave the town last week, but some declined to do so. About midnight a number of men with rifles, and it is said, a machine gun opened fire on the houe of Constable Beatty, who has since left. Sgt. McGovern lived in the sam house. The windows in the house of Constable Lyons were broke by rifle bullets, and he and his family have also left. Shots were fired into the house of ex-Costable Hansberry and Reynolds. Sgt. McGlade, Sgt. Lynch (with his wife and children) and Constable Spratt has also moved.'

but four days later in the Irish Independent it was contradicted by Timothy Hansberry ex-RIC officer.

'To the Editor of the 'Irish Indepent'. Sir - On 12th inst. you published a report to the effect that the house of Constable Hansberry, Athenry, was fired into. I am the only ex-R.I.C. in the town or neighbourhood whose name nearly corresponds to Hansberry. My house was not fired at nor were any shots fired in the neighbourhood of my house on the occassion.
   I left the R.I.C. 24 years ago , and refused to have any dealings with that body during recent troubles. Whoever originated the report was acquainted with the town, and as there is no basis for the reference made to me I can only conclued that the intention was to injure my business. You will, therefore, give this denial as prominent a place as the report, complained of.'
                                                                                   Timothy Hansberry, Athenry

A little bit more Athenry and the Irish War of Independence: Compensation for Mrs. Shawe-Taylor

2011-09-04T23:09:00.000+01:00

After Frank Shawe Taylor of Moorpark was ambushed in Coshla on 3 March 1920. His wife Mrs. Shawe-Taylor went to the Galway Union to claim £80,000 from Galway Union for the shooting of her husband. The 'Recorder of Galway' on 25 October 1920 to give his decision on the claim. The Recorder of Galway said that Frank Shawe-Taylor had been 'done to death under extreme callousness.
Under the Grand Jury Act 1836, compensation could be claimed only when a magistrate was murdered or maimed in the execution of his duty but it turned out that Shawe-Taylor was murdered because of trouble between him and certain people who were claiming portion of his land but the Recorder of Galway and the county council dismissed the claim but she was allowed £4,514 for burning and wreckage of Castle Lambert and £977 for the burning of the steward's house adjoining, following a rumour that the military were about to occupy these places.

Athenry Ladies History: Irish Republican Women by Ronan Killeen

2011-09-01T16:30:00.003+01:00

Front row of photo: Mrs. B. Clasby, Kathleen Kennedy, Brigid Ruane, Una Hynes, Ailbhe O Monachain, James Barrett, Mrs. McNamara, Brigid Lardner, Mrs. O' Monachain

Back row of photo: Stephen Jordan, James Cleary, Fr. Corbett, Mayor of Galway Brendan Holland, Frank Hynes, Monsigno Thomas Fahy, Mrs O' Murchu and Mr O'Murchu.

On 5 May 1914 a new all-female nationalist organisation called the Cumman Na mBan was founded. It was largerly led by relatives of leading Irish Volunteers, it was seen as an auxilary to the male movement. Many female activists hid, nursed, fed and cared for Republican activists. In many of these cases these would be relatives such as husbands , fathers, brothers and sons. In both the town and countryside the provision of 'safe houses' to conceal men, weaponry or uniforms was paticulary important.

While many of these activities were confined to the domestic setting, they were none the less risky with raids and searches becoming more commonplace. Irish women played a critical role on the side of militants. Their contributions while risky, sometimes involved little departure from everyday life. Contact between the capital and the provinces again relied heavily on Cumman na mBán couriers -the organisations appeared to possess most of the car driv ers in Republican ranks.

With several republican men under police surrvaillance, women played a crucial role in pasing messages and information even before the Easter Rising began. Cumman Na mBán was largely supportive, mainly consisted of cooking and nursing but the women of the Irish Citzen's Army were more militant.

In the photograph which dates from the Connaught Tribune on 14/04/1966 is the Athenry Cumman Na mBán outside the Old Boy School at the unveiling of the Liam Mellows Bronze bust down. The Old Boys School is now Sommers Garage and the new Boys School is in Knock-aun-glass.
An interesting story in the picture is of Mrs. Kathleen Kennedy (Cleary-Kennedy in the photograph). She was apart of the Cumman Na mBán and a nurse in her time too. She looked after a man in Castlelambert She came from a pro-Irish Nationalist family. One of Athenry's Irish Volunteers, Tommie Cleary was held a prisoner out in Newford camp, and Kathleen sister, known as 'Ciss' brought food and some clothes to Tommie. 'Ciss' met a British soldier at that camp in Newford and subsequently decided to marry him to the dissapproval of her Irish Nationalist family - The Cleary's. The father Thomas B. Cleary and his two sons Joseph and Thomas Jr. of the family spent there time in Frongoch Internment Camp in Wales during 1916. The took a while to get over it and eventually did becuase 'Ciss' came home every summer from Britain.

Special thanks to Monica Kennedy for the information and photograph for this article.

Athenry Petty Sessions 1919: Suicide Attempt and Wandering Animals by Ronan Killeen

2011-08-20T18:53:00.001+01:00

Athenry Petty sessions what was it? The Petty Sessions was a magistrates court were if s

At Athenry Petty Sessions on Friday May 9 before Messrs. Joseph Kilbride R.M. presiding, and S. Taylor:
District Inspector Gillhooly charged PK J. Neylon, Aclare, Tubbercurry, with attempting to commit suicide at an Athenry hotel by cutting his throat with a razor on the 21 April 1919.

Sergeant Regean deposed he received a complaint at 2.15pm on the date in question, and went to the hotel of Mr. O. Judge, where he found the accused in bed, and dressed, with a cut about three inches long in his throat, from which he was bleeding. There was blood around the floor. The witness bound up the wound, and sent for a doctor. He asked the accussed what happened and the accused man replied: ‘I slit it with a razor’ .
   The witness (Sgt. Regan) had found a safety razor on the floor in a pool of blood. Accused was taken to the infirmary in Galway, accompanied by a doctor and nurse.
   Mr. Owen Judge, hotel proprietor, Athenry, deposed accussed had been staying with him as a paying guest for some time previous to this. On receiving a complaint on the date of the occurrence he went to the room, and found him laying undressed on his back in a bed. The floor of the room was full of blood;
   There was blood on the bed clothers, and Neylon, who appeared to be unconscuious, hada wound in his neck about wich there was good deal of blood. Witness admitted accussed to his house at one o’clock on that morning, when he appeared to have drink taken, but he was well able to walk. It was unusual for Neylon to remain in his room until that hour of the day.
   D.I. Gilhooly applied for a remand for a fortnight, as there was another witness who had gone to Kingstown, and who had seen what occurred, whom they wanted to have. Neylon said he had no objection but as to bail, he said his (sureities?) appeared to be doubtful, and he would not accept bail now.

Chairman of Petty sessions: Except they come in here and ask to be rehearsed from their bonds they are bound. I think we might as well bring stand as it is.

D.I. Gilhooly: I thin so. The bails are continuing.

Later one of the sureities named Manning appeared before the court, and in reply to the chairman said he wished to withdraw from the bond. The necessary information was then made by Manning, who stated he feared accussed would abscourd and not keep the recognizans (recognitions?). The recognizances were then cancelled, and accuesed was taken into custody, and remanded to Galway Jail for eight days. According to the google search of decraminilzation suicide. I came across a PDF page entitle Suicide in Irleand Everybody Problem the act itself was not decrimilised until 1993. (I open to correction on what date suicide was decriminilsed in Ireland in ase there is a different PDF)

John Daly, Glenagoggann, was fined 2 shillings for allowing six cattle to wander on the road.

Daniel Hasset, Tunnamore was finded 1s 6d (6 pence) for having an unlicensed dog.

Michael Clancy Monivea was fined 5s for a similar offence. Sergeant Carmody stated defendant and his wife attempted ‘shunling’ (the authour is not sure what this means) and he had to go to his house twice.

The defendant had a farm and he was a munition-maker (Quartermaster) in England, and at this time was getting the unemployment benefit. Michael Mullins an itinerant showman, was charged with allowing his three horses wander on the road at Monivea.

Chairman: Why don’t you keep your horses inside your own domain?

Defendant: I had them on the green at Monivea.

Chairman: That is public property, where the ducks luxuriate (laughter in court). Nice life that which you live?

Defendant: No sir it is hard

Chairman: Listening to the brids singing in the morning, driving along to the next place. What business do you carry on?

Defendant: Swing boats and bagatelle

Chairman: There is no harm in a little gamling (laugter in the court) finded 1s and costs.

Athenry Land League Part 3: Clippings of those arrested by Ronan Killeen

2011-07-28T13:27:00.005+01:00

In National Universty of Ireland Galway were a photocopy of Peter Broderick's diary is held there were also newspaper clippings from the land legue period put together on one A3 page

All these news paper articles date as far back as the 1880's not present day.
Newspaper article 1:

ARREST IN ATHENRY
(special telegram)
Athenry, Thursday

Another arrest under the Coercion Act took place here today, the suspect being Mr. A. Keary, a respectable farmer. He was conveyed by car to Galway prison. The warrant charged him with inciting to boycotting.

Newspaper article 2:

MORE ARRESTS
________ _______
ARREST IN ATHENRY
(from our correspondent)
Athenry, Thursday

To-day Thomas Coyne, Park, Athenry was arrested and sent by the 10.30 o'clock train to
Galway Jail. There are eight other arrestes expected in the town. The Rev. Father McPhilpin accompanied Coyne to the jail.

Other articles also mention who were also arrested were Patrick C. Kelly, P.L.G. and Thomas Keary.

In the future I will be making a full article of the Athenry Land League instead of different stories of the land league.

A short history of Athenry Railway Hotel by Ronan Killeen

2011-07-28T13:27:00.004+01:00

Athenry Railway Hotel January 2011

The Railway hotel was built by the Railway company. It is a very unique building which was built by the Railway Company. In 1857 Bernard Gunning became proprietor of the hotel along with his wife and servant Catherine Campell. Bernard Gunning was previously a storekeeper for the Midland Great Western Railway who had been beforehand involved in a case known as The Broadstone Murder. In the later part of the 19th century a Mr. Kavanagh took over the hotel.

In the early part of the 20th century the Galway Blazer's discussed who was to be the next master for the hunts. A Mr. Isacc Bell was soon choosen to lead the hunt in 1904.

The staff that were apart of the hotel between 1901 and 1911 were as follows:

1901

Margaret Joseph Kennedy, Hotel Business and Proprietoress, Co. Dublin

Annas Waters Mahe, Housekeeper, Co. Waterford

Susan Leonard, Bar Assistant, Co. Galway

Bridget Dempsey, Waitress, Co. Galway

Norah Connolly, House Maid, Co. Galway

Margaret Kennedy, Cook, Co.Roscommon

Winifred Leech, Kitchen Maid, Co. Galway

Michael Moran, Boots (Scottish term for a hotel porter), Co. Galway

Margaret Mulligan, Nurse, Co. Kildare

John Fahy, Yardman, Co. Galway

1911

Maria Mc Merry, Hotel Manageress, Co. Limerick

Kathleen Darcy, Hotel Bookeeper, Co. Roscommon

Alice Farrell, Hotel Barmaid, Co. Westmeath

Margaret Mulligan, Hotel Waitress, Co. Kildare (She may have changed occupation since 1901)

Dorothy Crown, Hotel Cook, Co. Tippeary

Kate Kelly, Hotel House Maid, Co. Westmeath

John Fahey, Gardener, Co. Galway

George Fahey, Hotel Boots, Co. Galway

An update will come soon in the near future.....

Athenry GAA: Handball in 1920's by Ronan Killeen

2011-07-07T12:43:00.031+01:00

The Old Handball Alley, Abbey Row

Extract from Jarlath Cloonan's Athenry G.A.A.

The first championships were sponsored by the G.A.A. were held in 1923 and the inaugural meeting of the Irish Handball Association was held in Croke Park on the 27 January 1924. A year later the All- Ireland Championships began and it is in these championships that the history of handball and its players are recorded.
   In 1924 Athenry players Joe Whyte had defeated P.J. McDonagh who was senior softball champion of the U.S.A. and one of the games great players. In 1925 T. Behan and J. Nortan from Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny won the first senior softball doubles championship. A year later Whyte and Christy Barret Snr. qualified for the final against the champions. During this period the championships were played on a home and away basis.
   Before a huge crowd at Athenry Whyte and Barrett proved their skills with an exhibition of handball at its best. The enthusiastic crowd cheered on their heroe's who went ahead to lead at the end of the day by five games to one. The eagerly awaited match to decide the winners of the 1926 All-Ireland Championship drew a record attendance to Urlingford for the second leg.
   Rev. Cannon Murtagh Farragher, P.P., led the huge Athenry contingent and there too were Club Secretary, Michael Barrett, Larry Lardner and Gerry Higgins. Everybody looked anxious, the Athenry pair needed to win two games to win the title, as Urlingford's Pat Sharkey intorduced the players and in his remarks paid tribute to the sportsmanlike manner in whic the Urlingford men were treated when they visited Athenry.

In Game 1:

The Athenry men were several times in difficulty at the back wall, as they were not used to it. (Note: The Athenry Handball alley down by the Athenry Dominican Priory in Abbey Lane dose not have a back wall. The Athenry Handball Alley on Old Church Street wasn't built until 1979) With the score 15-9, the Urlingford men went in and tossed the reamining aces to win.

In Game 2:

It was evident that the strange alley was puzzling the visitors. Norton tossing several times left Whyte standing and when the ball was returned Beehan's kills gave the Athenrymen no chance. However, they fought every ace and on at least five occassions tried with their feet and failed when they could easily have taken with their hands. Again they could only manage nince acres, the Kilkenny men winning.

In Game 3:

The Leinster pair needed to win two more games to level the scores as the excitement mounted. Athenry ld 10-9 whne Beehan tossed and took the score to 15-10 and then Norton went in and finishd the game.

In Game 4:

The Athenry men took the lead at 15-5. Urlingford took their score to 11. Barrett tossed but Nortan's 'kill' was hailed by a cheer that was still echoing when a loud and more excited roar shook the village. Nortan had put the two ou for 'love'. Excitement was now at fever pitchas the crowd cheered for favourites . The Urlingford men made it 18-15, but back came Athenry to lead 19-18 and are out.
   The Leinster Men tosssed, the Connaught men make it 20-18 and have two hands. Barrett is out of the game. Whyte tried but had no better luck. No sound was made when Behan tossed; they lose two hands without a score but to the relief of Athenry supporters, Athenry clinched the game.

Game 5:

It was evens at 2, 4 and 6 and when the local men led 15-9 it looked as if the games was theirs. With a wonderful series of tosses Barrett brought the score to 15 all and Whyte made it 20-15 before the shattered champins got a chance but had no luck. It was all over. Amid tremendous jubilation in the Galway camp the Kilkenny pair were congratulating their conquerors.
   The final score was Athenry 7 games and Urlingford 4 games. Barret and Whyte were 1926 All-Ireland Senior Softball Doubles Champions. The modest heroes were given a marvellous reception when they returned to Athenry that night. It was a night of jubilation with young and old turning out to greet the first winners of All-Ireland medals from the Parish. Turf torces on forks lit up the twon as the bus carrying the victors and supporters arrived home.

Founder of Athenry G.A.A.: Patrick C. Kelly 1885 and Parish Splits by Ronan Killeen

2011-06-12T15:15:00.013+01:00

This is an extract from Jarlath Cloonan's book Athenry GAA Story: A History of Gaelic Games in Athenry and for those of you in the world that never learned Irish history read the introduction to my article on the Athenry Land League Part 1.

Patrick C.Kelly: Courtesy of Athenry GAA website

During 1885 G.A.A. clubs, or as they were known then were called branches and established all over the country. Athenry was no exception and was among the first to affiliate to the new association. The club elected Patrick C. Kelly of Cross Street as Captain and his election immediately caused divisions within the Parish.

   The National League was opposed to Kelly and had refused him admission to the League. They claimed he had ‘taken land from which a tenant had been evicted’ and they started a hurling club of their own in opposition the one headed by Kelly.

Patrick C. Kelly never intended that his club should be the cause of disunity within the parish and hoped that it would help the League in its aims and objectives. An attempt was made by the Hurling club for unity, when a meeting of the League was asked if the ‘Hurlers’ could join the League. The Rev. Chairman told the young man who asked the question that as far as the National League were concerned no such organisation existed and anyone wishing to do so in the normal way.
   The Athenry Branch were refusing to acknowledge the existence of the Hurling Club and the Association to which it was affiliated because of Kelly, and belief that the G.A.A. was rival organization.
   Despite the opposition the Hurling Club prospered by winning all their games except one which had been against Craughwell on the 29 August 1885 which was played in Athenry. After two hours play the game was abandoned with the scores level. Craughwell late claimed that they had won the game, but, according to the Athenry men, the issue had still to be decided.

On St. Patrick’s 1886 Kelly made a speech at the Hurler’s Ball in the Athenry Hotel:

‘Brothers Hurlers, the way you have received my name gives me great pleasure and the confidence you placed in me when you elected me as your Captain was not misplaced. Through many matches we played I led you to victory except against Craughwell which is still to be settled and I have great hopes victory will be hours.’

In 1886 the National League forwareded their affiliation fee to the Central Branch of the G.A.A. The split in the parish worsened with all kinds of allegations being made by each side against the other. After recieving the League letter Michael Cusack, then General Secretary of G.A.A. wrote:

'There is a most flourishing Branch of the Gaelic Athletic Association in the Parish of Athenry, Mr. P. C. Kelly is Captain. The National League has started another Branch but I have neither the power authority to recognise it. The president Mr. Davin's opinion is that I should write to the Captain of the team which took the field first and ask him if it is desirable that another club be formed in the Parish.

If Mr. Kelly answers 'yes' I have no doubt the executive will gladly announce the new club and accept the affilation fees which I have recieved.

Should Mr. Kelly, however, express himself satisfied that our movement is in a sufficiently flourishing condition in Athenry and that it does not stand in need fo another prop, the matter drops for the present and thos who desire to abide by the recommendation of the Thurles meeting can be hardly play with the Athenry Branch of the National League'

Cusack's appiontment of Kelly as arbitrator in the dispute led to widespread critism 'If the G.A.A. continues to acknowledge P.C. Kelly's club in preference to the exponents of the Natioanl Movement in Athenry the sooner the G.A.A. was the cry from the local press. They had claimed the young fellows he led were expelled from various Branches of the National League and challenged him to produce even 21 players whose condcut in Nationalisht affairs could bear investigation..
   The Hurling Club and Kelly were infuriated by the allegations, as were many other clubs in the County. A week later Michael Connolly, Secretary of the Craughwell Branch of the National League and Hurling Club, spoke in favour of Kelly - 'he leads a thousand men who can bear the strictes investigation and who are members of the League and Hurling Club and it is a gross falsehood to state that the men he leads were expelled from the League'.
   Kelly and the rest of the hurling club were enraged by these allegations, as were many other clubs in the County. Appeals for unity to the Leagues and hurlers from leading personalities failed and the split spread into several parishes.
   Kelly's replied to Cusack's letter to him regarding the situation in Athenry and arranged the largest Hurling Tournament ever held in the Country up to that time in a show of strength. He invited the Central Branch of the Association to send a representative to Athenry on the day of the Tournament, Ascension Thursday, June 3rd. So deep were the divisions in the parish that on the same day the National League arranged a tournament game against Newcastle also at Athenry. The Constabulary (see Royal Irish Constabury Athenry on this blog) moved reinforcements to the town on the day and they patrolled the streets with loaded revolvers. Their action was unnecessary and, apart from a few minor incidents, everything passed off quietly.
   The split itself continued and on Sunday 25 July both Clubs were invited to play in hurling tournaments at Craughwell. Again the local press represented by one of Kelly's biggest critics, and his comments added further to the already explosive relationship that existed between the two factions in the Parish. He wrote 'P.C. Kelly's Club started early in the morning, they had five cars, including the sub-agents trap supplied by 'Gerared himself for the benefit of the boys who are doing the work of the landlores so well'. The article then went on to state that 'the National League did not leave until after mass'.

The league Club played Dooris at Ballymana and it appears that Kelly's team played Craughwell G.A.A. at a different venue. On the way home the two sides met at Craughwell and hurley's were used in anger. A young man named Doherty was struck and injured by one of Kelly's team and in the row that followed the Craughwell Gaelics' favoured Kelly's side.
   With matches being played all over the country the need arose for a central body to contol the games. Notices appeared in the local papers calling on all G.A.A. Clubs to meet in Athenry on Sunday 24 October 1886. Arrangements for Galway's first county G.A.A. Convention were made by Patrick C. Kelly and took place in the Athenry Hotel at Cross street. It was hope that by meeting in Athenry the split could be resolv ed and the Central Branch sent the Assocaitions's Vice-President Mr. P. Hocter to the Convention.
   To amid loud applause Kelly was selected to take the chair and addressed the gathering. He thanked the delegates for their great attendance and for calling on him to preside. Aince its inception, he told them, the G.A.A. had to contend with many difficultuies, yet it was still making progress. They wanted to keep the young men of Ireland at home and stop emigration.

Kelly continued ' In Athenry district he was sorry to say that they were opposed by a group that resorted to every device possible to destroy the movement in the interest of a rival association' . He trusted the meeting would have the effect of bringing all together in harmony and that the other side would see the folly of persisting further in their attitudes.
They wanted all to be united in one family. Their opponents had accussed them of adjoining landlords and deserting the cause of the people and had written to their friends in America about them. The G.A.A., Kelly continued, wanted to revive the Old Irish games and pastimes and, in doing so, they would have the support of every true Irishman without any relation to politics, which were not at all.
   The meeting had a very laudable object in endeavouring if possible to reconciled both sides. The delegates agreed that the disunity was deplorable and disadvantageous to the two sectors. Apart from the support and encouragement which the clergy gave the rival club, it had at its head John F. Broderick who was very popular in the district and whose energy was a great acquisition to the club. The National League reacted to the G.A.A. Convention by issuing a long statement. It read:

'The Chairman posed as an outraged man, he propagated sports which he considered would be a means of keeping the young men of Ireland at home and because of such action he was assailed without stint or limit by the National League. The accusation if it could only hold, would, indeed justify any action he could take to defend the National Sports.
   Like the famous proclaimation of Tooley Street went ofrth the mandate from Athenry that Galway should assemble in solemn conclave, and if it did respond, if a circumscribed area of half a score miles denote the compass of the County. The meeting we read was convened fro the purpose of cementing the feud but as it takes two to make a fight it also inferentially should take two to heal the wound.
   Mr. Hocter said that Athenry was the only town in Ireland in which any opposition was afforded the Gaelic Athletic Association . For his information be it known to him that the Athenry National League have no quarrell with the G.A.A. but that it cannot stultify its mission, even for the sake of sport by accepting for leadership of national pastimes a man deemed unfit to enter its ranks. The G.A.A. is open to all sections according to the dictum of the Chairman. If this is the standard of its excellence the Athenry National League can well afford to disassociate itself from them and pursue the tenor of its own way by alliance of National Sports and National Politics.
   The National League initiated Sports in Athenry under the auspicces of the G.A.A. and forwarded its affiliation fee to Mr. Cusack. The money was not acknowledged or refunded and the club today is as strong as the League and 'thee is perfect synonimity while on the opposite side the usual muter of a team of 21 can not be gathered from the extreme ends of the Parish. If a club so withered by decay presumes to speak for Galway, they are at liberty to do so outside the Parish of Athenry, as with that Athenry has no concern, but if it presumes to speak the voice of the Parish, the householders within a radius of 12 miles confine will attest to the contrary.

The National League Committee member s signed the statement. The accusations made left little room for any move by the G.A.A. Central Branch to resolve the dispute. It as a clash between leading local personalities and two National Organisations' politics.Michael Cusack was dismissed as General Secretary of the Assocaition at a meeting in Dublin on 4 July 1886 for among other reasons, failing to keep accounts.
   On 23 October 1887- over 30 clubs were represented at the County Convention in Athenry. Michael Connolly and John Lynskey represented Athenry with Patrick C. Kelly present as Chairman of the County Committee. Delegates passed a motion 'that no Branch of the Association be allowed compete in the championship unless each member belong to the Parish'
  The motion became a rule of the Association that has remained to the present day. Trouble at the National Congress in Thurles resulted in a split that would have smashed the Association were it not for the intervention of Dr. Croke. All rancour was rancour was removed and within six weeks the matter was settled.
   Patrick C. Kelly was one of the Galway delegation that attended a reconvened Congres on 4 January 1888. The split in Athenry was also finally resolved in 1888, with the acceptance by the Central Branch of the affiliation of 'Dr. Croke Footbal Club' and, 'The Old Guard Hurling club' from the Parish.

Athenry and the Easter Rising 1916 part 3: Internment 1916 by Ronan Killeen

2011-06-12T12:55:00.008+01:00

cAfter the Easter Rising 1916 the leaders and Irish Volunteer's that were arrested were sent to internment camps in Wales and England. They were released in December 1916. I have gathered a bunch of books together and put the person with the occupation who were in interned. I am open to correction.

The men of Frongoch...

Barrett, James, Painter, Athenry.

Barrett, Michael, Painter, Athenry.

Barret, C., Painter, Athenry.

Burns/Byrnes, Michael, Lackla (Lackagh?).

Burke, Stephen, Farmer's son, Carrontubber (Carrowtubber?).

Burke, William, Farmer's son, Carrontubber (Carrowtubber?).

Cahill, Michael, Herd's son, Farnablake.

Cahaleen/Callanan, Pat, Farmer's son, Castle Ellen.

Cualfield, Chris, Temporary Postman, Boyhill

Cleary, Joseph, Plasterer, Athenry

Cleary, Thomas B., Plasterer, Athenry

Cleary, Thomas (jr), Plasterer, Athenry

Cleary, John,

Connolly, John, Farmer's son, Cashla.

Connolly, Patrick, Farmer's son, Tydaxon (Tysaxon?)

Connolly, Robert, Farmer's son, Currantarmud.

Commons, Michael,

Commons, William

Connell, Thomas

Coreen/Cureen, Joseph, Farmer's son, Boyhill.

Costello, Martin, Farmer's son, Gortroe

Costello, Michael, Farmer's son, Gortroe

Cowley/Cawley, Martin, Labourer, Athenry

Cullinan, John/ John Joe Cullinane, Mountbrowne

Cuniffe/Caniffe, Michael, Labourer, Athenry

Daly, Mat,

Dunleary, Pat

Dunleavy, Michael, Farmer's son, Ballygurrane
Egan, Thomas, Labourer, Athenry

Fahey, George, "boots," Athenry Railway Hotel (Boots is a Scottish term for a railway porter)

Fahey, John,

Fahey, Peter

Fahey, Laurence, Labourer, Deerpark.

Feeney/Franey, William, Farmer's son, Derrydonnell.

Freaney/Franey, Michael, Farmer's son, Derrydonnell.

Farrell, Michael, Labourer, Turloughbanagher (Turloughalanger?)

Galvin, Jeremiah, Labourer, Knockbrack.

Gardiner, John, Farmer's son, Knockbrack.

Gardiner, James, Farmer's son, Knockbrack.

Glynn, James, Farmer's son, Currantarmud.

Good, Michael, Labourer, Athenry (discharged)

Grady, Michael, Farmer, Athenry.

Grealish, John,

Grealish, Thomas, Shop Assistant, Athenry.

Hanniffy, Joe, Farmer's son, Rathgorgan.

Hassett, Daniel, Farmer's son, Lenamore.

Healy (1), Michael, Farmer, Kingsland.

Healy(2), Michael,

Healy, Patrick, Farmer's son, Newcastle

Henehan, Patrick,

Henehan, Peter

Higgins, Pat, Farmer, Lisheencoyle (Lisheenkyle?).

Higgins, William, Famer, Lisheencoyle (Lisheenkyle?)

Ho----, Michael, Farmer, Athenry,
Hynes, Martin, Mason, Athenry

Jordan, Patrick, Farmer, Newcastle

Jordan, Stephen,

Joyce, Michael, Farmer's son, Carnane (Carnaun?)

Kane/Keane, Patrick, Labourer, Athenry

Keane, Michael, Farmer's son, Derrydonnell.

Kearns, John, Farmer's son, Derrydonnell.

Keating, Joseph,

Kelly (1), Michael,

Kelly (2), Michael,

Kelly, William, Farmer's son, Coldwood

Kennedy, Martin,

Kennedy (1), Patrick, Farmer's son, Carnane (Carnaun?)

Kennedy (2), Patrick, Farmer's son, Moyode

Kenny, Patrick, Labourer, Athenry

Lally, James,

Lally, Thomas, Farmer's son, Kilbeg

Lawless, Patrick,

Lynskey, Patrick, Farmer, Kingsland.

McKeown, Peador,

McKeown, Joseph, Carpenter, Athenry.

Moloney, John, Farmer's son, Belville.

Moloney, Martin, Farmer's son, Belville.
Moloney, Michael, Farmer's son, Belville.

Mahon, Peter,

Molloy, Michael

Morrissey, Martin

Morrissey (1), Patrick

Morrissey (2), Patrick

Morrissey, Richard

Mullen, Thomas

Murphy (1), John, Labourer, Athenry

Murphy(2), John, Farmer's son, Tiaquin

Murphy, Martin, Farmer's son, Currantartmud
Murphy, Richard,

Nestor, Michael, Groom, Rockfield.

Nolan, James,

O'Brien, , Augustus, Farmer's son, Cartymore (Cahertymore?)
O'Conor, Pat,

O'Reilly, Francis,

Rooney, Joseph, Labourer, Athenry

Ruane, Martin,

Ryan, John, Famer, Ballydavid.

Treacy, Mick,

Waldron, John, Farmer's son, Mulpit.
Walsh, John,

Walsh, Martin, Carpenter, Athenry

Walsh, Michael, Carpenter, Athenry

Walsh, Patrick, Carpenter, Athenry

Walsh, W, Labourer, BIngarra.

Ward, James, Chauffer, Athenry

Whyte, Charles, Labourer, Athenry

Athenry and the Easter Rising Part 2: A Deeper look by Ronan Killeen

2011-06-07T22:32:00.015+01:00

An extract from Fergus Campell’s book Land, Revoultion and Nationalist Politics 1891-1921

Moyode Castle where the Galway Irish Volunteers disbaned in 1916.

Liam Mellows took up residence in Athenry after he was appointed a permanent organizer in March 1915. Mellows was born in Ashtown-under-Lyne in 1892, and reared at Macoyle in north-east wexford.
   The first impression of Mellows to the Athenry Volunteers in early 1915 was somewhat less auspicious. In a witness statement by Frank Hynes he recalled that ‘When the night arrived, Larry (Lardner) told me to call the company on parade while he went to the train to meet the officer. When he arrived I was introduced to a little fellow with glasses. My impression of him was that he may be a clever lad –he was about 22 years –but he couldn’t be much good at fighting’.
   After Mellows told that the Volunteers that he was sent down to be ‘prepared for hard work in the coming week’ and then left with Lardner to discuss about digs. Hynes over heard some of the volunteers say ‘who is this ladeen, who talks to use about hard work’ but by the first night when Mellows command was over they respected him.

Despite this, two separatist leaders Tom Kenny of Craughwell and Lawerence Lardner of Athenry had been less inclined to welcome the new leader. Kenny resented him because he felt the Mellows had taken his place the reason for this was because ‘Kenny lacked Military training, and was therefore unfit to hold any rank in any one of the companies he had helped to create’.
   Subsequently, Kenny would allege that Mellows was an inadequate military leader, and write ‘Fairheaded Bill you are good for nothing only drinking tea over at Walshe’s at Killeeneen and Padraig Fahy's, Ballychalan.

There was tension between Mellows and Lardner who was Commanding Officer over the Galway Brigade becasue Larnder was over Mellows aswell. In 1915 east Galway, at an Athenry meeting resulted in the formation of five new Irish Volunteer companies 'in and around Loughrea and Athenry'. This meeting, which was attended by 670 Irish Volunteers, 161 of whom were armed, was viewed by the police as constitutuing a turning point in the fortunes fo the separtartist movement in Galway. After a serious of 'inflammatory' speeches by Laurence Ginnel, The O'Rahilly, George Nicholls, and Liam Mellows:

'Shots were discharged in the fields [where the meeting was held] , a number of shots at Athenry Railway Station, and some along the roads. This meeting had a bad effect in the neighbourhood of Athenry, where a feeling of resentment had been growing amongst the more respectable people against the Sinn Feiners, and public opinion was beginning to assert itself on the side of law and order.
   This feeling has now been checked, as the people concerned are afraid and have been completely over-awed by the display of armed and ulawful force, whcih they believe the Governement are too weak to resist'.

At another Athenry meeting held on 14 November 1915, and attended by over2,000 people, when Mellows stated that the question of conscription 'resolved itself into a mathematical problem. It would not be worth the trouble if when England enforced conscription she lost two men to gain one'.
   The Irish Volunteers won support of young curates in east Galway. No less than ten priests were present on the platform at the Athenry meeting of November 1915, and this was 'looked upon as a victory for Sinn Féiners, and a matter of suprise to the well-disposed'.
   In early 1916, Pearse had visited Lardner at Athenryand told him that when the Rising took placehe should 'hold a line on the river Suck near Ballinasloe'. John Broderick, a building contractor and officerof the Athenry Irish Volunteers, recalled that the 'original place was that each Company was to attack and capture all police Barracks in its area'.

About 1pm on Easter Monday, a Miss Farrelly brought a message from Pearse to Lardner at Athenry, 'We are out from twelve o'clock today. Issue your orders without delay. P.H.P. Frank Hynes who was on his lunch break, who was at home on his lunchbreak , 'got a message to call down to the hall. When I went down Larry was there and his face was a placard in which trouble could beread easily. He handed me a dispatch from Pearse - 'Going out today at noon; issue your orders'. There was a kettle of fish! What were we going to do? We notified all the companies we could get in touch with.
   Later on, Mellows was informed that a party ofpolice weretravelling by train from Galway to Oranmore, and he sent Michael Commins to see ifthis force had arrived at the station. The extra constabulary had already arrived at the station when Commins got there, and they 'spotted the V olunteer and opened fire on him. The Volunteer jumped on his bike and in a stooped position and under cover of a wall got safely away and reported to Mellows that the police had got off the train'.

A further group of police, under County Inspector Clayton, and ten Connaught Rangers, under Captain Sir Andrew Armstrong, arrived by road from Galway, and Mellows instructed the Volunteers t o retreat back along the Oranmore-Athenry road.
   As his men retreated Mellows; remained behind and was the last to leave and took cover at the gable of Reilly's public house unilt the R.I.C. arrived in the village rom the station and, when they were about to enter the R.I.C. barrack, he opened fire on them, with an automatice pistol from a distance of 25 yards. The rebels were about a mile from Athenry when they encountered the Athenry Company, who were marching to Oranmore to join up with Mellows. At Athenry, Lardner had decided that an attack on the R.I.C. barracks would be disastrous.
   The barracks was surrounded by houses, all occupied by the R.I.C., whou would hae been able to open fire on the attacking rebels. Consequently, the company decided to 'retreat torwards Oranmore and meet Mellows and his contingent and leave it to groups of Volunteers met, there was an Agricultural college, and 'Liam Mellows decided to take possession of that for the time being'. That same evening Irish Volunteers from Clarinbridge, Oranmore, Maree, and Athenry were united at the College, and later joined by the Rockfield, Newcastle, Derrydonnell, Cussaun, and Kilconieron comapnies'.

The Volunteers were accompanied by Father Feeney, who acted as chaplain to the rebelsduring Easter week, and also 'the girls of Cumman Na mBán' who 'generally looked after the cooking'. At the College,' the women lay in the beds normally used by students and many of the leaders and men also found orthodox beds' but most of the rank and file slept in the outhouses, of the college, on beds of hay and straw.
   On Wednsday morning, a small contingent of police attempted to attack the rebel position at the Agricultural College. Martin Newell recalls 'A scout came in from the Athenry direction with the news that a number of R.I.C. men had moved out of Athenry and had gone into the Agricultural College land on the opposite site of the road and were moving in a south westernly directiontowards the farmyard. Captain Eamonn Corbett got five or six men armed with rifles across the main road into the Mulpit road and opened fire on the R.I.C. men who were advancing towards them. The police returned the fire and retreated back into the town.'

Although there were no casualties on either side, this insident appears to have demonstrated to the rebel leaders at the Agricultural College was a vulnerable location, which could easily be attacked by both the plice and the military. A 'Council of War' was held that morning, at which 'Tom Ruane suggested that we should break up into small columns and fight the police as we would meet them. The meeting was unanimously against doing so. It was decided to move to Moyode Castle. The captain of the Athenry Compnay, Frank Hynes, explains the decision to decamp to Moyode in the following temrs:
   'Anyone reading this account would be inclined to think that we were acting in a rather cowardly manner -why did we not attack the barrack in Athenry? Why did we keep retreating, etc, etc. The Volunteers who were outi n Galway numbered between five and six hundred; we had about fifty full service rifles and about thirty rounds for each rifle. The rest were old shot guns, 22 rifles, about one dozen pikes and a good many more were not armed at all, so that if we wasted our ammunition on attacking the barrack we had nothing to fight with after that; and as for bombs, we made some hopeless attempts at making bombs.
   If one of them exploded in a man's hand it would not injure him. After the scrap with the peelers we called a meeting and decided to retreat to a place called Moyode. This was a castle which was owned by one of the big landlords cales Persse [sic]. It was about five miles from us. The argument in favour of Moyode was that we could defend it at least until our ammunition would be spent. The Castle was in charge of a caretaker so there was no trouble in captureing it.

To read more information on this event read Fergus Campell's book Land, Revoultion and Nationalist Politics 1891-1921. It is also can be got in the Athenry Library also see Athenry and the Easter 1916 on my blog.

Ronan Killeen

Athenry and the 1798 Rebellion by Ronan Killeen

2011-05-22T14:47:00.006+01:00

In 1775 the American colonists had successfully rebelled against British rule, while in France the monarchy had been overthrown by the Revoultion of 1789.
   In 1798 the revoultionary organisation - United Irishmen were inspired by theses acts and were responsible for Ireland's insurrection in 1798. The Society of United Irishmen held its first meeting in Belfast on 18 October 1791, a gathering summoned by Samuel Nielson, Theobald Wolfe Tone and Thomas Russell. All three of the founders were Protestants as so was James Napper Tandy, who helped host the society's second meeting in Dublin a few weeks later.
   Not all members thought alike, in any case, Wolfe Tone arguing passionately for universal sufferage, to include Roman Catholcs, as a means of presenting a genuinely 'United' Irish front against English domination, whilst other Protestants remained uncomfortable about the idea of mobilizing a mass electorate of papists.

Sheer sectarian prejudice played its part but many genuinely radical Protestants would have wondered how progressive politics were to be advanced by electorates brought up from birth to slavish obedience to its parish priests. For most of this era these issues were brought at the Society’s meetings and in the columns of its widely read newspaper, the Northern Star.
   In 1793 the Convention Act was enacted which was to outlaw quasi-parlimentry gatherings while the Gunpowder Act prevented the legal import of guns, such as legislation, it was subsequently argued, compelled the society to choose between extinction and plotting in secret.
   In 1795 the clergyman-turned-agent William Jackson came to Dublin to test the reaction among radicals there to the idea of an invasion on the part of his French revolutionary masters, he little realized that his travelling companion, John Cockyane was an English spy. Tone had said enough to the unguarded jackson
to covince the authorities that he and his fellow United Irishmen were a real threat: The United Irishmen Society was suppressed and Tone himself was forced into exile:

'I...sought for aid wherever it was to be found'-Wolfe Tone

Tone would eventally tell the military court which tried him, and he may indeed to some extent had been driven by desperation. From the middle of the decade, the society had nowhere to go but towards armed insurrrection: by the middle of 1796 it had completed its reinvention as an oath-bound revoultionary organization.

The planned French invasion of that year had been foiled which smashed the 33 feet long fleet of Admiral Hoche which was fatal blow for the plans of the United Irishmen. At the beginning of 1798, the Society of United Irishmen could boast some 280,000 members and a small expeditionary force was sent by the French came late.
    The famous Wexford uprising in paticular was to some extent 'peasants revolt' and involved secterian massacres of which the UIS would have never approved of. In Dublin and Kildare the rebellion went ahead in spite of the opposition of important sections of a divided leadership.
   Volunteers in Ulster also rose spontaneoulsy in support of their fellows in south-east Leinster, exasperated by caution of their nominal chiefs, while 2,000 rallied to the revolutionary banner of General Humbert in the west and were massacred. The insurrection of the '98 failed.

Was there one in Galway? Apparently so, according to Patrick K. Egan's article 'Progress and Suppression of United Irishmen in the Western Counties in 1798-1799' in the Journal of Galway Archaeological and Historical Society.
   Three men from Athenry Mathias Kinnamore, Micheal Kinnamore and John Higgins committed the crime of houghing and carrying away the flesh of cattle forcebly. Their trial was on the 6 March 1799 and there sentence was to find security for 7 years. They were the lucky ones compared to the rest of men who were executed in the Loughrea, Gort, Galway and Tuam areas and others who were given 5,000 lashes!
   I remember being up in the National Archives of Ireland last year and when I was looking through the rebellion papers I found that a Luke Conway was arrested for taking an illegal oath in 1798 (The United Irishmen?) at the Athenry Post Office.

Thirsty Athenry 1934 by Ronan Killeen

2011-05-15T22:05:00.002+01:00

Connaught Tribune report 9 June 1934

THIRSTY ATHENRY

_______

Public House to Every 35 Persons

_________

At Galway Circuit Court on Tuesday before his lordship, Judge O'Donnell, Mrs Mary Hansberry applied for a hotel licence in respect of her hoter at Galway-road Athenry. Mr. T. J. Connolly, B.L. (instructed by Mr. Hogan and Shields, solisters appeared for the applicant.

Mr. R. J. Kelly, S.S. who appeared for the State, opposed the application on the grounds that there were already sufficent licensed premises in Athenry. Mr. Connolly said the hotel premises in Athenry. Mr. Connolly said the hotel premises had been extended considerably during the past twenty five years and were now a very respectable hotel equipped with all modern convienences and had adequate accomadation. Its old world appearance made it attractive to visitors and an exencsive trade was done. There was a demand by many visitors for drink with their meals and the present application rose from their demand.

Mr. Robert Powell B.E., proved plans of the premises and the applicant gave evidence as to improvements to be carried out to the premises during recent years. Superintendent Murphy, Athenry said the population of Athenry was 1,033 and there were 29 licensed premises in the town -a ratio of one public house to every 35 persons.

His Lordship: They must be very thirsty people (laughter). The witness added the applicant was a very decent woman who carried on, what was in his opinion, the best business in the town. - His lordship granted the application. [sic]

Athenry Western Sack and Bag Factory by Ronan Killeen

2011-05-13T18:58:00.010+01:00

Extracts from the Connaught Tribune in 1935 (I decided not to extend it its fine the way it is)

On Tuesday 28 May 1935 the Athenry Western Sack & Bag Factory was officially opened by Mr. Gerald Boland T.D. who was Minister for Post and Telegraphs. The road that led to the building was decorated with bunting, and a large crowd had come to see him, the local Gardaí gave him a guard of honour at the entrance of the factory under Chief Superintendent Clenton, Ballinasloe and Garda Kelly, Athenry.

On the platform were Mr. Weir, managing director of the factory, T.D’s Stephen Jordan and Sean Broderick; J.J. Ruane; Haley B. Murtagh and C. Taylor; directors of the company, Dr. C. Foley; R.M. Burke; Tohermore, Tuam; R. Collins superindent of the Agricultural College Athenry; Rev. Mr North Bombfard, M. Hession, Mayor F. Carr, Newtown; Mr. Bowes Dale Dunsandle and Dr. Tom Powell.
Mr. Weir said he was proud and happy to see the fruits of their labour of the past eighteen months realised in the shape of that handsome factory, and he expressed the home that the undertaking, though small would help in the promotion and growth of other industries in Ireland. On behalf of the directors and shareholders fo the company he welcomed the Minister.

Larry Lardner read a public address of welcome from the Athenry Industrial Development Promotional Committee.

The sugar beet factories had required one million sacks for pulp and another million for sugar and because the Government could induce the sugar companies to give orders for the sacks to the Athenry Western Sack & Bag Factory. Boland was happy that the Minister for Industry and Commerce would do all he could to induce the directors of the sugar company to place their orders with this factory.

Both Mr. R.M Burke and Broderick stated that they were glad to see support given by all political parties joined together and supporting industrial revival in the country. Jordan, said it was through Mr. Weir’s technical knowledge and expert advice and sound judgement they had that factory established. They also had to thank the Government for helping them with the loan and also the promptitude with which local capital was subscribed.

Ruane was confident that if the people of Athenry stood together as they did in promoting the factory and forget the politics they would have everything as a centre of distribution that a small town wants to make a success of any industry.

After the public address the Minister and visitors were then shown inside the factory and saw about forty girls at work at different sewing machines in the cutting, make-up and stitching of bags. The factory had a capacity of turning out a million backs each year or 100,000 bags per week.

In the Irish Times on 18 October 1952 a photograph of women working in the sack factory was included in an article Energy and enthusiasm to one man are helping to revive a ‘forgotten town’. The names of those women photographed were N.Higgins, Peggy Hanley, W. Holian (forewoman), Annie Hanley and Kathleen O’ Toole.

In 1962 the Athenry Western Sack & Bag Factory was for sale in the classified section in Irish Times on 21 July with the words SALE OF MODERN FACTORY PREM ISES.

Athenry Postal History by Ronan Killeen

2011-05-13T18:58:00.006+01:00

The first post office in Athenry was opened in 1786. Athenry was head office until the 1 March 1912 and catered for offices in that area as far as Ballyglunin and for offices in South Galway for a period in the early 1900’s.
   In 1834, Athenry was reduced to a Sub-Office under Craughwell following the establishment of the Penny Post between Craughwell and Monivea (through Athenry), was subsequently restored as a Post town and Head Office and in April1849 Athenry was given free post delivery.

The telegraph system of sending and receiving of telegrams had been first developed privately in 1846. In 1870 the Electric Telegraph Company, transferred to state ownership, and so the Post Office entered the world of telecommunications and by December of that year the telegraph office of Galway was transferred to the Post Office.
   The Morse system was introduced and used up until 1957 until it was replaced by teleprinters. New entrants to the Post Office spent most of their training learning Morse code.

In 1913 a telegraph messenger, Patrick Shea, who had been employed at Athenry by the postal authorites to convey mails from Athenry to Attymon was shot at when passing Clonkun. Shea, received a few pellets into the back of his head and back.
   He was found wandering the road and immediately brought to the postmaster of Galway W.G. Todd was communicated with. Shea was brought to the Galway Infirmary where he was examined by Dr. Colohon who was medical officer to the postal authorities at the time.
   In the 1920’s the Athenry Post Office experienced raids, the first one happened on 25 April 1922 were £200 was stolen and the second one happened on 14 December 1923 the raiders had got away with had stolen £282 odd and £170 in cash. (See Athenry and the Irish Civil War Part 5)

On Sunday 10 March 1935 a meeting was called in Athenry to protest against the wage claim in which had been on behalf of the National Executive in view of low wages being paid. The Post Office at this time was on the right hand side of where AIB is today.

1901 census
COB= County of Birth

Michael Feeney

Ballygurran South
Aux postman (Auxilary Postman perhaps?
COB= Co.Galway
_________________

Michael Heavy

Athenry Town
Postman

COB= Co.Galway
_____________

Michael Duffy
R. Postman, G.P.O Dept
Caheroyan

COB=Co.Galway
____________

Thomas Barrett

Post Office Official
Athenry Town

COB=Co.Dublin
___________

Owen Judge
Postmaster
Athenry Town

COB= Co.Mayo
____________

Margaret O' Reilly

Post Office Clerk
Athenry Town

COB= Co.Cavan
___________

John O' Reilly
Rural Postman

Athenry Town

COB= Co.Galway
_________

Tom O'Reilly
Rural Postman
Athenry Town
COB= Co.Galway
_______

Pat O'Reilly
Rural Postman

Athenry Town
COB= Co.Galway
___________
James O'Reilly
Rural Postman
Athenry Town

COB=Co.Galway

_________
John West

Post Office Clerk
Athenry Town

COB= Co.Sligo
___________

Patrick McNamara
Postman

Athenry Town
COB= Co.Galway

___________

Thomas McInerney

R. Postman G.P.O. Dept

Ballygurran South

Country of Birth : Ragoon, E India (but in the 1911 census it says he is from British Burma?)
____________

Ellen Dooly
Post Office Clerk
Athenry Town

COB= Co.Galway
____________

John Coleman

P.O. Pensioner

Athenry Town

COB= Co.Galway
____________

1911 Staff

John Rooney

Ass. Postman

Caheroyan, Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

___________

Margaret Powell
Telegraphist

Raheen, Athenry

COB= Co.Galway
__________

John J. White

Postman

Barrack Lane,

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway
__________

Joseph A. Mulligan

Season Assistant Post Office

Cross street,

Athenry

COB = Co.Mayo
___________

Bridget E. Judge

Post Office Clerk

Cross street,

Athenry

COB= Co.Mayo
___________

Murtagh Canning

Postman

__________

Pat Cunniffe

Telegraph Messenger

Court Lane,

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

_________
John McGrath

G.P.O. Loreman

Old Church Street,

Athenry.

COB= Co.Tippeary

__________

James Crossen

S Cosgst Post Office

Cross Street,

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway
___________

Michael Connolly

Post Office Clerk

North Gate Street,

COB=Co.Fermanagh
____________

The staff from 1901 remained even into 1911 only very little changes were made in the census.

Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War 1922-1923 Part 5: Raids, Robberies and Executions by Ronan Killeen

2011-04-28T13:21:00.036+01:00

Got from the Irish Times Archive online

On the 5 August 1922 the Irish Times reported that 'Two houses had been raided in Ballygurrane, Athenry, and half a dozen boys, arming themselves with a pitchfork and a single shotgun with one cartridge, lay in ambush for the raiders the following night. They duly arrived. The single cartidge was exploded 'hands up' was called from each side of the road, and the raiders found themselves with the fork prongs around there throats. They were deprived of their weapons and were marched to the Railway Hotel, Athenry,where they were handed over to the National Troops.

On the 14 December 1922 the Athenry Post Office was raided. The Sub-Postmaster J.M. Lee was entertaining friends in the kitchen of the post-office and a knock came to the door. There were four armed and masked men the leader of the raiders told the staff to put up their hands who demanded the keys ordered the Sub-Postmaster to show him where the money and the stamps were.
    They took £282 odd, and £170 in cash. The stamps and postal orders were also taken. After the raiders left the Postmaster of Athenry Postoffice reported it to the National Troops stationed at Athenry Railway Hotel and to the civic gaurds on the same street (More than likely Cross Street because that would have been previously an RIC Barracks).
    There was no trace of the raiders to be found but investigation did pursue. Other statements about the event mentioned that it was not four but seven men. This was not the first time for the Post-Office to be raided it had been raided in April 1922.'

In the next case there is many conflicting accounts with the Irish Times newspapers:
On Tuesday 24 1923 the Galway Correspondent for the Irish Times wrote 'A raid occured at the Munster & Leinster Bank, Athenry, at 4pm. They had hired a motor car from Mr. J. Cunniffe. Athenry Branch for manager for Mr. W. P. Higgins. The hirer of the car told the staff he wanted to bring to girls to Loughrea while the other two men went into the bank.
   A woman named Ms. McLoughlin saw the two men go in to the bank and Mr O'Kelly Lynch said it was after hours when the event happened. Miss McLoughlin had been working in a stationary shop which led to the bank and immediately noticed that the door was locked against her.
   After three minutes the raiders got away. The motor car Cuniffe had hired was outside of the bank and was just after refershments with the third raider soon after the two men emerged with the stolen money.
   Ms. McLoughlin shouted at Cuniffe that raid had just happened at the time and he asked where were the two girls that needed to be driven to Loughrea. Cuniffe refused to take the two men in the motor vechicle and warned them that 'If you do not go quickly you will be caught' . The raiders ran away but one got caught by a civic gaurd.
   The captured raider exclaimed to the Civic Gaurd that he was attached to the military at Ardrahan, and that he was permitted to go free. Shortly, Rev. Father Lynch, Captain Curran, the Gaurds and 25 soldiers were split up into small parties on cars and bicycles.

Then, at 6 o'clock in the evening Captain Curran and Sergeant Major Hargrave came across two men that were walking along the banks of a river three miles from Athenry. The found the stolen sum of money and two Webley revolvers in execellent conditon which were of the Royal Irish Constabulary patter.
   The two raiders were Joseph O'Rourke, a servant boy from Ardrahan and the other raider was Joseph Murphy from Cranagh, Gort (Later in the Irish Times it gives Murphy an address of Coxtown, Ardrahan)
who was originally a Liuetenant in the Republicans at Renmore, Depót before it was burnt down.
   When the prisoners were brought to Athenry Military Barracks they declined to make any statement and on the the following morning Wednsday 25 May 1923 they were escorted to Tuam.

The Irish Times Tuam correspondent gives a conflicting account of the event stating that 'The raiders where captured at Moyvilla after Captain Curran fired at them. The haversack the two men had contained £687 13shillings and 11 pence'.

O'Rourke and Murphy were court-martialed and were found guilty at the military tribunal on the 24 May 1923 and found guilty of an armed raid, stealing from the Munster & Leinster Bank and in possesion of arms with out proper authority.
   In 1922 the PUBLIC SAFETY BILL came into the coutnry what this ment was if you bear arms against the Free-State or under suspicion with out proper authority, you could be court-martialed and executed depending on the crime.
   It turn's out the case had no connection to politics at all. There possesion arms made them liable to extreme penealty of death. On Wednsday 30 May 1923 O'Rourke and Murphy were executed at Tuam Barrack at 8 o'clock in the morning. The third raider had got away.

In my own research of executions I can't find any others after these two men were executed.

Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War 1922-1923 Part 4: Cermons and Speeches by Ronan Killeen

2011-04-10T12:22:00.019+01:00

Archibishop Dr. Thomas Gilmartin Tuam (Source got from:http://www.castlebar.ie/mayo_historical_and_archaeological_society/Lecture_by_Fr_Kieran_Waldron_PP.shtml)

On the 2 March 1923 Archbishop Dr. Gilmartion of Tuam made references to the immortality and crime on his treminal visit to Athenry during the Irish Civil War:

We know that a first condition of serving God is to keep his commandments; and yet men daily dare to float his commandments. The commandments are not a tyranical yoke. They only prescribe the what is nessary for the well being of the individual and the stability of society.
   'Though shall not steal'- If that commandment was not made by God, it should be made by every form of civil government. 'Though shall not kill' - If that commandment was not made by God, it would be one of the first laws enacted by every state. In fact the fundamental duty is to protect life and property.
   Now these two commandments are generally accepted by pagans.But how are they observed by Christians? Or, to bring things nearer home, how are they observed by the Irish Catholics? Thirty years ago a murdered in Ireland would fill the whole nation in horror. Today it is commonplace.
   No doubt the history of Ireland is abnormal. The people never got a fair chance of exercising their virtues of freedom and civilisation. It is said that a worm will turn and it is not in the nature of man to submit tamely to greviances. But, grevainces can never be an execuse for crime. The test of man's christianity is submission to God's law under provacation.
   If all comes to all a Christian most- a Christian must renounce every temporal good- even into life itself- rather than sin gravely among the Commadments of the living God. You may kill an unjust aggressor rather than to kill you, but outside this cause it is not lawful for any individual or body of individuals to take it on themselves to kill the most notorious criminals in the world.

If it is the crime of murder for the individual, say, a notorious murderer,how much more a crime is it to kill a defenceless citzen ? Now in the parish, there are a few spots stained with this crime, and if at present the parish is free from murderers, they are not far away. The last year has witnessed two awful murderers in a neighbouring parish.
In the most recent case, a good religous man was shot dead on his way to morning Mass. The only assignable motive for this horrible crime is greed for land. Any land got through murder will be a field of blood. It is a thousands times better for a man to have no land to possess brond acres with stained with human blood which will not sink into earth but like the blood of able cry to heaven for vegence on a murderer.
There are of course very few who are capable of committing the crime of murder but there are a great many who do not condemn it in their hearts.
   Now while the state looks to exterior acts, God looks up to the heart. We should be judged not only what we do and what we think. The state can only forbid external acts; God's commandments forbid forbid the corresponding interior acts. Hence, a man who approves or councils or even indirectly encourages murder participates in the guilt.
   Again, there are men with whom the taking of life in any form find no sympathy but they have no scruple about helping themselves to other people's property when they can do so with (impunity/impurity?). They will not put their hands straight into their neighbours pocket, they will rob banks and post offices, or raid private houses in the dead of the night. Worse still, they will burn down houses which they are unable to rebuild. Such acts, all violations of the seventh commandment.
They have all malice and injustice.

The Clergy in Murtagh Farragher PP Athenry and Martin Healy, Kingsland, Athenry PP were both Pro-Treaty during the Irish Civil War. On the 15 April 1923 which was reported in the Connaught Tribune that Frank Fahy, T.D. at the Athenry Republican meeting:

'In the election bitterness might arise, he said, but he would rather let the Free State win without a contest than see a divided army, see Irish men who fought side by side turn their arms against one another in fraticidal strife.
   He had, however, too strong a faith in the good sense of the I.R.A. to fear that such might happen. Capt. S. Jordan, presiding, said the people elected Mr Fahy by the big majority of 9,000 in 1918. Mr. Fahy stood again for the same principles. That meeting would be conducted in an orderly manner. Representives of any section of the people were at perfect liberty to hold their meetings there there in freedom and security from hooliganism, or whatever it might be called, which he was sorry to see had taken placein some parts of Ireland.
   No tactics would be allowed to give a chance for anyone to talk against the movement. He had mobilised the local I.R.A. to attend the meeting, but previously had tod them that any one not in favour of their policy could remain away. Out of 83 men 50 had mobilised.
   Mr. Fahy T.D. said that during the election he did not intend to say one bitter word against those in favour of the Treaty, as he knew the splendid record of some of them, and believed they were honestly doing their best for Ireland. As he believed in freedom of the Press and freedom of speech he hoped those opposed to him would get as patient a hearing as was given him. If the people declaration of the Republic. If the people wished by acceptance of the Treaty to turn down the Republicc he was willing to give place to somebody he was willing to give place to somebody who would better express their changed opinions.
   It was entirely a question to be decided by the people, for the people were their master; but it should not be decided by the comparatively small proportion of the people represented on the register. Should not every adult in Ireland have a voice in this vital decision? The Treaty proposed to partition Ireland perpetually.
   The people had a right to say that, actuated by fear or any other motive, they accept this Treaty, and he would consider himself bound not to give active opposition to a Government selected on those principles if there was a full and proper register. Personally he was not preparedto admit himself a British Subject . He had a right to those opinions; so had the I.R.A. Neither he nor they would, however, have a right actively to oppose the Government freely elected by the majority of the people.
    Did they think, asked Capt. Fahy, a settlement based on fea would be permanent? The Dail members advocating the Treaty were perfectly honest,believing that was the best way to retain the Republic. It seemed a strange thing to try to gain a Republic by disestablishmenting the existing one.
If they voted for republican candidates he would not gaurantee ti would ot mean war, but if they were afraid of war they should vote Free State, letting ti be known it was fear or self-interest or business interest that amd them so vote.

Captain Frank Fahy in 1915 he trained his men to secure a Republic and he and his men took the declaration of the Republic in 1916 very serious.

If I have not mentioned in previous articles already those that took part in the rising were the Irish Republican Brotherhood, Cumman na mbán, Irish Citzen Army, Irish Volunteers and of course locals that had no tie to the organizations. They were not known as the I.R.A. until members of these organisations entered Frongoch Internment Camp in 1916 which was the birth of the I.R.A.

Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War 1922-1923 Part 3: There goes the Railway Bridge by Ronan Killeen

2011-04-03T11:47:00.005+01:00

27/07/1922
Breaking of the Athenry and Ballyglunin bridge.

15/08/1922
Repairs on the bridge north of Athenry begins.

22/08/1922
Athenry and Ballyglunin railway bridge is blown up.

18/08/1922
Athenry and Tuam railway line is damaged.

19/08/1922
Athenry and Ennis line restored.

05/10/1922
Athenry to Limerick train fired at but no ill results.

06/10/1922
When the Athenry to Tuam and Sligo railway line had been closed down for three months three hundred
men where thrown out of employment.

01/11/1922
No trains between Athenry and Sligo.

03/11/1922
Athenry to Tuam bridges blown up again. On Thursday 2 November 1922 the signal cabin at Ballyglunin was burned to the ground.

07/11/1922
A goods train is 'held up' at Ballyglunin a goods train from Limerick. It was raided, whiskey and tobacco were stolen. At Athenry the same train was 'held up' again and whiskey and tobacco were once again looted.

Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War 1922-1923 Part 2 : Shot! by Ronan Killen

2011-03-27T15:59:00.008+01:00

The aera of where Corporel Diviney was shot. Kelly's Chemist is used to be Broderick's house

On Sunday 1 October 1922, a member of National Armed Forces-Corporel Stephen Diviney who came from the Oranmore district was walking home from a dance in Payne's Hall came across two raiders who had just fired shots into two shops belonging to Messrs. Broderick.
Corporel Diviney was demanded to halt by the raiders, thinking it was his own comrades 'It is all right boys' and was shot by raiders and the bullet pierced his heart.
   According to the Connaught Tribune:

Before 11 p.m. most people were in their houses or at the dance, either two or four men, who are said to have been armed with rifles, discharged a number of armed rifles, discharged a number of shots into Messrs. Brodericks chemist shop and also into a public house owned by the same family.

After Corporel Diviney was shot he fell into a pool of his own blood and died within a few minutes. This
was the first time blood had been shed in Athenry before the recent trouble. The National troops immediately
came out onto the streets, searched all likely hiding places, and went to the show grounds and adjoining fields. Thirteen men were arrested and marched to Galway Jail by the National troops. The men that were
arrested were the following:

C. Daly, P.J. Daly, T.J. Daly, M. Ward, M. Kelleher, J. Clancy, Stephen Jordan, T. Regan, and J.Regan.
Dr.Crowley, coroner for south Galway, opened an inquest on Monday into the circumstances touching the
death of Corporal Diviney. A Sergeant of the National Armed Troops was returning with Corporel
Diviney was called to halt and put his hands up when the incident happened.The inquest adjurned until Saturday 1 p.m. for the attendance of Dr. Quinlan.

At the Railway Hotel, Athenry, on Saturday the adjourned inquest tourching the death of Corporal Stephen Diviney, who was shot dead outside O'Neill's corner, Athenry, was examined by Dr. Crowley-Coroner, Loughrea. Medical evidence was to the effect that the deceased died as a result of a bulet entering the chest over the hear. The Galway Observer on the 14 October 1922 reported:

Sergeant Thomas Creaven, who was in company with deceased, stated that they left the dacne together, and that when near the post office saw two men in front of them. One of the men shouted 'halt' and fired immediately. The bullet struck Coporel Diviney, who advanced a pace, and then fell on his back. The shot followed immediately after the cry of 'halt'.

The coroner was told by the witness said they stopped when challenged, as they had no time to go forward when the shot rang out. In charging the jury, the coroner said it was a callous act to shoot a man because he was wearing the uniform of the National army. The jury brought ina verdict that the deceased met his death from the effects of bullet wounds wilfully inflicted by some person or persons unkonown.
   One famous local Old IRA man- Stephen Jordan was released from Galway Jail were a statement from him was put into the paper:

Sir,---In justice to myself and with a view to preventing the circulation of further lies by busybodies, I beg to state that my release from Galway prison on Saturday last after five days detention was 'unconditional,' otherwise I would not accept my liberty.
   At proper place and time I will give true facts as to the treatment meted out to myself and others during and after our arrest. I should feel grateful for the publication of this letter in you next issue.

STEPHEN JORDAN Co.C. Athenry, Oct 11, 1922

Stories of Athenry and the Irish Civil War 1922-1923 Part 1 : Introduction and Certain Events by Ronan Killeen

2011-03-24T22:10:00.007Z

On the 6 December 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed which brought the 'Free State' into being, ending the Irish War of Independence with Britain but provoking bitter disagreement in Ireland itself. By the beginning of 1921.
Talks between Sinn Féin president and leader of the Daíl-Éamon De Valera and British Minister Llyod George, an offical meeting was scheduled for that December. De Valera suspected that some compromise would be nessary he refused to attend in person.
The deal brough back by Michael Collins and Arthur Giffith guaranteed self-rule for the 26 counties of western and southern Ireland, but stopped short of establishing Republican rule throughout the whole Ireland. Though the Dáil ratified the treaty by a narrow margin, a group of Republicans led by de Valera remained adamnantly opposed; by June 1922, civil war had broken out between 'Free Staters' and Republicans.

Events in the Athenry Aera fron the Irish Times Archive Online

13/06/1922
Athenry becomes controlled by the National Armed Forces

29/06/1922
The Superintendent and the Staff of the Agricultural College were forced by Irregulars to blockade the road a few miles from the town. The next day the obstructions were cleared.

07/09/1922
Mails from Athenry to Tuam was raided frequently within the past week some letters were taken.

16/09/1922
Three Dublin men were taken as prisoners.

28/09/1922
At 9pm on the 25th of September, a party of troops, under Brigadier Callinan and Captain Thompson, arrested five men in Tarramid, Clarinbridge and compelled them to clear the
roads in the district. The arrested had been prominent in blocking these roads. They were
released on given the usual undertaking. The Five known irregulars were
William Kelly, Coldwood, Athenry; William Commins, Coldwood, Athenry; Thomas Holland,
Derrydonnell, Athenry; Michael Freaney, Derrydonnell, Athenry and John Hynes, Clarinbridge.
They had been arrested on the charge of illegal ammunitions.

03/10/1922
Armed men raided the residence of Mr. Joseph Meldon; Coolarne House, Athenry,
last friday night and, having warned the caretaker that he must not attempt to raise an
alarm. The raiders seized a mare, poney and trap, a set cart hareness, cross cut saws
and other articles.

27/10/1922
Six members of irregulars forces have handed up arms and ammunition at Athenry, Military Headquarters.
They have signed an undertaking not to take part in any way.

Athenry and the Irish War of Independence 1919-1921 Part 5: Other deaths and the burning of the Cricket and Tennis Pavilion by Ronan Killeen

2011-03-24T22:05:00.051Z

The death of Tom Egan-Irish Volunteer was believed to be a reprisal for the death of Frank Shawe Taylor.
Below is taken from James Charles Roy's The Fields of Athenry when talking to Nora Egan about
her father's death:

A friend of Dad's warned him to get out but he wouldn't. He hadn't done anything wrong. A week later Sonny (Egan) came into the pub to tell us there was a rumour the Tans were about that night, on a rampage, and later on they showed up at our door.

For those readers around the globe that did not study Irish history or know what an Irish person means by Tans or Black and Tans here is a background history:

In 1919, the British government advertised for men who were willing to "face a rough and dangerous task". Many former British army soldiers had come back from Western Europe and did not find a land fit for heroes. They came back to unemployment and few firms needed men whose primary skill was fighting in war.
   Therefore, there were plenty of ex-servicemen who were willing to reply to the government’s advert. For many the sole attraction was not political or national pride – it was simply money. The men got paid ten shillings a day. They got three months training before being sent to Ireland. The first unit arrived in Ireland in March 1920.

   Once in Ireland it quickly became apparent that there were not enough uniforms for all those who had joined up. Therefore they wore a mixture of uniforms – some military, some RIC. This mixture gave them the appearance of being in khaki and dark police uniform. As a result, these men got the nickname "Black and Tans", and it stuck. Some say that the nickname came from a pack of hunting hounds known as the 'Black and Tans'.
   The Black and Tans were not regular troops. There were many examples of them shooting indiscriminately at civilians as opposed to republican guerrillas. Creameries were also destroyed by the Black and Tans – almost as a way of economically punishing those who may have been helping the IRA. Those experienced in trench warfare fighting a seen enemy, were of little use in Ireland. The Black and Tans were so poorly disciplined and trained for Ireland that their casualty rate was far higher than could have been imagined when the government first advertised for them. The government in Westminster quickly realised that they were a liability as even public opinion in mainland Britain was appalled by a lot of what they did.

Nora Egan's conversation in The Fields of Athenry continued:

Mary Jane and I were upstairsin our room, over the bar. Dad was in the kitchen reading a newspaper. Mother answered the knock and it was the soldiers. They said, 'Who's in the house?'. Mama said no one.
   They barged into the kitchen.'Who is this man?' they asked. 'My Husband,' she replied, and they went for him to take him out the backdoor. But my mother God rest her soul, ran to the latch and threw the bolt, because Hanlon had been taking out to the back of his home just a week before and shot, supposedly because he was running away.
   And Mama said, 'You'll not make a John Hanlon of him.' So a sergeant, he had three stripes on his shoulder, grabbed my mother with one hand, holding her back, and shot my Da in the temple, then again in his throat. Another Tan let off his rifle, and the hole was still in the wall for years.

'Mama collapsed then on the floor. The smoke of the sho smothered her. The Tans went outside, shooting their rifles in the dark. I was the first to comed down--I was thirteen at the time--and my father was lying on the floor gasping.
   Mama came to hersel, we lifted him up, Mama said an act of contrition in his ear, then he died. We laid him back on the floor in his own blood, which was pouring out the doorway. Mama got a mop and tried to clean it up. We couldn't go out. The Tans were going mad, shooting everything in the night. We couldn't go for help and no one could come into us.
   Imagine from half past ten until the next morning. Mama and us girls alone in the house with poor Da stretched dead on the floor, and the Tans, twelve or thirteen of them, all drunk and sleeping on the straw in our barn.
   Mary Connolly, at half seven, was the first to come to us at next day. None of the lads dared come, and neither did the priest.We had Da on the floor until Monday night because the man with the coffin was too scared to come. Finally Michael O'Brady brought up a box from Athenry on a cart. On Tueday we had mass in the house, on Wednsday at 4 p.m he was buried.

We had to go thorough Moor park, Shawe Taylor's place, to get to the graveyard and we had to pass the Tans who lined up on the avenue. They were firing shots in all directions. When we got him in the ground it was dark, and coming home we were all frightened to death. It was a terrible, terrible time.
   How Mama got through it I will never know. We children couldn't sleep for Mama's crying for Daddy, and every week or so there would be a banging on the door at night, and Mammy going down in the dark to let the Tans in.
   They would take whatever they wanted, Mama had us all sleep in the far room, not over the bar, so stray bullets couldn't come in from below. Really, no one could stop them. We would say the rosary every night for Daddy, I lived on the understanding Daddy was in heaven, and so did Mama. Bill Fahey, one of the lads on the run and a fine person and all once came by and said to my mother 'I'm going to have revenge for Tom' but my mother said 'We will let the dead rest, now'. I have to raise my family'. I really don't know why she didn't drop dead from it all the poor woman. [sic]

Another Irish Volunteer, Bill Freaney met his death inside the Cricket and Tennis Pavilion in June 1921. Freaney, Jack Mahon and Martin Ruane wanted revenge for Tom Egan's death. They went to Castle Lambert and tried to burn it down but it failed beacus of bad petrol.
   The three men went to the Cricket and Tennis Pavilion. Bill Freaney was down in the cellar and while the other two men were over head and they called 'everyone out'? They believed everyone was out and set the pavilion on fire. Ruane and Mahon told the story to Nora.

So it went on for six months until a truce (in the Black and Tan war) was called. Bill Freaney was then exhumed. They could do it then you see as the Tans couldn’t interfere then you know. I remember the Sunday well. It was after last Mass in Athenry – half eleven Mass. I’d be fourteen now. I was at Mass and they put the little box into a full length coffin and I can see Mick O’Grady there and the two horses and the hearse and I couldn’t say how many men were outside and they had the green, white and gold (flag) and black armbands and they all marched to Willmount to bury him there-Nora Egan on the death of Bill Freaney.

Bill Freaney died on the 30 June 1921 in the Pavilion fire and he is now buried with a grave 'The grave of the unknow warrior' is engraved on to the grave. On the 25 October 1921 Dr. Quinlan of Athenry recieved compensation of £700 for the burning of the Cricket and Tennis Pavilion.The Truce is called on the 6 July 1921.

Athenry and the Irish War of Independence 1919-1921 part 4: Trouble on the railway by Ronan Killeen

2011-03-14T20:36:00.007Z

On the 31 May 1920 at 5pm, a military lorry which was guarded by soldiers arrived at the Broadstone Terminus with five cases, stated to contain eggs and glasses, which was to be sent to Athenry by the night mail train leaving at 7:30pm. Ten minutes before the train departed-a number of members of the National Union Railwaymen approached the station master ten minutes before the departure of the train, and informed him that the train will not run unless the cases were removed.
The station master at once saw the officer in charge of the soldiers, the railwaymen in the meantime refused to continue loading the mails. After brief words between the stationmaster and the officer, three cases were moved and it was found out that they had rifles in them. The train departed one minute behind time.
    About three weeks later 25 June 1920 at Athenry yesterday morning ten policemen with arms arrived by the Galway train en route to Tuam. Their luggage would not be loaded on the Great Southern train, but the policeman took their seats. The engine driver refused to proceed while the police were on the train, and traffic on the Great Southern and Western Railway was dislocated between Athenry, Claremorris and Sligo.

   The next incident reported in the Irish Times was on 25 June 1920 when the Athenry and Claremorris train purposely stayed in their own stations. The Dublin mail train that had reached Athenry noticed that there were armed police on the train, once the driver noticed this he refused to go any further with the train. Passengers were then taken to Galway by motor car.
   On 25 June 1920, ten policemen (Royal Irish Constabulary) with arms and luggage, arrived by en route  to Tuam. Their luggage would not be loaded on the train but the policeman too their seats. The driver
refused to proceed, while the police were on the train and the traffic on the Great Southern Western Railway
was dislocated between Athenry, Claremorris and Sligo. On the 22 December 1920 the Railway Strike finally ended.

In a memoir of Padraig O Fathaigh's War of Independence he writes:

'When being put on the Galway train at Athenry three members of Killeenen Irish Class (Tess Walsh, her brother Paddy & and another Killeenen boy) happened to be passing by when Tess shouted 'Oh look, who they have arrested' and she ran up to the carraige 'Oh see the way the brutes have his hands tied'. 'Keep her back, Keep her back!' came the order and the RIC formed a chain with hands and rifles in front of the carrige.
   'I'll go in spite of ye' said the girl as she tried to break through and after two or three efforts succeeded. The RIC in the carrige tried to push me back, but I too succeeded in reaching the door for a shake hands. As the train began to move the girl shouted 'Your reign will soon be ended' whilst Paddy Walsh and the other other boy hooted the RIC.
   It was thus a school girl defied the minions of Dublin castle, but it was this spirit that prevailed in that period.'

Athenry and the Irish War of Independence 1919-1921 part 3: Other Events by Ronan Killeen

2011-03-03T15:13:00.005Z

This is a timeline from the Irish Times Archive
01/12/1919:
The County Court Judge Doyle K.C, at Galway on Monday, made the following award to the applicant for compensation of criminal injuries to Patrick Tyrrel, Knockbrack, Athenry for £40 and costs and expenses, for gunshot wounds received when a shot was fired into the house of his father employed by Major Hall.

24/04/1920:
John Fury, M.Joyce and Michael Glynn (sen) were arrested and charged for purchasing rifles.

14/05/1920
Mail car from Athenry to Loughrea was held up at Poolnabooney at 2 a.m. and a boy containing letters from Athenry to Craughwell taken.

27/05/1920
At 10:30pm a steward living in the Athenry district received a letter, warning him if he had not left his employment within three days he should abide by the gun.

05/06/1920
11:30pm two shots were fired into a house in the Athenry district. Stones also thrown through the windows. No person was injured.

22/06/1920:
Four police cyclists that were protecting a farmer got ambushed by a body of armed men, who ambushed them on the road, on Sunday. One of the policeman was shot in the leg and another policeman was disarmed. Other police in the party escaped uninjured.
Two arrests were made yesterday-Michael and Patrick Burns, farmers sons, Newcastle, Athenry and conveyed to Galway under heavy military escort to await trial on charge of shooting constable O’Brien, who received several shots in the leg, while accompanying Mr. W.Hutchinson and his bodyguard of four armed policemen on bicycles passed a certain point on the road, gun shots were fired, and Constable O’Brien, who brought up the rear, fell wounded. Immediately a group of men crossed the well and took the carbine fro the other constable, there after disappearing in the adjoining fields. No shot was apparently fired at Mr.Hutchinson, who is a landowner at Ballybane, Monivea.

Athenry and the Irish War of Independence 1919-1921 Part 2: Funerals, Arrests and Inquests by Ronan Killeen

2011-03-03T15:11:00.016Z

do.= same as

The funeral of the late Mr. Frank M. Shawe-Taylor, J.P., who was shot dead at Coshla on March 2 while motoring to Galway fair, took place from his residence at Moorpark, at 3 o'clock on Friday 6 March 1920 to Athenry.
   Large numbers of tenants in adjoining districts, the people of Athenry and the gentry from all over the county attended the funeral. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ross, Prostestant Bishop of Tuam, presided at the obsequies in the church at Athenry, the officating clergy men being the Rev. J. F. Cannon Bery, Galway, the Rev. Radcliffe D. Roe, Athenry, the Reverand J. C. Trotter, Ardrahan.
   Dr. Ross with great emotion referred to the late Mr. Shawe-Taylor, and condemned the murder:

'I shall speak no word of bitterness. It is out of place here in the presence of God and of death.
T here is none more truly pitiable in all this land to-day than those men here and in other places who are moving about among their fellows unknown to the law for what they have done but known to God, and known with awful conspiciousness to their own consciences. They must live henceforth face to face with the fact that they have dipped their hands in a brother's blood. Thay are murders, and they are all the more ??? (??? ink blot on the context)  because they have not yet been discovered.
Conscience must ever be for them like some hideous ulcer full of burning and torment.'

Dr. Ross went on to pay a tribute to the deceased gentleman. They were there that day, he said to mourn for a great loss. Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor was a strong and vigourous personality, and a useful member of society; and their hearts went out in the deepest sympathy to his widow and his family in the tragic bereavement that had fallen so suddenly upon them.
   In addition to the immediate relatives, the following were amongst those who attended the funeral; Lord Ashtown, Lord Clonbrock, Major Persse, Major Hall, Mr. J. M. Meldon, General A. Lewin, Mr. T. F. Lewin, Mr. Nicholas Coen, Colonel Concannon, Mr. R. Joyce, Mr. Pierce Joyce, Very Rev. Cannon Canton P.P., Athenry, Rev. Fr. Lynch, C.C., Athenry, Rev Fr. McGough, C.C., Rev. Burkitt, Athenry, Mr . J. Blake Ballyglunnin, Colonel Chamier, Renomre, Mr. Cecil R. Henry, J.P. Tuam.

The Rev Father Lynch strongly denounced the murder as 'a cold-blooded, brutal, inhuman, and callous crime.' He condemned at both Masses in Athenry on the Sunday previous. Preaching at 11 o'clock Mass, the Father Lynch said:

'There is no need for me, my dear brethen, to call your attention to the brutal murder perpetrated in our vicinity in the early morning of Wednsday last. I am not going to associate any paticular district with this foul, inhuman crime, nor to make any reference to the motives wihc may have prompted and instigated it. I am only concerned that broad daylight fact that murder was committed.
   I now emphatically say that under no pretext what-so-ever, adn for no motive, can the callous, cold-blooded crime on the high road at Coshla be justified, for it is a direct violation of the law of God. Murder is one of thos abominable crimes for which there can never be any execuse. The taking of a human life belongs to God alone and to every legitimately constituted authority, and no man, no combination of men, can usurp God's right by killing his fellow-man or by inflicting upon him a mortal and deadly wound.'
   As a priest with God's moral law my guide, authority, and sanction, I condemn in the strongest manner possible the cold blooded, brutal, inhuman and callous crime committed near the way-side inn at the extreme end of this parish. In doing so, I believe I am only feebly expressing your condemnation of it, too, for every right thinking man who believes in God, Knows that murder is a crime against God, a crime against religion, a crime against the murdered man and his family, and a crime against society.
The murder violates religion, violates charity and violates justice. The murder robs his victim of the highest earthly good he possesses, for he takes away his life, and deprives him of the opportunity of preparing himself for death, and gaining merits of eternity.
   Thank God, this parish has been singuarly free from such a crime in the past, and I hope and pray that never again, will such brutality be brought so near to our doors. It pains every reasonable, religously-disposed, man even to think that murder would be ever committed. Human feeling revolts against the thought.
   Every Nation on the earth abhors murder and punishes it with exceptional severity, generally by the execution of the criminal Divine Justice, too, punishes it not in this life but also in the world beyond the grave. In this life the murder can find no rest anywhere; he is a fugitative and a vagabond like Cain, his prototype. He is ever haunted by the blood of the murdered man, which always cries to Heaven for vengeance.
   Should he not repent of his crime, his next life will be ever so miserable for ' Murderers shall never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.' Their portion shall be in the pool of burning fire and brimstone. God frequently punishes the sinner in the way that he has sinned. 'All that take the sword shall perish by sword. Who ever shall shed man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed'
   Retribution will sooner or later overtake the murderer, should he escape the law he is punished otherwise. I pity the man who is guilty of the murder, and branded with such infamy, and I hope that before too late he will repent of his crime and make all possible reparation.

Five farmers' sons had abeen remanded in custody on the charge of murdering Shawe-Taylor, D.L. of Coshla, on March 3. The accused men were the following:
Thomas Holland (24) Lisheenkyle; Martin Ruane (32) do.; Thomas Connell (28) do. ; Patrick Kelly, Carranduff (22); and Michael Kelly (18) do.
    District Inspector Gilhooly, Athenry , stated, that on visiting the scene of the tragedy, he saw blood on the road and also the cart that was used as an obstruction to stop Mr.Shawe-Taylor's motor car on the day he was shot.
   Inside the wall he found eight cartridge cases which had recently been empited, tobacco, and a piece of packing case with twins whcih had apparently been tied around a boot. Evidence of arrest was given by Sergeant Tahaney.
   A special court in Galway was held on 12 March 1920 before Mr. Justice Kilbridge, R. M.., the following five arrested for the murder were remanded in custody for the assaination of Frank Shawe-Taylor on 3 March 1920. All the accussed men were farmer's sons. One of them wore a bandage on his head in the dock. They assume a nonchantalant air, and were defended by Mr. L. E. O'Dea-solicitor.A group of relatives friends and the general public witnessed the proceedings from the Public Gallery

A small escort of police were in the court, and the prisoners were conveyed to and from Galway Jail by an armed escort of six men. District-Inspector Gilhooly, Athenry, called Sergeant Tahaney, who confirmed the following statement:

In consequence of a complaint made to me at the Athenry Barracks on the 3rd inst. I went to Coshla,and there I saw two pools of blood on the road, a little more to the right---that is, to the North side. There was on the left hand side of the road a wooden gate, resting up the ass cart and wheel. The obstruction practically blocked the road, leaving a passage at the left or southern side.
   I found eight empty cartridge cases which had been recently discharged inside the wall about eleven yards from the pool of blood: also close on a plug of tobacco. About sixty yards from the pool of blood, I found a piece of twine round it, which had apparently been tied round the sole of a man's boot.
   I found footprints on the road which showed that the boots had been covered with sack-cloth or canvas. I followed similar tracks going in the direction of Lisheenkyle from the sea. The last place I found these tracks was in a grass field in the toownland of Barretspark. This was as far as I could trace them at the grace field. I then went to Lisheenkyle, and I arrested three of the defendants whom I now see present; Thomas Holland, Martin Ruane, and Thomas Connell, all of Lisheenkyle.
   I charged them with the murder of Mr. Shawe-Taylor at Coshla about six o'clock on the 3rd inst. I cautioned them. Thomas Connell said 'Wait till I go up to the end'. He was then working a pair of horses ploughing. Later on at his own house, he said, 'If I was dead and buried I would still be arrested'. I also arrested Martin Ruane on the same charge , and he said, 'I will go when I change my boots and clothes.'
  Thomas Holland said 'Can I go to the house to change my clothes?' He was working a pair of horses ploughing in a field'.

The sergeant added that a remand was necessary to enable him to make further enquires and complete them ---Mr. O Dea did not cross-examine. Head-constable Dolan, Athenry, confirmed a deposition made upon the arrest of Patrick and Michael Kelly of Carranduff:

In consequence of certain matters which came to my knowledge, and which I intend to embody in a future depositiion.

He cautioned both prisoners. Neither of them made any statement. He applied for a remand.---Mr. O' Dea did not cross-examine---Prisoners were remanded

Athenry and the Irish War of Independence 1919-1921 Part 1: On the way to the fair 1920 by Ronan Killeen

2011-01-25T19:31:00.043Z

After the execution of the leaders of 1916 this changed public opionion for sympathy of the rebels. In the post-war general election of 1918, Sinn Féin won a large majority across the country, with the exception of north-east, where unionists, opposed to any diminution of the union with Britain, held sway.
    Dáil Eireann was established in Dublin 1919 and declared Irish Independence to the world but international recognition for the Irish Republic fell on deaf ears, and the British government refused t countenance the concept of Irish democrarcy or the Irish right to self determinition. The Republic went underground and the Irish Volunteers became the IRA.

IRA Volunteers mainly of the ages 18yrs-30yrs. IRA Volunteers occupations were mainly shop assistants, farmer's sons, rural labourers, factory and transport workers.

For Athenry the Irish War of Independence seems to begin on the 15th December 1919, when a farmer named Michael Keane from Carramore, Loughrea was fired at by an unknown party while cycling to the Athenry Fair was wounded in the legs and immediately had to brought to Dublin hospital.
   Mr.Keane had purchased some grazing land of a Mr.Johnstone, Fehenagh, for which the people in the locality had been agitating for sometime.Mr. Keane was not the only person shot by an unknown party but there was the most famous assaination of them all and remains a cold case to this very day and that is the assaination of Mr.Frank ShaweTaylor at Moorepark, Athenry.

On the 03 March 1920, Shawe-Taylor and his chauffer Mr.James Barrett, had to go to the Galway Fair. The reason for this was that Shawe-Taylor had been a large stock-holder which meant it was custom for him to go to any principal fair.
   The day started to clear and Shawe-Taylor was driving at a moderate pace. The district only had a few houses. When Shawe-Taylor reached Coshla, ahead on the right was Egan's publichouse about twenty yards off the road. Shawe-Taylor and Barret noticed a barriacade across the roadway ten yards from them. Shawe-Taylor exlaimed to his chauffer Barret 'What is this for?!'
   The obstruction was composed off a donkey cart, one of the wheels of which had been taken off and placed on one side of the road and a wooden gate standing at the other side of the road and a wooden gate standing at the other side of the cart. Both had been property of a farmer who had a cottage on right opposite, on the left hand side of the road. The cart had been taken out of the yard, and the gate and gateposts (which was only of frail structure) had been pulled out of their position across the laneway leading to the house.

At 6:00 a.m Shawe-Taylor stopped his motor, leaving the engine running, and directed Barrett to remove the obstacle. Barrett got out of the car, and the disconnected wheel was the first he went to take away. He ws just proceeding to lift it when a volley of shots rang out of his hands.
   Barrett was unable to give any connected account of what happened as the shock and suddeness of the occurrence almost stunned him but it he believed that the first volley came from inside the stone wall on the left hand side. The wall on that sid was higher than that on the opposite side, and there was two scraggy bushes just inside it opposite the small cottage. There are no bushes on the far side.
   Barret rushed back to his employer who was now covered in blood and asked him if he was wounded. Shawe-Taylor's last words were "Oh, ye-". Shawe-Taylor leaned over on his side and Barrett went around to the front of to lift him up. As Barrett was passing by the engine he recieved five pellets in the left jaw from a shot that must, apparently, have been fired from the back of the car. He realised then his life was in danger and he stooped under the front of the mudgaurd.
   Another volley then rung out, and all was silent except for the noise of the hurrying footsteps. The corpse of Shawe-Taylor was put in the front seat of the car. Next, Barrett crept out from under the mudgaurd and staggered to the sidewall where he fell on the grass on the side of the road.
   An unknown person came behind Barrett and assisted him to his feet. The unknown person warned him not to look back, and Barrett, seemingly, had to comply with the order. The man asked him if he was much hurt, and he replied that he thought he was. Again he warned him not to look back, but to walk straight on. Barrett did so and made his way to the house of the herd, Broderick, where he was admitted, and told the inmates of his dreadful experience.

A messenger from the house was immediately despatched to acquaint the dead landlord's widow of the frightful news. Mrs. Shawe-Taylor was in bed and did not know at first the cause of her being woken so early when the servant called her. The dread news came as an immense shock, but she bore it very bravely, and immediatierly set about giving direction to have her husbabn's body taken home.
   It was alleged that some employees whom she asked to go to take back her dead husband refused, their answer was 'where was the use than being dead'. Mrs. Shawe-Taylor did not wish to discuss but ordered that her ponay and trap be got ready, and she herself drove up to the scene, where she found her husband lying dead in the car and not a soul in sight.
   The shots that had killed Mr.ShaweTaylor must have been fired at a range of scarcely a yard, for part of his face was burned black, and a gun and was found embedded in his head. About eight men took part in the attack apparently because fifteen gun cartridges were found at the place, which a total of two volleys fired. The attackers wore mask's. The deceased evidently recieved the brunt of the charge.

Shawe-Taylor's head, face and left shoulder were riddled with pellets, while only one pellet struck the widescreen of the motor. There had been many dents on the left side of the car aswell. A shot from the back of the car must have been fired with the muzzle of a gun placed under the motor. There is only one large hole through the canvas, at the back and the shot, and the shot tore through the top of the cushioned partition between the two compartments of the car, and lodged in Mr. Shawe-Taylor's head.
   The front seat of the car contained a pool of blood, and one of the dead man's teeth had been blown out. The residents of the little cottage at the scene of the shooting say they heard the shots, but the people in Egan's pub state they did not hear anything. Frank Shawe-Taylor's would have been known all over the county of Galway and of course Ireland. He was the brother of the late Captain John Shawe-Taylor influential in getting the Land Act Conference of 1903. Captain Shawe Taylor had been through the South African War, was a young Irish landlord aswell, but held views that were very much in advance to the majority of his class at the time.

This meeting of the 1903 Land Act Conference took place in Kinvara, and later Captain Shawe-Taylor got into close touch with then prime-minister of England Geroge Wyndham. Captain Shawe-Taylor had contested Galway city against Mr.Stephen Gwynn as Independent, leaning to the Devoultion scheme in politics and was only beaten by a narrow majority. His deafeat was pointed to the fact that he had refused to make a definite declaration Home Rule.
   Subsequently, in 1907, he organised almost unassisted (except by voluntary local workers) the great Exhibition and Industrial Conference at Galway, to which delegates flocked from all parts of the world, and which was one of the most important era for Industrial conferences ever held in Ireland. He died a few years later.

The late Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor was never under the public eye like his distinguished brother, but it is known that he was immensely proud of the captain's work, althought he might not have agreed with his policy. He was, too, a Unionist in politics, while Captain Shawe-Taylor, as has been stated, was in favour of Devoultion scheme for the settlement of the Irish self-government question during this period.
Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor had 1,000 acres of land in the vicinity of Athenry. It was assured that he recieved several threating letters following his refusal to surrender portion of this land for distribution.
amongst the surrounding tenants.

According to the Connaught Tribune on the 6 March 1920 Frank Shawe-Taylor was painted in a positive light:

In private life he was an extremly condescending and affable gentleman. He was a freee and agreeable talker and companion, and was held in great respect and regard throughout the county. But as far as the distribution of his lands was concerned, it is stated that he was of an obstinate and unyielding character, and on one occasion it is alleged that he made the statement that if he had to surrender his land, he would give it to ex-soldieres.
On the other hand, it is said that he intended shortly to give 200 acres of it for distribution among adjoining tenants. But he refused the demand to do so which was recently made by a deputation which waited upon him. He was a man of unflinching spirits and refused to be turned aside by the threats he recieved through the post. His murder, it is stated, was forecasted in some of these letters, but still he was not afraid to travel abroad and even a night witout company.[sic]

He always carried his double-chambered revolver but on the day of his assaination, it was peculair that he didn't take it with him. If he had done so, he would have had no time to do so. Shawe-Taylor had been shot at some years ago, when driving home in a trap with his wife but he luckily escaped death.

The Connaught Tribune wrote that; With all those warnings and threats, it is a curious fact, which goes to show his indomitable courage-when he saw the barricade on the road when he drove to his death that he did not turn back and foil the trap laid for him. Wheather any thought crossed his mind fo what was in store for him is not known; his chauffer never for an instant throught they would be attacked at the spot, even when he got out to remove the obstruction.
   One sister of the Shawe-Taylor's-Mrs.Trench, of Limerick, was the last in the family that was still alive after her brothers assaination. Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor had was married to a sister of Mr. Harry Usher, Loughrea, the well known racehorse owner and trainer. They had three children-two sons and a daughter. The daughter was killed in a riding accident in 1911. The elder boy is thirteen years, and is at school in England.The widow has recieved many messages of condolence.

Galway Blazers:Fatal Accident in the Hunting Field 1901 by Ronan Killeen

2011-01-17T20:23:00.002Z

Galway Express  Newspaper 23rd November 1901

On Tuesday the meet of the Galway Blazers was held at Knockbrack, the residence of Capt. H.T. Hall. Having found a fox a run was made across towards Castle Ellen, the residence of Mrs.Lambert. At the back of Castle Ellen House a very sad accident took place, which unfortunetly has resulted fatally. It appears Mr.Ormond, who recently crossed from England for the hunting season, and was staying with his brother-in- law, Captain Preston at Moor park (Moorepark) was coming at pretty stiff pace, and was about taking a wall at the rear of Castle Ellen House.
   The horse which was a fine well spirited animal came along very well until clost to the wall when it instantly bolted,, with the result that Mr.Ormond was thrown over the horse's head and came with his own head and came with his own head against the wall. The injuries were of most serious nature, and from his first great doubts were entertained of his recovery.
    He was at once taken to Castle Ellen House although in an unconsious condition, and Doctors Quinlan and Mansel were soon in attendance and did everything that medical science could suggest but death took place early wednsday morning. The greatest sympathy is expressed by all in the locality here at the sad berevement of Captain and Mrs Preston of Moorepark. Although not long in the neighbourhood of Athenry they have made themselves very popular by their genial manner. Mr.Ormond was only 22 years of age.

John J Killeen

2011-01-15T14:30:00.002Z

Above: John J. Killeen (Date of photo unknown)

This is an ancestor of mine John J. Killeen, who is supposed have been born in Athenry 1841? He emigrated to America and joined the US Navy. In 1873 he became a Chief Boatswain. He died in Everett, Massachuttes 1907. That's all I know

Royal Irish Constabulary of Athenry Part 2: A Debate in the House of Commons by Ronan Killeen

2011-01-12T21:38:00.002Z

This is a debate about the police in Athenry on the 29th July 1909 in the House of Commons.

You can get these debates on Hansard
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmhansrd.htm

HC Deb 29 July 1909 vol 8 cc1443-7W 1443W

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked the Chief Secretary what is the number of extra police stationed at present in the police sub-district of Athenry; the number of persons who were receiving police protection in the sub-district during the three last months of 1907 by patrol and by constant police protection, respectively; the number of specially reported cases during the first six months in 1907, and the

1444Wsame period in 1909, from this area; whether he is aware that there are several police huts on the lands held there by the Agricultural Department, Ireland, and that there is also a police canteen there; and will he state how many police there are stationed in such huts, how long they have been there, and when it is intended to remove them?

§ Mr. BIRRELL There are now 26 extra police stationed in the Athenry sub-district. During the last three months of 1907 thirty-four persons were protected by patrols, while two were under constant police protection. There were nine specially reported cases during the first six months of 1907, and five during the first six months of 1909. There are two police

huts containing 17 men and a police canteen on the lands referred to. One of the huts has been there since January and the other since February, 1908. I cannot say when it may be found possible to remove them.

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked whether there is a regularly appointed constabulary canteen at Athenry; and, if so, what has been the turnover per month for the past six months at this canteen; and what 1445W has been the profit or loss on each month's trading?

§ Mr. BIRRELL I am informed by the police authorities that there is a regularly appointed constabulary canteen at Athenry. I do not know what the monthly turnover or the profit or loss thereon may be, and I do not think that any useful object would be attained by making inquiries into the matter. The loss, if any, does not fall on public funds.

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked whether a deputation from Athenry waited on the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, Ireland, and the Inspector-General, Royal Irish Constabulary, en 22nd January, 1908; who were the gentlemen who made up such deputation; what was the nature of its business; and what action, if any, has been taken by the Vice-President and the Inspector-General?

§ Mr. BIRRELL My right hon. Friend the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture informs me that on 22nd January, 1908, some visitors from Athenry, whose names he does not now remember, called at his office in Merrion-street in order to impress upon him that the burning of the house belonging to the Department at New Ford was not malicious. He advised them to place their views before the judge. On the same day Captain Shawe Taylor and Messrs. Daly, Ruane, Clery, Nolan, Holland, Finerty, and Murphy called on the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Dublin Castle and urged him to reduce the police force in the Athenry district. It has not yet been found possible to comply with that request.

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to reduce the police force in Athenry district to the regular number to which the place is entitled, seeing the peaceable condition of the district since the sale to the tenants of the several estates therein; and, if so, when will he take steps to do so?

§ Mr. BIRRELL The condition of the Athenry district cannot be regarded as satisfactory. The time has not yet come for considering the question of reducing the police force in the district.

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, on 1st January, 1908, a public meeting was held at Athenry in connection with the 1446W agrarian struggle then in the district, when a committee was appointed for the purpose of discussing matters in connection therewith for the purpose of arriving at a peaceable and satisfactory settlement and preventing a continuance of hostilities in that district pending the passing of the Land Bill, which it was expected would be introduced into law; whether he is aware that land disputes were discussed by this committee, and will he say what has been the result of its work since then; whether one of the cases discussed related to a man named Thomas Curran, Athenry, who signed an agreement leaving the settlement of his dispute to the arbitration of Sir Anthony (now Lord) M'Donnell, and that Lord M'Donnell refused to undertake the task; whether he is aware that this man has been since under constant police protection notwithstanding the fact that on several occasions he asked the protection to be removed; and what is the reason a force of police is kept guarding a man's house against his will?

§ Mr. BIRRELL I am informed by the Constabulary authorities that an indoor meeting was held in Athenry in January, 1908, in connection with the state of the district, and that a committee was appointed with a view to a peaceable settlement of the matters in dispute. The committee has since met several times, but apparently with no good result. The statements with regard to the case of Thomas Curran are, I understand, correct. He is now protected by patrols. The decision as to the nature of the protection required in any particular case must be left to the police, who endeavour to afford such protection as unobtrusively as possible.

§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) how many police huts are on the lands now held by the Department at or near Athenry in addition to the Constabulary canteen; what was the cause for placing these huts on those lands; whether there has been any reason for such a display of force in connection with the working of this place; and, seeing that such display is likely to prevent the sons of farmers from availing themselves of the instruction paid for out of Treasury funds, whether he will, in the interests of peace as well as furthering the prospects of scientific agriculture in Galway county, recommend the removal of these huts from the lands worked by his Department at Athenry?

1447W

§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL The inquiries contained in the first portion of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary. The Department do not agree with the view expressed in the concluding portion of this question, and do not propose to take the action suggested.

The Case Of Stephen Jordan: Hissing the King and his allies 1915 by Ronan Killeen

2011-01-06T13:21:00.004Z

Picture: Mr. Quinn, Frank Hynes and possibly Stephen Jordan on the right.

Photo from The-Quinns-of-Athenry.

On the 27th November 1915 in the Irish Times a Unionist paper at the time it was reported...

In the King's Bench Division; Dublin before Mr.Justice Gibson and Mr.Justice Kenny, in the case of Stephen Jordan, Shoemaker, of Darla (Davis) street, Athenry, who on prosecution brought against him on summons by District Inspector Collins under the Defence of the Realm (consolidation) Regulations, 1914-1915, fir hissing photograph's of the King and his allied crowned heads, and cheering for the Kaiser and his allied crowned heads at a cinematograph exhibition in the Athenry Town Hall on the 12th of June last.
   He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour, by the magistrates at Athenry Petty Sessions on the 25th June last, and also in the cases of in which Leo Egan, John Cleary and Michael Regan were convicted at the Petty sessions for aiding and abetting Jordan's hissing the photograph's mentioned, and cheering the Kaiser and his crowned heads, and were ordered to give bail for good behaviour in twelve months, or in default to be imprisoned for one month.

Mr. T.F. Ward (instructed by Messrs. John C.Conroy and Son) applied to have the conditional orders granted by Mr.Justice Ross quashing the convictions made absolute on the ground that if the petty sessions court was illegally constituted, in much as one of the magistrates adjudicating of the High Sheriff County Galway, Mr.Frank Shawe-Taylor, of Moor Park, Athenry.*
    The other magistrates were Messrs Kildare, R.M. Samuel Taylor, and W.G. Moriarity. The statute 7 William IV. c.13 prohibited a High Sheriff from exercising the office of the justice of peace for the county of which he was High Sheriff during his term.
   It appeared that the objection was not taken at the Petty Sessions proceedings, as the fact referred to was not known to the defendants’ representatives until afterwards. The conditional orders had been already absolute in the King's Bench office. The court granted the application, making the conditional orders absolute, and quashing the convictions.

I will be talking about Frank Shawe-Taylor when I get to the Irish War of Independence in a couple of months.

Athenry Land League Part 2: Peter Broderick in Galway Jail by Ronan Killeen

2011-01-05T21:22:00.006Z

Above: Peter Broderick's Arrest Warrant 1881

An article that was written in the Galway City Tribune by John Flately on 3rd January 1997.

"The Protestant church is tolling a very sweet peal, the Catholic churches also, all seeming to mock us in out lonely cages" - Peter Broderick

In 1881 November 9th, the gates of the Galway Jail were thrown open and Peter P. Broderick of Athenry was hurried inside as prisoner, a political suspect, suspected as principal of inciting to boycotting under the Act previously passed that year 'FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF PERSON AND PROPERTY IN IRELAND'.

Broderick was a shopkeeper and farmer. He was hurried in the Governor’s Office where the Warden showed the warrant to the Governor back to the Constable and from the Constable to the Chief Warden. In the office the charge was read, entered in a 'huge book’ and a receipt of Broderick's delivery signed and given to the constable.

In the office with two chief wardens, distinguished by the gold braid on their caps and the glittering crown on their coat collars-as well as a clerk, registered Peter Broderick's name, age, complexion, colour of hair, eyes, appearance and all the 'hue and cry' evidences. His height was measured at five feet eight inches. He handed over his possessions, two one pound notes and a penknife.

Chief Warden Number One searched for other possessions but found nothing else. Then followed the last act in the day’s drama, Peter being marched from the office to his cell, a trip that took him through the whole house. His first impressions were "The repeated banging of doors, clinking of keys and martial tread of office bearers". The gas was burning in his cell the bed prepared and he was locked in.

He looked around and measured the cell, sixteen feet long by five-and-a-half feet wide, the bed was placed on a kind of camp stool or folding bedstead. It comprised a straw mattress, two sheets marked in large letters 'Galway Gaol', two blankets and a quilt-all except the fibre mattress were prison property.

Peter Broderick got a warm reception form the other prisoners. Their comments were consoling: “You here too. Good God, isn’t this too bad”, “Bad luck to them that sent you here”. O’Beirne of Ballinamore (possibly another prisoner) went and found ‘something to cheer Peter up’ and Peter was in better fettle.A few minutes before eight o’clock the warden commanded “All in”, and in they filed back to the cells.

Prisoners on two occasions during Peter sojourn there brought up with the authorities the need to sheet the sides of a shed in the yard. After a few days of the arrival at Galway Jail Broderick received from home a consignment of personal items indicating social expectations of the time.

• Two pairs of cuffs,

• Six Collars

• Four Collar studs

• One Razor

• Strap

• Tooth Brush

• Soap

• One handkerchief

• Holy Water

• Beads

• One pillow

• Two pillow cases

• Blankets

• Sheets

• Counterpane quilt and a table cover

He made an inventory of this a week later. Isolation from the world outside, from the everyday bustle of life in Galway was almost total. An old factory whistle and the Angelus Bell ringing at 6 a.m. awakened the prisoners. Church bells pealing in early and mid-morning gave Peter the disting impression there was rivalry between the churches in the town.

"The Protestant church is tolling a very sweet peal, the Catholic churches also, all seeming to mock us in out lonely cages" . On Sunday 22nd January 1882, Peter heard the Galway Band in the distance today, but no attempt was made to approach our quarters, as it would probably be an infringement on the loyalty of the serfs.

One the 6th of December 1882 the Warden visited Peter at breakfast wanting to know what he would have for breakfast. the following day. The choice was limited to stir about and coffee, for one week. At supper the Warden asked about his preference for the coming week, tea or cocoa. In both cases he opted for the first alternative.

The following morning Peter returned from exercise (in the dark) to find 'a bright culinary utensil of gigantic proportions was laid on the table. The weapon for onslaught on the stirabout-a big iron spoon-a pan filled almost to the top with stirabout and a saucepan of milk was the inviting repast for a cold morning.

'As I attacked my skilly. I really began to feel a foretaste of prison life. The stirabout was pretty fair but abounded with salt'.

He didn't like it and turned to the cocoa with a bit of bread and butter (got in on the previous day). He observed in the refuse collected that "almost as such made its way back to the cookhouse as came from it."

For dinner that day there were 'two big pieces of coarse bread and wretchedly strong and a pint of coffee. was in his opinion 'equally as good in every was as that supplied from outside'. He was hopeful

: "All in all the fare (Prison fare) was not so bad as an outside world believes it to be. I expect (D.V.)* to be able to rough it.

By mid-December Peter was arranging for breakfast to be served from outside. Others did the same. The outside supplier was Mrs.Mason. Visitors came virtually daily and the prisoner had the choice of seeing them or not. They were welcome in nearly all instances, through Peter refused to see a certain gentleman for quite a while.

On February 7th 1882, he was visited by two men and 'felt very indifferent towards their attention'. On February 13th a woman from kilconnell visited giving Peter 'the usual santimonious consolation'. On Monday, February 20 he read in the Galway Observer that he was "Careworn and thin from confinement". The following Sunday, February 27th at Mass in Galway Jail, Fr.Creaven the celebrant 'commented strongly on the necessity of fasting'. (Sic)

Peter Broderick wasn't the only man put in jail at the time.

Martin Connelly, Athenry, Farmer was in Galway Jai

R.T. Kelly, Athenry, Farmer was in Kilminham Jail

Athenry Land League Part 3: Also coming soon.

Athenry Agricultural College by Ronan Killeen

2010-12-29T14:25:00.012Z

The Athenry Agricultural College was opened, about two miles sourth-west of Athenry, in 1905*, to provide practical training for farm apprentices. It is now known as Mellowes Agricultural College and instruction in v various agricultural practices is provided during a one year residential course.
A 600-acre farm, divided into different units, is attached to the college, William Alphonsus Scott (1871-1921), a leading architect, and a proponent of the Celtic Revival, designed the college.
As I have already mentioned this is where the men of the Old Irish Republican Army mobilised to in 1916. During the Irish Civil War the Superintendent and the staff of the Agriculture College were forced by the Irregulars to blockade the road from the town and the next day the blockade was cleared.
(More to come in the future)
*I have been corrected on this that the Agricultural College was actually opened sometime in the 1890's but need to check out more about it but as for 1916 and 1943 is fact. The agricultural college is referenced in the bibliography Sean Spellisey's book History of Galway City and County which mentions that the Agricultural college was opened in 1905.

Below is a link to the filming of work in the Athenry Agricultural College- The dress war looks between 1930's - 1950's entitled A boon to the West http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=20486.

Athenry: Samuel Lewis and the Corporation Book Of Athenry by Ronan Killeen

2010-12-27T01:39:00.006Z

First some of you may ask "Who was Samuel Lewis?". It is unSamuel Lewis was a topographer which comes from the word topography. Topography is were the configuration of a surface and the relations of man-made and natural features are recorded by someone. The reader will probably get a better understanding by reading the next piece of the article...

Here is what Samuel Lewis wrote about Athenry in 1837;

I have to explain two words first

Portreeve - A portreeve, or 'port warden' is a historical British political appointment with a fluctuating role which evolved over time.

Burgess - Burgess is a word in English that originally meant a freeman of a borough (England) or burgh (Scotland). It later came to mean an elected or un-elected official of a municipality, or the representative of a borough in the English House of Commons.

"The Portreeve, Brugesses, and Freemen of the corporation," and consisted of a "a portreeve and an unlimited number of burgesses and freemen; the above [Elizabeth's I] grant empowers them to appoint a common clerk and "all other nessary tenants as Trim used", but only inferior officers are a serjeant-at-mace, craner, pound-keeper, two appraisers, and, a bellman, who are appointed by portreeve".
The portreeve and about twenty burgesses were elected annually while the limits of the borough comprehended the town and a surrounding the agricultural, called the "Liberties".
The town returned two members to the Irish Parliment until Act of Union came into effect on 1 January 1801. £15,000 was paid in compensation to the trustees of the marriage settlement of Theophilous Blakeney... (see previous article).

The Corporation Book of Athenry, which one volume of it, was in the possession of Rev P.Delaney parish priest of Carna, in October 1988. This lists the proceedings of the corporation from 1781 to 1840.

In 1837 Lewis wrote that the portreeve;

...who has the power to appoint a deputy, is a justice of the peace within the borough and its liberties, clerk of the market, and sole judge of the borough court. The town or portreeve's court shield is held for all please, real and personal, to an unlimited amount, as often as business requires, which of late has been but seldom, and generally on a Monday, not in any fixed court-house or place, but in different parts of the town...
The market, with a fair in October, was granted to Sir W.Parsons, Bart., in 1629, and is on a Friday, but is only indifferently attended; and fairs for sheep and cattle are held onMay 5th, July 2nd, and Oct 20th, of which that in July is the largest. A constabulary police force is stationed here (This is obviously the Royal Irish Constabluary of Athenry) - Samuel Lewis.

This system of agriculture in the parish of Athenry, which comprised of 1,954 statue acres, was then somewhat improved and there was a considerable quantity of unreclaimed bog. The Catholic parish was co-existence with that of the established church and the town cotained a Catholic church, a plain slated building. About 330 children were educated between the parochial school and four private pay schools in Athenry , while another 170, or so, were educated in three schools at Monivea and Newcaste.
In 1831 1,319 people lived in 250 houses in Athenry. By 1986 the town could boast a population of 1,642, 790 males and 852 females.

Theophilous Blakeney of Abbert by Ronan Killeen

2010-12-27T01:38:00.003Z

Theophilous Blakeney of Abbert served as a member of parliament for Athenry from 1766-1776 and from 1783-1799. During the intervening period he became M.P. for Carlingford. As a captain in the Royal Sussex Regiment he saw service in Quebec and Staten Island in 1761; in 1772 he was a Surveyor General for Connaught; and in 1773 was appointed High Sheriff .
He married Margaret Stafford of Gillstown, County Roscommon in 1782. Theophilus died in 1813 and was succeeded by his son, John Henry Blakeney. The Blakeney's replaced the Bermingham's as Athenry's premier family when Thomas, Lord Athenry, the first and only Earl of Louth, who died in 1798.

Something short pre- New year 2011 eh?

Christmas Special: Athenry Concert in 1901 by Ronan Killeen

2010-12-09T14:21:00.009Z

Christmas Special...

This month I am quite happy to set a lighter tone to Athenry Local History. Northgate street nowadays is a street of stores and pubs but I bet not everyone from Athenry knew that there was actually a hall on Northgate Street (I certainly didn't!). We will begin...
   On the 10th of January 1902 The Tuam News reported about a concert that took place on December the 26th and 27th 1901. An annual concert for a charitable cause (The article does not state what the charity was for!)

"The very spacious hall at Northgate Street, was suitabily prepared for the occasion, and, as a variety of entertainment aswell as (a?) concert was part of the programme, stage and scenery were to suit were tastefully arranged.
   As benefiting the move in preservation of Mother Tongue, the boys of the Athenry National School rendered as opening item "An Chruit re scar," the Harp, harmonized in our own language an astonished as well as pleased the audience. The precision in pronunciation of our own Gaelic, aswell as the thorough harmony throughout was most gratifying, the audience showed their appreciation by repeated encores.
   "Through the Last Glimpse of Erin" was very sweetly song by Miss.Dolan. That splendid son "Bantry Bay" was done justice by Mr.P. Kelly, and Miss Ryan, whose sweet singing has been heard at local concerts rendered "Killarney" in admirable style. "When shall day break in Erin," that favourite new song was sung by Mr.T.Higgins in splendid style and loudly applauded.

The comic element was well kept up with the "Galway Militia", (local Comic), John F. Kelly and "Crockery Ware" by W.P. Higgins. Both acquitted themselves well . Miss Barbra Leonard, Miss Delia McDonagh and Miss Alice Nolan rendered their songs with taste and after duets with Misses Mahon and Nolan, and Mr and Mrs Graham, the singing with glee by female school children was rendered in the very taking style.
   Variety entertainment was opened by (a?) stump speech by John F.Kelly and indeed Athenry audiences know how inimitable he is in this role. With a blend of local monstrosities he fairly convulsed those present.

A feature of the night entertainment very much appreciated was the stepdancing of Messrs. W.P Higgins, T.Monaghan, and P.Keane. The Irish jig was certainly tipped in style of the highest praise.
The entertainment was brought to a close with the laughable farce "The Irish Doctor," in which the leading parts were taken by Messrs.Kelly, Mahon, Lardner and Nolan, must successfully. Altogether the entertainment was most enjoyable. The pinaforte of accompaniments of various songs were tastefully executed by Miss May Kelly, Mrs. Broderick and Miss Dolan.

- Correspondent.

Well Readers that it is it until sometime in January so..............

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL,

KIND REGARDS,
                               Mr.Ronan Killeen

Athenry Land League by Ronan Killeen

2010-11-01T14:25:00.023Z

Below is a preview of my next article for ALH seeing as the Irish Land League is my
favourite topic there will be a lot added to this article in the future. This is just a preview for the moment....

By 1870 Ireland had assumed an appearance of economic, social and political stability unknown since the famine the eighteenth century. Despite the famine catastrophe, the residual rural population had preserved much of its familiar way of lip while achieving unfamiliar prosperity.
   Destitution was no longer sufficient to exhaust the capacity of the poor law system; emigration continued to ameliorate underemployment by removing surplus population.
   The depletion of the poorest classes and the optimism of those more privileged had weakened social animimosis while Gladstone’s 1870 Land Act had offered the promise of further and more effective state interventions in the troubled relationship between landlord and tenant.
   Ulster Protestants were beginning to relish the Victorian Sensation of Progress, while the growing Catholic middle class and the Catholic Church attained a new respectability in Irish Social and Political life.....

On the 7th of Febraury 1880 in the Galway Vindicator newspaper, it was reported that a public meeting was held in Athenry on Sunday for the purpose of establishing a local branch of the National Land League.
   There was a large attendance. A substantial platform was erected in the chapel yard and the Athenry Brass Band at the beginning and termination of these orderly proceedings discoursed in the practiced style some likely, soul stirring airs.
  Among those present at that meeting were: - Very Rev. Cannon O’Brien, P.P. , Rev P. McPhillip C C, Patrick Egan-Secretary Land League, Richard J. Kelly, Tuam, D. McDonagh, J. McPhyllin, P. Naughton, P.Hennelly, Michael Fahy, T.R. Kelly, P.C. Kelly, A. Keary, P.P. Broderick, M. Nolan, M. Hennelly, P.L.G. , P. Callanan, L. Lardner, J. Shaughnessy, J.Fahy, J. Donohue, M. Culkin, P. Mahon, P. Murphy, T. Coyne, & C & C.

   On the motions of Denis McDonagh, seconded by Mr. Hennelly. The chair was taken loud and continued applause by the Very Rev. P.J. Cannon O’Brien. The very Bev Chairman, in addressing said:
“My respected fellow townsmen, parishioners, and friends, I have to thank you very much indeed for the honourof thus promoting me to the proud position of President of the Athenry Tenant’s Defence Asscoiation, which is to be engrafted on the great Irish Land League.
I accept the enviable post with more than ordinary promptitude and pleasure because I believe the work which that league is resolved to do to be a work which that should enlist the best sympathies, and secure the most strenuous co-operation for every man to feel for, or an intellect to understand or inexpressingly calamitous, distressful, and degraded state into which our ill-starred sountry is flung down by the despotic felonious murderous system of feudal landlordism wherewith we and our fathers for many generations have been cursed and cumbered on our native soil.

Yes! my friends this atrocious Landlordism should force every tongue in Ireland legally to denounce, and every hand in Ireland constitutionally to destroy it utterly and forever from our midst.
   Need we go back to the bloodstained records for the unnumbered evils and humiliations and sufferings which it caused again and again in the olden times to all the Celtic and Catholic classes in this misgoverned land? Most assuredly not.
   No! We have unfortunetly at our very doors, yes, within our very thresholds, in Athenry, at this melancholy moment, bitter, sadly thrilling evidences of the widespread, woeful, wicked, consequences of this adominable system.

The feudal landlordism it emphatically is which as already brought this county of Galway into the ghastly presence of famine and fever, and the many unspeakable miseries that ever follow in their fatal wake – this fendal lanlordism it is that now leaves our labourers, standing idle in the market place, where there is no one to hire them –our artisans straving, our farmers in despair, our small tenants perishing, our shopkeepers despondent, and our merchants pauperized-this feudal landlordism it is that has drawn the black pencil of poverty across the face of this unhappy province.

This feudal landlordism it is that has prostrated her energies, paralyzed her spirit of enterprise and annihilsted her propriority - this feudal landlordism it is that has shorn her-as Sampson was once shorn of his strength and consigned her to be helplessly kicked and scuffed, and jeered at, and spit upon by every contemptous philistine at his arrongant will - this feudal lanlordism, it is that now day after day, alas, presents before us the sad and sickening spectacle not only of decrepit husbands, and shrivelled wives and famishing widows, and half-naked children; but evcen stalwart men and youthful maidens coming in their hundereds to our relief depots, and piteously craving for for the miserable beggar's dole-this feudal landlordism it is that has made our country at this moment, as oft she was before a by-word for sorrow, a parable of wretchdness, and a medicant for aims at the dorr of every nation under Heaven!

This, in fine, is the feudal landlordism, of which may be truly said, as was cloquently said of the alien robbers in Peru - that "Wherever it moves in anger desoultion marks its progress, and wherever it pauses in amnity afflictions mourns its friendship".
No wonder, therefore, my friends, that such a ruthless and ruffian system should come at last, to be repudiated by equity, to be rejected by justice, to be renounced by reason, and to be reprobated by argument.
   Yes! reprobated and undefended by every argument save one, that proveriably notorious argument of tyranny. The savage argument, of bayonets and brute force. Yes, thank God, despite of that barb-rous argument, despite of the death bearing rifles and menancing revolvers.
Now, put forward with such a promising parade, and pomp and glistening bravodo in its behalf; despite of the fact that it is formally propped up. This destestable feudal landlordism is manifestable tottering to its near and inevitable destruction.

For everyone to that hath eyes to see the palpable shadows of the fast and surely coming events, its doom is already written on the wall; it is already written on the wall. It is weighed in the balac es of principle alike and policy, and found wanting - tis cruel couse is already well-nigh run, and its crimeful days are numbered.
   Even as Rome of old fell beneath the load of own long culminating corruption, so shall feudal landlordism in Ireland fall under the overwhelming burden of its long accumlating inquities-like Richard's- the very weight of its own guilt shall crush it.
Well, you will, my friends, naturally ask me, if this is so, what need have we of a Tenant's Defence Association at all?
   The awnser is not far to seek. It is the duty of every honest man to hasten by all legitimate means, the disappareance of such a mischievous and maligant monstrosity (from?) amgonst us. No, I hope to convience you that there is no constitutional means better calculated to effect this blessed purpose. To accomplish this desiderated end, than the action whic is to be taken by the Tenant's Defence Association with which our Athenry Branch commences to be joined today.
        Feudal Landlordism, is as I have said, doomed to die without any very long delay. But trust me, my friend, that like many a noxious evenomed animal, it will "die hard". Knowing even as he, mentioned in the Scriptures knew of himself, that it "hath but a short time," work refreshed, as it were a redoubled wrath and energy.
   Now nothing that I can concieve of, , will more effectively stay in its hostile hand, and neutrailize, as far as may be, its work of wickedness , than what the Tenants Defence Association, acting strictly with in the lines of legality intends to do. The chief reason why landlordism wrought almost without raising a little finger of effort. or closing a single farthing of money, much lamentable ruin among the tenantry of Ireland hitherto, was, that with a priarie, hunter's skill, it separated and singled out its victim from the heard.
   But aswell as an imbecile infant strive against a giant in the furious falness of his rage, as a poor individual, isolated tenant contend successfully against against this landordism. So, of course, it goes without saying, that the poor isolated tenant was worsted; that down went his homestead before the levelling crowbar; and that out went himself and his wailing wife and shivering waste.
   Again,and again, and again for countless times was this same cunning plan of inexpensive inhumrnity adopted by landlordism against other haples tenants. More than that: comparatively speaking and as a rule all these dees of desolation were done without, what landlordism so much dreads, any special knowledge or notice on the part of the general public. Now thanks to the defence association, landlordism can never again hope to enjoy either of these, its olden advantages.
   No more can landlordism victimize the tenants as it did in the days of yore. Every tenant who is a member of this Defence Association, and he can become an enroled member for a trifiling-a nearly nominal sum- will Land League

Halloween Special: The Execution Of Thomas Keely 1902 by Ronan Killeen.

2010-10-11T18:36:00.016+01:00

North Gate Street facing from the Hop Inn Bar

A Chapter from my (Hons) thesis Three Cases of Capital Punishment in Galway 1881-1923

‘To suppose the Jury would let the prisoner go would be to establish upon your country a stain which centuries would not remove. What would become of helpless women and children of this county? They would have to shut there doors, uncertain to the projection of there neighbour, and might be found brutally murdered some morning’ – Tuam News 1902 on Thomas Keely’s trial.

On the 18 Novemeber 1901 Mary Clasby North Gate Street, Athenry who a lodging house keeper was murdered by Thomas Keely. Many witness at Keely’s trial new him well and he had been caught out by just knowing to many people in the locality of Athenry.
   Thomas Keely was arraigned before Mr. Justice Kenny, for the wilful murder of the old woman Mary Clasby. The case exited great interest and the court was exited with great interest. Thomas Keely was a deformed man and lame. He listened to the proceedings apparently quite unconcerned.
Mr.James H. Campbell, K.C. Solicitor General; Mr. Fethersto K.C., Mr. Coll, B.L., (instructed by Mr.James W. Blake, appeared for the crown. Mr.Conroy, solicitor, instructed Mr.Durcell, B.L, council for the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty.
    A jury was empanelled to try Keely. There was a god deal of challenging on on both sides. Messrs. Thomas Donnellan (Foreman), Martin Coen, James Killalea, MI. Brady, Pk. Kelly, Owen Lennane, Pk. Fahey, Laurence Kearns and Martin Action.

The solicitor-general in opening the case said the prisoner, who was stated to be a painter, had come to Athenry and took lodgings at the house of the murdered woman, Mary Clasby. The prisoner was seen in Athenry, he had spoken to a cattle dealer named Mr.Murphy, told him he was a painter, that he was hard up and that he had nothing about him but a painters hammer.
   Keely told Murphy that he wanted some money for lodging. Murphy gave him twopence and told him it would be better if he lodged at a house named O’Dea’s but later on Murphy saw Keely leaning over a half-door at Mary Clasby’s house, the woman that had been murdered. When the prisoner saw the witness he drew back and went into Mary’s house.

On the morning of the murder was discovered, a boy from the country, who came to sell turf, was passing by the house of the deceased when he heard a voice calling him. He went over to the house and saw a hand and arm stretched out from the door which, which was partly closed, and a voice from inside the door told him to go for two candles.
   The boy took two pence from the hand and went to purchase the candles and coming up again to the door put them into the hand, which then the hand drew in and closed the door. The boy afterwards heard the prisoner speaking at the police barracks, and he recognised that as the voice of the person who asked him to go for the candles.
Several townspeople saw Keely both before and on the morning of the murder was discovered, a relation was discovered. A woman named Mary Size, who used to supply milk to the deceased, and was told by the prisoner (Keely) who was sitting beside the fire, that Mary had a sore leg, was laid up and could not been seen til that night.
   Mary Size attempted to then attempt to open the bedroom door, but when she had her hand on the latch the prisoner pulled her away and would not allow her to open the door. After this incident he was scene over the half-door looking up and down the street.
   A girl named Ms.Spelman came into the murder house, calling for Mary Clasby but got no reply what so ever. She looked through the opening in the bedroom door which was ajar, and saw the hand of the murdered woman on the floor. Recognising something dreadful had happened , she went to inform the police, who proceeded to the place, and found the women lying dead on the floor, her skull battered in with a painter’s hammer, covered with blood lying beside her.
  Some days after the prisoner was in Tuam, a considerable sum of money had been found in Keely’s possession along with brooches, rings, rosary beads and other small things, all of which would be identified as having belonged to the murdered woman. Council that concluded said the evidence would bring home to the prisoner the guilt of one of the most cowardly murders ever committed.

The first witness examined was Patrick Murphy, cattle jobber, of Athenry, who gave evidence that the prisoner came to his house about five weeks ago, before the murder and asked for some bread and milk and butter, which Murphy gave the prisoner. Keely told Murphy that he was a a painter, and had nothing with him but a painter’s hammer. Keely also told him that he was born in America and that his mother brought him to castlegrove. Keely said to Murphy that he had only two pence to pay for his lodgings and Murphy kindly gave him three pence.

The prisoner had told Murphy that he would stop at Mary Clasby’s for the night but Murphy told the prisoner to go to Roger O’Dea’s house and sent his son to show the prisoner were the house was.
   About a week ago I saw Murphy saw the prisoner leaning over the half door. When Keely saw him he ran back inside, Murphy did not see him until he saw him in the barracks on 19th November 1901. The next witness to make a statement at the assize was a man by the name of John Cleary, a school boy that deposed that he saw Keely standing at Mrs.Clasby’s door on the 4th November 1901 and he sent the boy for two loaves, for which the boy received a half-pence and one for himself, which he refused to take.
   The witness cleary got the bread at Mrs. Nolan’s and brought it to Keely who thanked him for it. Mr. R. P. Nolan, D. C., and shopkeeper in Athenry, deposed to having seen Keely on the Saturday night the week before the murder. Keely had been in the shop and asked for a copper, and said he was weary and wanted to pay for his lodgings, that he was a painter and was long time idle, that he was born in Boston and that his father was from Tuam.

Nolan gave Keely some supplies, and he also told him if Keely came back the next day he would give Keely a dinner but Keely did not return to Nolan but met him as he was going to the vesper’s that next evening at 7 O’Clock on the 10th November 1901. Keely begged a copper and Nolan knew the voice. Nolan asked him was he a painter who was with him the evening before hand and why did he not come to dinner?.
   Keely told Nolan that he was too tired but Nolan then told him to come to his house the next day so he could find Keely some work to do. Keely came up to Nolan’s residence the following night, and told him that he was stopping at Miss Connell’s, Nolan gave him alms and never saw him until the 27 November 1901.
   Christopher Daly, a draper in Athenry, assured that he saw Keely three weeks to the murder and also on the evening of the 14th November. 1901. Joseph Fallon, of Athenry, deposed to seeing the prisoner in the porch of the chapel, when services were going on. 17 November at 7 o'clock in the eveing. George Higgins of Athenry saw the prisoner on the evening of the 17 November and also on the 15 November near the chapel.
    The next witness was Michael Jordan, a shoemaker by trade, and lived with his father deposed that while standing at his own door on the Monday before previous of the murder, he saw Keely looking up and down the street. Later he saw the beggars begging up and down, and then after another while he saw Keely at the barracks between two men.

He saw the front and side of his face, saw him in different clothes and could not say if it was the same thing that the prisoner wore on Monday. Mary Smyth deposed to having seen Mrs.Clasby used to get milk from Mr. Glynn alive on Sunday, 17th November 1901.Mary Size stated that she lived in Athenry, and worked for Mr. John Glynn; knew the deceased for years. Mrs. Clasby used to get milk from Mr. Glynn. The deceased sometimes would send for it. The Witness used to visit her on and off for 15 years. No person ever had lived with the deceased except the lodgers.
    The deceased Mrs.Claby had been in America for a long time in her life. She wore a ring that was similar to that produced on the third finger of her left hand. She sent for no milk on the Sunday the week before hand. On the following Monday morning the witness went to see her at 10 a.m. and when the witness went into the kitchen she saw the prisoner sitting on the stool near the fire with his back towards the wall.

After Mary Size sat down, the prisoner offered her a smoke of the clay pipe and the Mary Size refused it. She explained to the court of asking the prisoner for Mrs. Clasby, the way that the prisoner through her out of the lodging house and that Assize would come back to see her after dinner. Ms. Size said she had not seen Keely since the 20 November 1901 and at the line up picked him out because she knew the voice.
   Richard Burns gave evidence that he lived with his parents near Newcastle and came into Athenry on the previous Monday 18 November 1901, with an ass load of turf; after selling which he turned and went by the post office and near the place of Mrs.Higgins. It was around 10:10am when Burns was passing by Northgate street, when he heard Keely’s voice and Keely gave him two pence to get two candles from Blackall’s, and saw a hand and part of an arm put out through the door which was partly ajar. Burns did so and brought the candles back to the house and put the candles into the prisoner’s-Keelys hand, which was took inside and Burns walked away from the house.
   At the Athenry Police barracks on 20 November 1901, Burns saw the right hands of three people put through a door, one after the other, in the same position he had referred, and heard those three men speak.
One of the hands was a slight resemblance on the day Burns had gone for the candles at Blackhall’s, the candles were the kind and size that Burns had bought for the man that day and the coat sleeve very like it. One of the voices of the men was exactly similar to that of the man he had ran the errand for.

Delia Spelman was the next to depose; she occasionally visited Mrs. Clasby and did so on the 18 November. When she had come to the house that day, she the door was wide open. She entered into the kitchen and found that no one was there. She called out for Mrs. Clasby, but got no reply, she opened Mrs.Clasby’s bedroom door. When she saw a hand on the floor she got alarmed and immediately fled. She saw Constable Noonan and told him and told him that there was something wrong with Mary Clasby.
   Constable Noonan verified that he met Ms. Spelman at 12 o’clock on the day of the discovery of Mrs. Claby’s body. He reached the house at 12:10pm, and found Mrs. Clasby’s body laying dead on the floor. Mrs. Clasby’s knees were bent and her head resting against the foot of the bedpost. There were two candles lighting about a yard from her feet . Noonan returned to the barracks and reported the matter to the district inspector, who returned with him to the house. Noonan then made a search, and found two candles that were lighting and a hammer, now produced, and on one side of the hammer had blood on it and was a yard away from the deceased’s feet. Other items Constable Noonan found were a deposit receipt of £2 and the other contained a rent receipt, a religious emblem, two boxes in the room that contained clothes, one of the constables found.

Bridget Lardner assured the court that she had seen the prisoner walk in the direction of the deceased house on 18 November and 10 days previously before hand. Michael Moran confirmed that he was employed at as boots at the Railway Hotel, that he had seen the prisoner in the dock walking in front of him, on the Tuam road, the prisoner had walked close to a wall and on the grass, near a pool of water, about 20 yards from the hotel. It was between a quarter and 20 past 11 o’clock am, when he saw the witness begging and wanting work which he did not get on the 18 November.
   Robert Lannon the next witness of the murder case stated that he was a coachman to Mrs.Lopdell, of Raheen, and remembered 18 November 1901, that he was riding in the direction of Athenry, and at 11:30am met the prisoner opposite the cricket pavilion outside of Athenry, about 200 yards from the Railway Hotel. He saw the prisoner slowly walking up the hill in the direction of Tuam.
   M. Cusack who was a stable boy, in the employment of Mrs. Lambert of Castle Ellen, deposed that he was driving a van in the direction of Athenry. When coming out of the wood, the Caste Ellen side of Gurran Cross, he (Cusack) had met the prisoner about 100 yards. Patrick Lynch, a groom, who lived at Belville, Athenry, said that he had met the prisoner coming from Athenry and the prisoner was walking very fast. Cusack asked for a match from him but the prisoner refused in a very serious tone. Once the prisoner had passed Cusack turned around and looked at the prisoner wiping his boots on the grass. It was 20 past 12 when Patrick Lynch was a quarter of a mile in front of me.

M. Donohue was positive that he saw the prisoner on the 18 November at the Cussane cross roads. Donoghue was 100 yards from the man he saw. The man was lame and had a hump on him. Mark Bird and Mary Molloy both gave evidence that they saw the prisoner that he was walking fast and was lame with a hump too. The prisoner had asked Ms. Molloy were the road to Tuam road and she showed him and the prisoner carried on walking.
   John Gormley the next witness said that he was a farmer near Tierboy Road, Tuam. About half past 7 o’clock on November 18 he saw the prisoner, in Patrick Browne’s public house standing at the bar.

Gormley knew the prisoner before the prisoner when the prisoner was a wardsman in the Tuam Union. The prisoner handed sixpence , remarking that Gormley stood to Prisoner before. Gormely said that he would not take it. The prisoner then called for a drink , and Gormely called out for 2 bottles of stout, which the two men drank and paid for with the sixpence.
The prisoner then bought two pipes, one at 6d and the other at 9d, and Gormley got took the 6d pipe, and the prisoner kept the 9d one. The prisoner also purchased tobacco. Gormely saw the prisoner take a bead case out of his pocket and then 10 sovereign’s. The prisoner gave Mr. Browne a half-sovereign out of the amount he had. The prisoner told Gormley to come into the room of the bar and that he wanted to talk to him. After the two men went into the room, the prisoner handed Gormley a bunch of notes, which he asked him to count for him. There were 11 pound notes in it, and the prisoner remarked that he earned this money since last in Tuam. To the best of the Gormley’s memory, it was early in September when prisoner left Tuam. The prisoner asked Gormley to realise a suit of clothes which he had in Mr. Quinn’s Pawn Office. Both of them went there. The convict gave a sovereign and got change. They both went to Burke’s public house next door and had also treated two other men to drinks. After leaving Burke’s public house the witness said to Keely that he was going to go home soon and welcomed the prisoner to his lodgings and also recommended two other places Mr. Heavey’s or Ms. Moores. Keely told Gormley he would rather stay at his residence, Gormley said that he had no lodging house but if the servant boy was willing to share the room, Gormley would have no objection to Keely’s stay.

The prisoner gave Gormley half a crown to send him for a naggin of whiskey and a gallon of porter. The drink was later consumed by the prisoner, Gormley, William O’Connor and another person. The prisoner eventually slept that nigh in the kitchen and was up before Gormley at 8 o’clock in the morning and offered him, which the witness refused. The prisoner said he would come with the witnesses to wherever and had been complaining with his heel being sore.

Keely said that he had walked from Loughrea the day before. The prisoner paid for another drink at Keely’s public house. The two men went Browne’s and he brought a razor for 2s 6d, the same as now produced. Once again, the prisoner paid for another drink at Browne’s. Next the prisoner wrote on the inside of a match box 1 pair of drawers, 1 inside shirt two pairs of socks and a necktie and gave 5s to Gormely to by the clothing for him. Gormley purchased these items at Matrtin S. Walsh’s shortley afterwards and returned home. Keely then arrived at Gormley’s house around 2 o’clock.

A man named Tom McGovern came back with Gormley and McGovern began to speak to Gormley when Keely was with them about the murder that happened in Athenry. The witness had seen Keely become stunned at that point. The witness told Keely not to leave the house until he had dinner. The witness did so and remained in the house and soon after that the witness did not see Keely until 27 November 1901. Gormley reported Keely’s stay in his house to the police.

Andrew Quinn the next man up to give evidence of identify Keely. McGovern stated that he went into the house of Gormley and saw the prisoner there; took a chair and sat down, lit his pipe and spoke to Mrs .Donohue. Quinn spoke loud and clear so everyone could here what he was saying ‘Is this not a great deed that has happened in Athenry. A woman killed in Athenry and half the head cut off her with a hatchet.” When Keely heard this he panicked and the police were soon sent for.

Sergeant Thomas Sheehy deposed that in consequence of information which he received on 19 November 1901, he went entered Gormley’s house and saw the prisoner sitting there. Sgt. Sheehy asked the prisoner to stand up so he could talk to him. ‘I am going to ask you questions regarding the Athenry Murder’ said Sgt.Sheehy to Keely and he read him his rights.

Sgt. Sheehy asked the prionsoner about all the places he had been. Keely told him that he came to Tuam 2 days ago, that he was from Loughrea and had left the district a couple of days ago on a Sunday. Keely had come to Tuam by Sunday night. Sgt. Sheehy integrated Keely more which made the prisoner become more and more slow at answering the questions. Keely also informed to the Sergeant that he he had slept on the side of the road at Gort. That he came from Gort. Other places the prisoner had mentioned was that he walked to Galway to Oranmore and then to Loughrea. Sgt. Sheehy asked the Prisoner was he in Athenry at all? To which the prisoner replied ‘No, I wasn’t’.

Sgt. Sheehy arrested Keely on charge of the murder of Mary Clasby. The prisoner made no statement. The Sergeant then searched the prisoner who then gave him 3s 3d and told the Sergeant that was all he had but there was a gold ring in the purse. There was no more money in it. The evidence was then produced by Sgt. Sheehy. Sgt. Sheehy and Constable Moriarty searched Keely’s pockets and found money worth £19 4s. All the sovereigns had been in a rosary bead case and they had found other items, the money had been wrapped in brown tissue roll.

Sgt. Sheehy found cut marks on the prisoner’s shins, as if it had been caused by kicks and the prisoner told the sergeant that he had scratched them. Constable Ruddy deposed to having brought the prisoner from Tuam to Athenry and accompanied D.I. Feeley to Mrs. Clasby’s house on 21 November. In the bedroom of the kitchen, the constables found 3 boxes of clothing with a petticoat and bodice with blood stains on the clothing. The constables also found items similar to what the prisoner had been carring. The items were then sent to Dr.Lapper of the Royal College of Surgeon’s, Dublin.

D.I. Feeley assured a report which he had received of Constable Noonan, he proceeded to the house of Mrs. Clasby and found her lying dead. D.I. Feely recollected the information of what Burns had given. The hammer that was handed to D.I. Feeley was covered in blood.

The next witness up was a woman by the name Honour Hansberry who identified the exhibition of evidence. The ring in the display was Mary Clasby’s ring. Mary Regan identified that the ring had been found on the prisoner. Thomas Higgins, National School Teacher of Athenry, appointed that Mrs. Clasby consulted him about some money. The deceased received £81 18s from America on the 18 February 1901. Mr. James Corry, Manager of the Ulster Bank, deposed that the deceased had £155 in deposit receipts. Michael Barrett gave evidence that the hammer found was such as a painter would use in his profession.

Dr. Edwin disclosed his evidence , occupation and the items that had been sent to him ‘Witness found mammalian blood on almost every part of the head and smears of blood on almost the entire length of the handle of the painter’s hammer, no marks on the neck tie, shirt etc. There was blood on the lower border of the white petticoat and inside same; on a white pink shirt 2 bloods stains; on a white bodice stained in 3 places on t he back and three places and one bloodstain on the right sleeve.’

Dr.Lapper continued ‘1 was an apron, with 1 blood stain, and the other, small piece, had 5 blood stains on it; also a piece of newspaper with 4 stains. Next thing examined was 6 pieces of tissue paper, with one blood stain; also some paper wrapped round a candle. The blood stains were mammalion and tolerably recent.
   P.J. Quinlan Esq., MD next gave evidence; he remembered on the 18 Novemeber and told the court that when he did a post-mortem on her, she was died 10 ir 12 hours earlier. He was not sure. Quinlan discovered that there was 5 large wounds pentrating from the skin to the bone ‘when taking of the scalp there was a depressed fracture of the left parietal bone and another fracture fo the left parietal bone and another fracture excluding fro mthat through the temperal bone behind the left ear to the base of the skull’. The death had been caused by graze of the brain from fracture and also from rapid blood and shock.

After all thes statements, Mr. Price B.L. addressed the jury for the prisoner. He focused on the awfulness of committing a judicial murder: informed the Jury that if there was ever a case more mysterious than this one, it must be perplexing and sait it was the ‘duty of the jury to stand between the avenging hand of the Crown and the prisoner, whose mouth was sealed by an undeliable seal, and who must depend on them for whatever mercy he was likely to get.’
   The Tuam News played the victim card to there readers at this point ‘To suppose the Jury would let the prisoner go would be to establish upon your country a stain which centuries would not remove. What would become of helpless women and children of this county. They would have to shut there doors, uncertain to the projection of there neighbour, and might be found brutly murdered some morning’.
   The Solicitor-General then dealt with the evidence seriatim, and spoke for an hour and three quarters. The Judge then adjourned the Court till Tuesday and on that following Tuesday the court sat at 10 o’clock sharp.
Judge Keeny immediately went into the entire evidence of the case which had been given by 34 witnesses. Justice Kenny said that the prisoner ‘seemed to be a man not inclined to do his own work so long as he could get others to do it for him, and was offered employment and would not go to get it. Don’t let any feeling influence you that although this man committed the crime’.

The prisoner was perfectly sane and that could be proved. If there was any suggestions of prisoner’s antecedants being mad, the executive would take it into account, even if the prisoner was sentenced to death.
   The prisoner was perfectly sane at the and that it could be proved. The prisoner had been represented by one of the worthy councils, anywhere to be found, and they did not say that he was insane. If there was any such suggestion’s of the prisoner of having a mental illness the executive would take it into account.
   The judge knew that the Lord Liuetenant spares no pains to carefully sift everything, and t lord Luietenant will see that ‘No person goes to his Maker who could for one moment have been held to be responsible for the crime for which he had been sentenced’.

The Tuam News wrote ‘The conduct of the prisoner in lighting the candles at the feet of his victim was peculair, but no murder was a like, pecularities don’t make a man mad. The law expects that you willl do your duty, as you have sworn to do by the Evangelists, and that you will not regret your conduct hereafter, what ever your verdict be’. The jury retired for half and hour during the case and returned with a verdict.
‘The Clerk-Mr.Carter asked them if they had the Jury had they considered there verdict. Foreman—We have.

Clerk—Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?

Foreman—We find the prisoner, Thomas Keely, “guilty,” and we recommended him to mercy.

At this deep groan of horror went up from assembled spectators.

Clerk —Prisoner at the bar, you hear the verdict of 12 of your fellow-countrymen!

Have you anything to say while the sentence of death should not be passed upon you?

The prisoner made no awnser.

His lordship “put on the black cap,” and said: Thomas Keeley, you have heard the verdict of the jury and your own fellow country-men which has been come to after a patient and exhaustive trial You are found guilty of the murder of this poor woman of Athenry. The crime was a brutal on, and you hurried this unfortunate victim before her God without a momnent’s notice.
   The law is more merciful to you and you will get time to repent of your crime, and I hope you make the best possible use of that time which is now left you to reconcile your soul to your maker, and make your peace with God. I must say that I thoroughly agree with the jury in their verdict, which was a proper one; and I may say in my opinion they could conscientiously and as reason able thinking men have arrived at no toehr verdict than they did.

The sentence of this court is that you, Thomas Keely, be taken from the place where you now are to the place from whence you cane and thence to the place of execution. Where you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead on the 23rd day of April 1902. May the lord of have mercy on your soul.’ Keely was removed from the court.
   It was on a Wednsday the Keely was execute for the murder of Mrs. Mary Clasby. Mr. J.C. Conroy, soir., had visited his client There was a petiton forwarded, and it was expected the prayer would be acceded too, but a few days ago the Lord Lueitenat replied that the law must ttake its course.
   This was communicated to Keely, who was terrified of it. After the trial Keely collapsed, and was conveyed to hospita, where he remained till a few days ago, when he was again conveyed to the condemned cell and was never out of site of two warders.The condemened man at first refused to eat, and it was thought that he would starve to death. A consultation was held by two doctors. The prisoner began to eat and drink once he heard there was hope for a reprieve in his case unti the day the government refused to grant a reprieve.

The Government refused Keely’s reprieve which made Keely lose all up and he finally stopped eating. 2 weeks had gone by after Keely was sentenced and an operation was done on the prisoner. They surgeons had to remove a tumour from his back bone. The tumour would have killed the prisoner before the 23rd. The operation was performed successfully, but the prisoner would not live long a week longer than the 23rd, and for the that last week was in a dying condition.
   Before Keely’s death Rev Fr. Greaven P.P. and the Rev. Father Considine, C.C.’s were most attentive to the prisoner. The prisoner was a Roman Catholic born in Boston. Even the nuns from the Order of Mercy where with the prisoner every hour. Prayers were asked publicly for his soul and befored the day of execution he was constantly either praying or crying at times.
   The Sunday before hand the Lord Bishop of Galway Most. Rev. Dr. McCormack accompained by the two chaplins, visited the condemned man. The prisoner soon attended his own mass at 7.30 a.m. The Governer, two warders, two reverend fathers were present. ‘The prisoner was now conveyed to his cell and partook of a little refreshment, and was exhorted to prepare for death. He seemed unconsious and it was thought he was dead several times.’ Keely was possibly dying.The prisoner did not have a great sleep the night before at all which was full of ‘fitful of starts, and woke muthering and crying and laid down again growning.
   During Keely’s time in prison he confessed several times of killing Mary Clasby and agreed that it was right to condemn him but he also said that there was false swearing against him that it was a hatchet he used and not a painter’s hammer to kill her.

According to the Galway Express Mrs.Clasby was sometimes known as Ms.O’Connell because her mother had been married twice. The Galway Express said there had been flaws in the case ‘If there was any doubt of the prisoner’s guilt, they as jurymen were to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt.
   The executioners to carry out Keely’s sentence were the Billington brothers. They had stayed the night before in the prison. While Keely was unconsious the Billingtons strapped the prisoner. The next day when the prisoner was on the scaffold where he was to be hung-he fainted a couple of times.
   The prisoner’s feet was strapped by Billington. The prisoner had recluntantly gone to his place of execution. The prisoner groaned, moaned and cried out aloud but the chaplains calmed him down. The rope was placed around his neck one of the chaplins was reciting the burial service “ In the midst of life we are in death”. Bellington pulled the bolt and Keely was ‘swung into eternity with an awful thud’.

Straight after this Fr.Considine ‘grew as white as a sheet and everyone present’ bar the Billington Brothers seemed to be terrified. The body hung for an hour.
The black flag was raised. The Tuam News stated that ‘There was about 4000 people present outside the prison who had been expecting to hear the crack of the bolt. A shout of horror went up from the assembled mulitiude, who now knew of the awfulness that had taken place.’
The Billington Brothers were late for the train late for the 10 o’clock train on that Wednsday and were followed about by crowds. The brothers left Galway on the 3 o’clock train and the station was throughed. No reporter was allowed insided and the newpapers wondered, why?

Conclusion

The Galway Express wrote that ‘there was some unprobabilities in the case. One improbability in the Crown case was that the murder tollk place at 6 in the morning, and that Mary Clasby was already out of bed, had her bed made up, was dressed all but, strange to say one boot, and at prayers when she was supposed to have been killed. Prisoner was said to have been in the house after ther murder’. In the Galway Express a tribute to the police of Athenry was given by the solicitor-general for all their work in the murder case and the judge agreed with the him.

Was it ethical to sentence a man to death and then allow him to go under a life-saving procedure because of the Tumour in his back? The tumour did not spread to his brain but he was apparently dying anyways with the constant fainting on the scaffold. Keely was guilty of both theft and murder. The people of Athenry were generous to him and there was no need to steal from Mary Clasby aswell. Thomas Keely, was guilty of both theft and murder.

"Ways of tracing your ancestors in Ireland" by Ronan Killeen

2010-08-11T00:19:00.003+01:00

My own ancestors Killeen family photograph 1914

For any family historian it's good to know who your great grandparent was, the townland or parish they were from the best place to start is the 1911 census and you now can view the 1901 census at;

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/

After you have done that you should be able to trace into the 19th century of Griffith's valuation which was a land valuation surveyed by Richard Griffith between 1840's- 1860's Ireland. Athenry was mainly surveyed in th 1850's as you well find out on the web it ranges around the mid 1850's.
Griffith's valuation contains the townland of occupant, the immediate lessor (landlord) and how much they were paying for their land in rent.

Go to this link
http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
When you find what you are looking for click on map to see where your ancestors land was.
To read more about Griffith's Valuation Click on this link
http://homepage.eircom.net/~oreganathenry/oreganathenry/index.html

An ancestor of mine was in the Irish Volunteer's were do I go?
Well what I know is that if you have proof of address 1901/1911 census
You can send you inquiry to

Veteran's Allowance Section,

Department of Defence,
Renmore ,
Co.Galway .

If you were a member of the Old Irish Republican Army, after 1934 you could apply for a military pension. Click here for more details - http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1934/en/act/pub/0043/index.html

For those of you that are looking for ancestors in the West Galway region try this link

http://www.irish-roots.ie/galway-west.asp

and for the east Galway;
http://www.irish-roots.ie/galway-east.asp

The records that were held in the Public Records Office were shelled during the Irish Civil War 1922 and this is why 1901 and 1911 are available despite the rule is no less than one hundred years.
There is another interesting way to find what was written by your ancestor.

In 1935 the Irish Folklore Commission was set up. They went around to all the schools in Ireland to collect the tales their parents, grandparents or relatives told them and wrote them down on paper.
These are now held on mircofilm in the Galway County Library on Nun's Island Galway City.
You will have to book the microfilm and ask for the Irish Folklore School's Manuscript for Athenry.

What's on them?
1.The name of the tale or local history they have written about

It is possible that it's not your ancestors handwritting but they did write down the tales first and some of it local history.

2. Just remember some are in old Irish script (a national school teacher maybe useful for this)

3. Your ancestor's address and who they recieved the tale or local history from.

Happy Tracing!

Ronan

"The Lopdells of Athenry" by Ronan Killeen

2010-08-09T23:35:00.008+01:00

Graveyard of the Lopdell family near the entrance to Athenry Heritage Centre

One of the many landlord classes in the parish of Athenry was the Lopdells. With the help of Griffith's Valuation, I have traced back to John Lopdell that was paying £2 & 5shillings for Office and Land, 10 more shillings for Land and another 10 shillings for two cottier houses & gardens in the year 1856.

   In 1901 John Robert Lopdell lived with his family in Farnablake,West who lived with his wife Lavinia Susan, his children Magurite and Dorothy.
   The people that worked for John Robert were Annie Peters-a nurse, Honor Kelly-the cook, Julia Kavanagh-the maid and John Sutheland-the coach driver.
   In the 1911 Census a woman named Catherine Katie Lopdell lived in Raheen, Athenry and was head of the household. It is possible she lived in what is known as Raheen House which is behind Raheen Woods Hotel.

   Catherine Katie family with her daughter Louie Bradshaw - the rest possibly visited or lodged with her grandchildren Aileen Hall and Ruby Bradshaw, Mary Costelloe, Killala Burditt - a governess (though not all of these may have been leaving with her just visiting), Margaret Murphy, Mary Kay, Beassie Kearnes and Margaret Keaney were Domestic servants to Catherine Katie.

Thomas Higgins was Catherine Katies coach driver. Today there are Lopdells buried in St.Mary's Graveyard or what locals of Athenry now know as the Athenry Heritage Centre.There is also a Major Lopdell buried among the family in the Athenry Heritage Centre along with the rest of the Lopdell family.

"Athenry and the Easter Rising 1916" by Ronan Killeen

2010-08-08T18:17:00.011+01:00

Liam Mellow, Eyre Square, Galway

Towards the end of Holy Week, Liam Mellows had returned to Country Galway to set about finalising the rebellion plans.
During that week the Volunteer officers in Galway (one of them including our own Commandant Larry Lardner) called a meeting to discuss the situation.
It was decided that Lardener would travel to Dublin on Holy Thursday to clarify instructions for the rebellion. Unfortunately, when he arrived, he could not locate Patrick Pearse or Eoin MacNeill, but he did meet with Bulmer Hobson who instructed him not to obey any orders unless they were signed by Eoin MacNeill.

Lardner returned to Galway more confused than when he had left. Eamonn Ceantt had already sent Lardner a dispatch ordering the rebellion to go ahead as scheduled.
Frank Fahy's wife brought the signed orders to for Lardner but she was unable to locate him. Eventually she met and gave the dispatch to Volunteer Eamonn Corbett, who assured her that he would give a dispatch, who assured her he would give it to Lardner.
The dispatch said ' Collect the Premiums, 7p.m. Sunday - P.H. Pearse'.

This was the agreed code for the rebellion, but the following day Lardner also received a letter from MacNeill’s orders suspending the manoveres but a meeting was soon held in Galway City and the rebellion was decided to go ahead.
On Sunday, Liam Mellows learned of MacNeill’s orders and reluctantly prepared to cancel the rebellion. At about 1p.m. on Easter Monday, Athenry battalion of Volunteers received the following dispatch from Dublin: ‘We are out from twelve o’clock today. Issue your orders without delay – P.H. Pearse’.

It was delivered to Lardner’s house by a Miss Browne, the future wife of Seán MacEntee (who became a founder member of Fianna Fail). With all the contradicting dispatches, there was still some doubt and and uncertainty among the men of the west, but later that afternoon the Dublin train brought the news of the rebellion.
Larry Lardner and his company had occupied the agricultural college and model farm just outside Athenry and the Volunteers retreating from Oranmore joined the Garrison. In the town of Athenry the police remained virtual prisoners in their own barracks. This RIC barracks today used to be on Cross Street.

Lardner’s force increased to 500 men including many areas from Oranmore, Maree, Clarenbridge, Craughwell, Castlegar, Claregalway, Gregmore and Derrydonnell.
   Farmer’s daughters supplied the Volunteers with freshly – baked bread which was washed down with milk. Many Volunteers were made welcome and given ‘excellent meals’ in the farmhouses.
   The volunteers at Athenry moved to Moyode Castle, the unoccupied home of the Persse family and Mellows made it their headquarters. At Moyode animals were slaughtered and the women of Cumann Na mban acted as cooks and nurses.
   In the distance the sound of naval artillery fire could be heard coming from the direction of Galway Bay this probably was the H.M.S. Glouster (Ref: History Ireland). On Thursday evening the volunteers held a meeting and it was decided to disband the unarmed men, thus reducing the force to about 400men.
   Mellowes, born in Lancashire in 1892, of Irish parents was appointed a provincial instructor at the Volunteer Convention in 1914. His task was to rebuild the organisation as a mass movement. Asked to take responsibility for south Galway.

Mellowes came to Athenry on October 31st. 1914 and used it as his base. Larry Lardner, who kept a small bar, was the officer in charge in Athenry. The I.R.B. and the Volunteers under Mellowes carried out an intensive training course in the Town Hall where a rifle range was set up in the back yard. Liam stayed at Sean Brodericks for some time but later changed to Frank Hynes’ house in order to have easy and secret access in and out of town through Leonard’s Lawn.
   The local leaders of the Volunteers were John Cleary, Stephen Jordan, Frank Hynes, Jim Barrett, Sean Broderick, and Commanding Officer Larry Lardner. Athenry was the centre of insurgent communication during Easter week 1916. There was much confusion as garbled messages were coming through. Larry Lardner, with 500 men, took the Agricultural College. Mellowes and companies from Kinvara, Kilcolgan, Killeeneen and Craughwell later joined him in Moyode Castle (home of Burton Persse who was in England at the time) and took command of it.

They were joined by companies from Tuam, Dunmore and Castlegar. Members of the Cumann na mBan joined the volunteers to help them. A few days later Fr. Tom Fahy cycled to Moyode with the new that Dublin was in flames and the leaders had been captured. A man from Moyode identified twelve of the volunteers and they were imprisoned in Wormwood Scrubs Prison there they remained until 1917.
   They were known locally as the twelve apostles and were identified as Thomas Barrett and Charlie Whyte Caheroyan, the O’Grady brothers Church Street, Martin Hansberry Rahard, Peter Murray Derrydonnell, Michael Higgins Castlelambert, Patch and Thomas Kennedy Sliabh Rua, Hack Hanniffy Tallyhoe, Murty Fahy, Sliabh Rua and Michael Donoghue.
   The fate of Liam Mellows has been well documented and his eventful life makes him a larger than life sort of character. He spent his last days fighting with O’Conor in the Four Courts. He was arrested and shot as a reprisal on the 8th December 1922.
   The bust of Liam Mellowes, stolen in 1997 but now thankfully returned to its pedestal at the Boy’s National School.

Despite that Mellows didn’t see any real action, he was determined to fight till the last man if necessary. A majority of officers were in favour of disbanding. Police from the northern counties started arresting Volunteers that were making their way home and others by Friday evening the Volunteers were down to 150 , who then moved towards Limepark and set up another headquarters.

If you were a member of the Old Irish Republican Army, after 1934 you could apply for a military pension. Click here for more details - http://places.galwaylibrary.ie/history/chapter244.html.
   On 05/07/2010 I received all the documents including forms of my great grandfather Patrick Killeen’s involvement in the Cussane Company Cross I.R.A. from the Pension Admistration Section.
   Unfortunately he was not applicable for the Military Pension the first time. He then made a petition to claim his Military Service Pension for a second time.

Pat Killeen's words.

Pat Killeen 1914

‘ I joined the Cussane Company of the Irish Volunteer’s in the year 1913 under the captaincy of Patrick Kennedy of Carnaun and I took part in all the activities of the Company including attending parades and drilling.
   In the year 1915 I attended the burial of O’Donavan Rossa in Dublin with the Galway contingent in the uniform, bandolier and haversack and I was armed with a shot gun. In 1916 I mobilised with my captain and I attended a parade on St.Patrick’s day in Galway. On Easter Tuesday I again mobilised at Cussaun Cross roads and we marched to the Agricultural Station under Captain Patrick Kennedy across country part of the way. I was armed with a single barrel shot gun and wore a bandolier and havor sack and carried six rounds of ammunition.

On arriving at the Farm Yard Captain Mellows called out our Captain to pick half dozen of our strongest men in the company and I was one of the persons selected.
   Captain Mellows commanded us to pull out hay bogeys and tip up carts to block the roads on each entrance to the Farm Yard which we did by up-setting the carts across the roads. After finishing that job I was put out – post duty at the main gate leading into the Farm Yard. I was armed with a shot gun.
   I was on out – post duty from 11 O’Clockp.m. to 1 o’clock a.m. then I was relieved. I stayed in the Farm Yard that night and on the following morning at day break all companies were called up and I was put on out – post duty on the railway line towards Galway, where I waited for about 3 hours. When I returned to the Farm Yard the company’s were preparing to return to Moyode.

My captain Patrick Kennedy came to me and said I should go home as I was a married man with a wife and 4 children and I accordingly made my way home across country and the rest of the companies proceeded to Moyode.
   On my return to the Farm yard I went on the run for a week until things quietened down. My house was raided for arms by the military in 1917. I was one of the members who raided for petrol which was co-signed to the Military. I brought home 2 tins which I concealed and later handed over to Thomas Blackhall at Cussane Cross.
   From that date of the Truce I was always available to be called up for to take part in any activities and I kept in touch with my company Captain.

Below is O'Donovan Rossa's Funeral that many Irish Volunteer's attended.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOw-LtdlsvI&feature=related

Royal Irish Constabulary of Athenry by Ronan Killeen

2010-08-07T21:01:00.003+01:00

According to Richard Griffith's Valuation map Athenry had three RIC barracks today we only have one Garda Siochana barracks.They were in Cross street , Caheroyan and Ballygurran West.

Here is a list of employees from 1901 - 1911 apart of the RIC Athenry.

Patrick Fyans

Athenry Town

Royal Irish Constabulary Sgt.
_____________________
Joseph Gwen

Athenry Town

Royal Irish Constabulary Pensioner
____________________

Bernard Murtha

Athenry Town

RIC Pensioner
________________
Samuel R.Powell

Athenry Town

RIC Sgt.
______________
PM

Athenry Town

Constable
_____________
M.Ruddy

Athenry Town

Constable
____________
P.McL

Athenry Town

Constable
___________
Peter O'Regan

Athenry Town

Constable
___________
W.J. McGinly

Athenry Town

RIC Sgt.
___________
M. Davis

Athenry Town

Constable
___________
Richard Noonan

Athenry Town

Constable
___________
Timothy Path

Athenry Town

Constable
___________

1911

Jopseph Given


Cross Street

RIC Pensioner
_________________

Daniel Curran

Cross Street

Conet RLB (possibly a mistake meaning Constable of the R.I.C.)
_________________
Joseph Beatty

Cross Street

Constable R J (probably meaning R I)
________________
Arthur Charles Hearndren

Northgate Street

District Inspector Royal Irish County
_________________
John Lynch

Northgate Street

Constable Royal Irish County
________________

Michael McCormack

Northgate Street

Constable Royal Irish County
________________

Michael Reynolds

Old Church Street

Constable of the RIC

_________________

The Garda Siochana was not found until 1924.

Athenry Railway Station 1851 -1911 by Ronan Killeen

2010-08-07T18:06:00.012+01:00

Athenry Railway Station December 2010

Station House Athenry

Before 1847, an estimated 200,000 Irish arrived; more than 130,000 departed for North America on Packet ships leaving liverpool.

The liverpool times observedthere were two classes of migrants; The ones of hope and the ones of complete despair.

Irish families could be seen on the streets of Manchester begging and other industrial centres...Typhus, dysentery and cholera reached epidemic proportions in Liverpool slums (where an estimated 35,000 was carried by lice. Up to 100,000 people were infected; early 7,500 died and were buried in mass graves.

The railway opened in Athenry on the 1st August 1851 the Midland Great Western Railway opened up in Athenry . The railway was built outside the town walls of Athenry. The first station master was probably a gentleman named Michael Tierney whose landlord was Timothy Kinneen .
Timothy Kinneen probably owned the Railway Hotel sometimes known as Kinneen’s hotel which I will mention later.

Station House is a detached three bay two storey L-Plan stone stationmaster’s house built circa 1870 and was re - enfestrated in 1985. This may not have been the first Station House in Athenry .
   In 1901 Station House was occupied by Thomas McHale was the Station Master who lived with his wife Essie, his one year old daughter Elizabeth Mary McHale, Frances Page a lodger and Railway Booking Clerk and his servant Kate Monaghan .
   By 1911 the new occupiers who lived in Station house was a Presbyterian family, John George Crawford was the new Station Master who lived with his one year old son Robert Francis Crawford and a Nurse Domestic Servant Helen Morrison Hendry. John Georgre Crawford is married but his wife does not appear in the census .

In one of the Irish Folklore School Manuscripts I discovered that a Maise Hahesy lived in Station House during the 1930’s so her father would have been a Mr.Hahesy but I am not sure about his first name .
   In 1860 Athenry became a junction, with the opening of the line to Tuam and in 1869 when the Ennis line was completed Athenry became a very important railway town. The down platform had a name board stating Athenry and Ennis junction and the up platform stated Athenry and Tuam junction .

Railway had become a major advancement in travel for passengers and freight replacing horse and car transport and barge movements for frieght .
   Finance was for these routes was raised by the gentry and every effort was made to accommodate the laying of the track adjacent to the ‘‘Big Houses’’ as can be seen at Woodlawn .
   In 1854 a committee was formed to connect Tuam and Athenry and in 1858 a bill was lodged in the House of Commons to construct a railway called the ‘Athenry and Tuam Railway’. The gentlemen who are named in this bill are the following; Dennis Kirwin, Martin J.Blake, Charles Blake, Robert Henry, John W.Cannon , John Stafford Kirwin and David Ruthledge .

When the bill came to the House of Lords there were two objections;

1. The M.G.W.R. who generally objected to any development which might affect its own plans.

2. Lord Lucan who felt the Tuam line may affect his plans for the Mayo Railroad .

The objections became overruled and an agreement was reached whereby the Midland Railway would operate the Tuam line for ten years paying a sum of £400 per year for the facility .

In March 1859, William Dargan was appointed a contractor and this was very warmly received as Dargan was well known as a capable contractor. Dargan purchased considerable shares in the A & TR with 750 men working on the construction and the rails were imported to Galway and taken to Athenry by the Midland .
   On the 20th of August 1860 the British Government Act incorporated the new railway line called Athenry & Ennis Junction Railway (A & EJ) received Royal Assent .
   The Midland Railway subscribed £100,000 and A & TR £10,000. Among these promoters were George Gough, Lough Cutra, and Mr. Dennis Kirwan who we recall was the chairman of the A & TR .

Station Cottage Athenry

Walking towards the church car park is Station Cottage which is detached four bay single storey cruciform plan railway cross keeper’s house c.1860 in a faintly Tudour Style, with bays set with re –entrent corners and was refenestrated in 1985 .

Just over the level crossing is a derelict ten – bay single storey former goods shed built 1860

The next two buildings that used be apart of the Athenry Railway station is probably what was the first ticket office (now the ADC) and the Railway Hotel (Galway Rural Development Offices).

The ADC building is a detached five bay single – storey building built in 1860 with a screen wall and was renovated in 1995. A kiosk from circa 1920 used to be on the side of the station selling newspapers and sweets which is now on the new side of the station.

ADC Office (originally ticket office)

Th e Railway Hotel (Now Rural Development Offices)

The next two buildings that used be apart of the Athenry Railway station is probably what was the first ticket office (now the ADC) and the Railway Hotel (Galway Rural Development Offices).

It is here the Station Master would have been. The middle would be the Station Master's office on the very left of the building was a parcel room and the same with the very right with the building.

In 1875 the smallpox epidemic broke out on 17th February when a young Baker’s assistant from Tuam, William Burke – a native of Tiaquin contracted smallpox at Tuam.

Burke was visited by a Dr.Turner on the following Monday who ordered his immediate removal from to hospital and instructed that his bed and blanket should be either disinfected or destroyed.

The medical officer’s instruction was disregarded and instead Burke’s employer, Patrick Corcoran, accompanied the patient to the railway station and hurried him into a carriage thus evading the notice of the railway officials! Corcoran had bought a ticket for Burke and returned to home.

By mid-day Burke arrived at Athenry train station on the 1st March where for some amount of hours before travelling six miles by car to his father’s house in Tiquain.

At nine o’clock Dr.Henry Wellington Leonard visited patient and gave instructions of what to do but within in three weeks William Burke was dead and his father who assisted in carrying his remains to the grave was also attacked by the illness but was luckily recovered.

Fr. Walsh the Roman Catholic curate who attended the funeral of the deceased also contracted Smallpox attend was treated at Kinneen’s hotel (The Railway Hotel).

Dr.Leonard, in his capacity as the Athenry medical and sanitary officer, was advised to serve a notice upon Mr.Kinneen, the proprietor of the Sanitary Act, 1866 and warning him against him against letting rooms or beds so long as the disease was present.

The Railway Hotel was closed to guests in accordance with a notice by Mr.Kinneen on the 28th March 1875. The following morning Fr.Walsh died from the disease. Dr. Leonard fearing the result of prolonging interment, gave orders for the priest to be buried on the evening of his death.

There is a small graveyard behind the Roman Catholic church and Fahy’s carpark where it contains the grave of the Rev. Put up by the parishioners and the inscription mentions the smallpox as the cause of his death.

Mr.Kinneen owner of the railway hotel had to get rid of all the bed, sheets and wallpaper etc. To be burned and removed from the room which the priest had died in. The wall itself had to be lime washed!

A young 12 year boy contracted the disease on the 30th March in Newcastle not far from where William Burke had lived. There were particulary acute difficulties associated with caring for the very poor members of the community afflicted with the disease.

There was no outhouse in the neighbourhood to which the poor could be moved and consequently the infected boy had no option but to remain at home. On the 5th April a sister- in –law of Dr.Leonard’s who resided with hirn contracted the disease,followed by the Parish clerk on 12 inst.

Two days later Catherine Cannon residing in a lodging-house kept by her Aunt in Athenry became the next small pox victim. The Cannon family consisted of eight members who shared the same house, in Larkin’s lane shared by six inhabitants.

“I fear unless some prompt measures are taken that this dreadful disease will spread beyond control” which on 15th of April Dr.Leonard said in desperation.

That same date Dr. Leonard removed Catherine Cannon labouring under the disease to the Loughrea Workhouse Hospital. The transefer caused great consternation in Loughrea when the patient was driven through the crowded streets of a town unaffected by the disease.

Dr.Leonard was severly critized and censured by the Loughrea Board of Gaurdains for having removal of smallpox patient to hospital at their meeting 17th April. The Board also agreed to take immediate steps towards providing hospital accomadation for patients labouring under the disease.

They were however, blocked in their endeavours by the locals, who objects to several propsed sites for the iron hospital ordered from London. Subsequently the Board of Gaurdians were unable to induce any of the tradesmen of Athenry to venture on the hospital grounds for the purpose of getting one of the out – offices fitted up as an auxiliary.

Until the arrival of the iron hospital an effort was made by Dr. Donoghue, the Loughrea Dispensary doctor and relieving officer Reckham, to locate a house to be used as temporary hospital.

At a meeting of the Board of Gaurdains on 24th April the clerk produced letters and telegrams received from Mr.Goodbody of Clare, relating to the site for the iron hospital on one of his farms near Athenry, the result being that;

'He regrets he could not comply with the request of the Board, on the grounds that his people object to have smallpox patients in their neighbourhood'.

The Athenry Dispensary Committee met on 3rd May and unaminouslyagreed to a site for the building of the hospital, namely the waste plot of ground near the old barrack, and close to the river.

The proposed site was promptly opposed by the inhabitants of the town, and a petition of protest was signed by thirty-seven of the parishioners including John O'Grady, the Parish priest and Fr. James Ronayne, the Curate. The opposition lodged by the protesters asserted that the selected location was commonage, and furthermore, that "every means will be adopted to prevent its erection, and that should it be peristed in, violence will be resorted to by the people."

A site was eventually agreed upon through the intervention of Mr. Lambert and Mr. Irvine, his occupying tenant. A part of his field in the neighbourhood of the town was chosen as a site for the hospital. To avoid further delay in persuading tradesmen to carry out construction work, Mr. Irvine made an offer of the house in which he resided which could be made available for the reception of smallpox patients within days. Dr. Brodie 15 subsequently visited the house about a quarter of a mile from the town, and declared it to be suitable in every way for the purpose. His Report to the Local Government Board on 2nd May 16 appended a useful summary listing the smallpox patients in the Athenry Dispensary District from 1st March to 30th April 1875 as follows:

Dr. Brodie reported nine fresh cases of smallpox in the town of Athenry on 5th May, four members of one family, three of another, and one of each of two others. The following day two further cases of the disease in Athenry we reported. By 12th May the running total of smallpox cases in the town and neighbourhood totalled forty, of whom eight died, nine recovered and twenty three remained under treatment. 17 With the exception of Athenry, the disease had assumed no formidable proportions in the county. Three cases occurred in Dunmore (Tuam Union), two at Abbey (Tuam Union), one in the Calway Union and five or six at Rusmuck in the Oughterard Union. However, these official figures may not represent a true reflection of the smallpox cases. Correspondence from Dr. French, the Abbey Dispensary District medical officer cites three particular cases that were not reported.

... I discovered a case today from the unusual number that came to be vaccinated, they having stated a case of smallpox existed in the village, a very populous and poor one (Feigh). I went there, and found a bov named Murphy eleven days lying ill from the disease, which was not reported to me; in fact they had three labouring under the disease, from the dread of having them removed to the workhouse. 18

Dr. Brodie now considered that smallpox was increasing in virulence and fatal results 19 and during the week of 17th May he reported six fresh cases and four deaths in Athenry town. By the end of May the total number of smallpox cases in the three month period since 1st March reached seventy-five comprising sixteen deaths, twenty recoveries and thirty-nine under treatment. On 24th June six locals were infected, three from the town and three from the rural district. 20 However, by this time the disease appeared to have assumed a mild form and a marked decline in the number of cases was evident. Dr. Brodie announced on 28th inst.

I have much pleasure in reporting that there has been no fresh case of smallpox in the Athenry district during the the past three days, and that a considerable number of the patients now in hospital are convalescing favourably. 21

On 13th July Dr Leonard confirmed that every house in Athenry where smallpox appeared had been thoroughly disinfected and concluded his report to Dr. Brodie on an optimistic note: “It is a salutary change and leaves me to hope that smallpox has run its course in my afflicted district." 22 The hint of optimism turned to jubilation when Dr Brodie reported

It is a cheering fact that in the town of Athenry, the hot-bed and focus of disease, a single individual has not been attacked with smtilpox during the twenty two days previous to this date, and that the patients from Athenry in hospital, four in number, will be discharged on Monday perfectly cured, leaving four members of one family, from the neighbourhood of Moyode, distant three miles from Athenry, under treatment. The outbreak in this locality need not be viewed with much dread as it is not likely to spread there, the houses being isolated, well ventilated.- and the resident proprietor, Mr Burton Persse, taking much interest in the cleanliness, order and satisfactory (in a sanitary point of view) manner in which they are kept. 23

On 1st October Dr Leonard stated that all patients had been discharged from he smallpox hospital'' 24 and the clothing and bedding were burned in accordance the order of the Board. On 21st October the horse which had been employed at the smallpox hospital was sold by auction and realised a sum of £5:10:0. It is significant that within three weeks of the last smallpox patient being realised from the hospital it was considered safe to purchase the hospital horse. This reflects a revival of confidence in the community and the first indication of recovery of normal trading practices.

During the epidemic in Athenry one hundred and seventy-one people were infected by the smallpox disease and forty-nine cases proved fatal. 25 The population of the Athenry Dispensary District at this period was 7,693.

The study of the smallpox epidemic in Athenry in the 1870s highlights the vulnerability of all classes to the disease harboured by the poor and raises questions as to why, up to the outbreak of smallpox, pressure was not brought to bear on the authorities to ensure that Athenry did not lag to the point of disaster in providing cleansing, drainage and other health services. Despite the devastating effect of the smallpox epidemic on the Athenry community life returned to normal soon after the disease had passed. The epidemic, though voilent, occurred only once and produced a single shock which apparently was quickly forgotten. Families in the parish rallied around each other and operated as a powerful support mechanism in the community. The Roman Catholic marriages in Athenry Parish dropped significantly in 1875 indicating a lack of confidence in the community associated with a fear of planning ahead in an uncertain future. The already declining baptism numbers also decreased in 1875. However the following year the marriage figures rose dramatically indicating onfidence was restored in the community and the baptism numbers correspondingly recovered in 1877.

In the short term the outbreak of smallpox drew attention to the overcrowded and insanitary living conditions and produced a campaign of cleaning and disinfecting infected premises and their surrounds. Dr. Leonard, the dispensary medical officer, emerges as the hero during the epidemic. The evidence portrays the doctor as devoted and capable of working day and night, not concerneed about material gain and capable of dealing with any emergency. He was the friend of all classes, ready to provide treatment and advice on medical and personal problems.

It is more difficult to ascertain the impact of the epidemic in the long term. The medical system in force did not improve or alter to any measurable extent and the sanitary system was not expedited in the district as a result of th outbreak. The power and efficiency of the Board of Guardians must be questioned especially with regard to their handling of the iron hospital contract and the proposed sewerage system. In 1876 the Board of Guardians of the Loughrea Union only succeeded in securing a loan of £200 from th Commissioners of Public Works to sink a well in the town of Athenry. However the disease in the community was successfully contained within a relatively short period of time. After four months the worst of the epidemic had passed and by late June 1875 the disease assumed a mild form. A marked decline in th number of cases was evident and by 1st October all patients had been discharged from hospital. The combined efforts of the medical officer, the Board of Guardians and the local community ensured that the epidemic did not continue to rage out of control and ceased without recurrence.

We then come into the turn of the century so here is the staff on the Mid Great Western Railway 1901 & 1911. Scully's, Qualters and Duffy's were the most common families on the Railway

COB = County of Birth

1901
Edward Brady Railway Signal Man

Athenry

COB= Co.Westmeath

Thomas Turner

Railway Porter

Athenry

COB= Co.Meath

Thomas Rafferty

Railway Porter

Athenry

COB= Co.Meath

James Treacy

Railway Ganger

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Galway

Thomas Coen

Railway Signal Man

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Peter Sculley

Railway Signal Man

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

John Sculley

Railway Porter

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Patrick Quatter

Railway Labourer

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Quatter

Railway Labourer

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Patrick J. Kelly

Railway Shunter

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Patrick Lyons

Railway Clerk

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Thomas Kennedy

Railway Signalman

Athenry

COB= Co.Roscommon

Patrck Newell

Railway Porter

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Shauggnessy

Labour (Railway)

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Tormey

Railway Porter

Athenry

COB= Co.Westmeath

John Daly

Railway Porter

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Martin Donhoe

Railway Porter

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Martin Dohoe

Railway Signalman

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Patrick Curran

Railway Labourer

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Frances Page

Railway Booking Clerk

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Thomas McHale

Station-Master

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Mayo

Sarah Powell

Gate Keeper U.G.W. Railway

Raheen

COB= Co.Galway

Edward Clowe

Railway Labourer

Baunmore

COB= Co.Galway

Peter Hyland

Railway Porter

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Meath

John Morrison

Railway Clerk

Athenry

COB= Co.Cavan

John Joseph Maher

Railway Clerk

Athenry

COB= Waterford City.

John McKeon

Marrige Inspector (Carrige Inspector) M.G.W. Railway

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Westmeath

Michael Duffy

Railway Signalman

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Martin Duffy

Railway Labourer

Athenry

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Corley

Head Porter M.G.W. Railway

Athenry

COB= Co.Mayo

1911
Terence Grealish

Railway Porter

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Galway

Lawerence Spellman

Railway Porter

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Cavan

Martin Donohue

Railway Pensioner

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Galway

Walter Bourke

Railway Milesman

Clamperpark

COB= Co.Galway

John Byrne

Railway Signalman

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Sligo

Joseph Gains

Railway Porter

Cullairbaun

COB= Dublin City

John McKeon

Railway Rolling Stock Inspector

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Westmeath

John Scully

Railway Porter

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Peter Scully

Railway Signalman

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Galway

Lawerence Melody

Railway Milesman

Mountain South

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Qualter

Railway Porter

Church Street

COB= Co. Galway

Patrick Kennedy

Railway Milesman

Park

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Formey

Railway Porter

Church Street

COB= Co.Westmeath

Bertie Ruthledge

Railway Clerk

Cross Street

COB= Co.Sligo

Patrick Farrell

Railway Clerk

Cross Street

COB= Co.Mayo

John Morrisson

Railway Clerk

Church Street

COB= Co.Tyrone

Matt Baglin

Railway Porter

Court Lane

COB= Co.Meath

John O'Byrne

Railway Porter

Court Lane

COB= Co.Dublin

James Dolan

Railway Goods Foreman

Bridge Street

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Hortan

Railway Line Man

Cross Street

COB= Co.Antrim

Patrick Mc Dermott

Railway Line Man

Cross Street

COB= Co.Roscommon

John Walsh

Railway Stocker

North Gate Street

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Duffy

Signalman

Old Church Street

COB= Co.Galway

Frances Page

Clerk Railway

Old Church Street

COB= Co.Galway

William Crewford

Clerk Railway

Old Church Street

COB= Co.Longford

John Mannion

Railway Man

Old Church Street

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Howley

Signalman Railway

Cullairbaun

COB= Ballina, Co.Mayo

John George Crawford

Railway Station Master

Cullairbaun

COB= Co.Leitrim

James Connors

Railway Sergant

Prospect

COB= Co.Galway

James Treacy

Railway Ganger

Caheroyan

COB= Co.Galway

Patrick Qualter

Plate Layer M.S.W.R

Church Street

COB= Co.Galway

Michael Qualter

Railway Porter

Church Street

COB= Co.Galway

Joseph Anderson

Railway Signalman

Old Church Street

COB= Co.Dublin