Irish War of Independence
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Glenmore Creamery Featured in Butter Museum’s Latest Video [updated]
The video is on facebook. The fastest way to find it is to go to the Butter Museums webpage and click on the little facebook symbol in the upper right side of the home page.
Here is a link to the video on Vimeo
From Danny’s Files: The Lyrics to “Fluskey’s Motor Car” [Updated]
Found in Danny Dowling’s voluminous files are lyrics entitled “Fluskey’s Motor Car.” The humorous song concerns the Irish War of Independence and an automobile belonging to James Fluskey (1882-1960) of Glenmore Village. An extensive newspaper search was conducted, but no newspaper account could be located regarding James Fluskey and his volunteering his motor car or having it commandeered. The name of the author of the lyrics is not recorded and the music is also absent. It is believed that Jim B. of Glenmore Village may have been the author and sang this song.
[Update 18 Sept. 2021…Thanks to Nicholas Hogan we have further information concerning the lyrics. The original song was written about a true event that occured in Ulster in 1921 and was entitled “Johnston’s Motor Car” written by William Gillespie. According to wikipedia it was first recorded by the Clancy Brothers in 1963 and the Dubliners a decade later. “Fluskey’s Motor Car” is a local version. For the original and another version, see generally, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnston%27s_Motor_Car ].
Here is a you tube link to the Dubliners performing the song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcEGXBWul8.
At the conclusion of the lyrics we have listed and provided links to the previously published Glenmore verses and information on the Fluskey family.
Fluskey’s Motor Car
I.
It was down Fluskey’s corner, One evening I did stray, It was there I met Jack Scanlon, And this to me did say, "I’ve orders from the Captain, To assemble and go far, But how can we assemble, Without a motor car?"
II.
"Oh, Scanlon dear be of good cheer, I’ll tell you what we’ll do, The Black and Tans are plenty, While we are only few, I’ll ring up Jamesy Fluskey, Before we’ll get that far, And we’ll give the boys a jolly spin, In Fluskey’s motor car."
III.
When Fluskey got the wire my boys, He soon stuck on his shoes, Says he my case is urgent, And I’ve got no time to lose. He wore a velvet Chester hat, And on his breast a star, You could hear the din, going to Ballyquin, In Fluskey’s motor car.
IV.
But when we got to Mullinavat, We met the die-hards there. The game he knew was up with him, And at them he did stare, Say’s he, "I have a permit, To take me near and far." "We don’t want your English permit, We want your motor car."
V.
They got the car in motion, And filled her to the brim, With guns and shining bayonets, And Fluskey he did grin. Then Scanlon hoisted the Sinn Fein flag. We shot off like a star, We gave three cheers for the I.R.A., And Fluskeys’ motor car.
VI.
"What will the sergeant say of this, When I will reach Glenmore? To have my car commandeered, By those rebels from the Rower." "We’ll give you a receipt for it, And signed by Dinny Meagher, And when Ireland’s free, It’s then we’ll see to Fluskey’s Motor Car."
VII.
And when the Sergeant heard of this, Like a trooper he cursed and swore, Says he, "I’ll meet those blokes halfway, Before I will give o’er." They searched all Bishop’s Mountain, And the hills of Ballinclare, But the I.R.A. were far away, In Fluskey’s motor car.
VIII.
So now my song is ended, I’ve got no more to say, But here’s to Jamesy Fluskey, A hero in his day. So stand up to attention, And give a ringing cheer, Long life to Jamsey Fluskey, And his rattling open gear.
James “Jim” Fluskey (1882 -1960) was the son of Robert Fluskey and his second wife, Catherine Fluskey née Dunne. See the blog post of 28 May 2020 for details regarding the Fluskey family. Jim Fluskey is not listed as one of the members of the Glenmore Company of the old IRA. The list of known members of the Glenmore Company of the old IRA may be accessed by clicking here.
According to the birth register, John “Jack” Scanlan, of Glenmore Village, was born 1 November 1889 to James Scanlan (shoemaker) and his wife Anastatia Scanlan née Fitzgerald. However, the Glenmore Parish records record his birth as 30 October 1889 and his baptism was on 1 November 1889. According to Danny Dowling’s notes Jack Scanlan never married and like his father worked as a shoemaker. Jack Scanlan is not listed as one of the members of the Glenmore Company of the IRA.
No local records could be found for “Dinny Meagher” in the IRA. However, during the Emergency (World War II) a man bearing that name was involved in the Black Market and sold difficult to obtain items, like tea, to Glenmore residents. My father-in-law, Tom Walsh (1908-1992) told the story of how the Custom Officials visited Pat “Cushey” Grant, of Robintown, Glenmore asking questions concerning Dinny Meagher. It was said that Cushey replied to their queries that he did not trade in Dinny Meagher’s shop, but if they saw Dinny Meagher would they tell him to call to him (Cushey) because he (Cushey) owed Dinny Meagher some money.
If anyone has any corrections or further or different information concerning the lyrics, author or the persons named in the lyrics please send same to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Nicholas Hogan for sending on the wikipedia article.
Other Local Verses, Rhymes and Lyrics
On 11 January 2020 we published an article entitled Glenmore Verses, Rhymes and Lyrics , and on 23 September 2020 we published the Glenmore Version of the Ballad of Carrickshock. To access the old blogs just click on the titles. Lastly, guest author Dick Claridge shared the local versus he has collected. Click here.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
One Hundred Years Ago: July 1921
On the 11th of July 1921 a truce was agreed that ended the Irish War of Independence. It is generally acknowledged that both sides thought that the truce would not hold, but it did. The following highlights the local events and news contained in local newspapers 100 years ago. The month of July began with the usual reports of the disruptions to transportation and communication carried out by local I.R.A. volunteers and the impact of the continued marital law that gagged the press, closed fairs, markets and creameries, restricted the use of bicycles as well as the activities of the Crown forces in searching, detaining and forcing civilians to repair damaged infrastructure.
Trenches
Just before the first of July another trench was opened in the Ballyanne road, and a notice posted by the “I.R.A.” warning people not to fill it or they would face a penalty. Further, reports were received that a trench was opened midway between New Ross and Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). In Kilkenny the road was blocked between the Rower and Graiguenamanagh with a barricade of stones built across the road (p. 5).
Bridge Destroyed
The big wooden bridge which crosses the Barrow at the Ferry Mountgarrett, about two miles from New Ross, was set on fire in late June. Petrol or paraffin was sprinkled on some of the planks on the Wexford side. The fire was noticed and was put out by an unknown individual before it did serious damage. A number of the wooden planks were blackened and partially charred (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). On the 3rd of July the bridge was set on fire again. Nearly all of the structure for about 60 feet from the Wexford side to the drawbridge was destroyed. While the bridge was on fire persons going towards it were warned frrm a distance not to attempt to put it out. It was reported that a man from County Wexford arrived at the Kilkenny side with a horse and trap. He did not wish to go back to Graiguenamanagh and round by Carlow to get home, so he whipped his horse and with the flames rising dashed across the burning bridge. He was the last person to cross the bridge; crossings thereafter were done by boat (New Ross Standard, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Commandeering of Civilians
The military continued to commandeer men. Sometimes these men were taken from their place of employment and town or city and transported to fill trenches. Mr. Gardiner, the Postmaster of Waterford, and his assistant Mr. Rafter were commandeered and taken to Glenmore to fill trenches (Waterford News and Star, 1 July 1921, p. 5). The military rounded up a number of New Ross men to fill a trench that obstructed the road between the mudhouse and the lower part of Camblin (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4) as well as making ten to twelve new men join in the saturation of the New Ross bridge with water as the weather was dry (p. 5). In Thomastown, men, their horses and carts were commandeered by Black and Tans as they brought milk to the creamery. They were compelled to cut up the trees felled on the Coolmore and Ballyduff roads and cart the wood 4 miles to Woodstock. “The men were required to work until six o’clock in the afternoon without food or refreshments” (p. 5). Some Wexford men refused to obey orders in connection with commandeered labour, were taken into custody, arrested and taken under military escort to Waterford to stand trial (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5).
Wires Cut
No telegraph or telephone messages could be sent from New Ross on the first of July because all wires were cut and damaged in all direction from New Ross (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). It was several days before service was partially restored.
Mail Raids
On the 25th of June at 2 p.m. a party of ten armed men raided the General Post Office in Waterford city. They took £140 in cash and an undisclosed amount of stamps (Munster Express, 2 July 1921, p. 6). On the evening of the 29th of June masked armed men boarded the mail train at Aylwardstown, Glenmore and took some bags of mails from the “up train.” Male passengers were ordered out of the train onto the platform where they were searched and questioned by the armed men (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 4). On the 7th of July, at 1 pm twelve men raided the New Ross post office. It was reported that £1,000 was stolen in the raid, and the payment of the old age pension on Friday was cancelled because there was no money to pay the pensioners. One raider was arrested (New Ross Standard, 15 July 1921, p. 8).
Miscellaneous Activities
Whiskey consigned to Crown forces in the Thomastown district was destroyed at the Thomastown railway station. The newspaper reported that “there was some activity on the part of the forces afterward” (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5).
About a mile from Callen in Coleshall Lower, in County Kilkenny, eight men appeared at the home of Peter Kinsella at 1 a.m. on the 8th of July and dragged his daughter outside and cut off her hair for being with the Black and Tans “all the time.” At gunpoint she was then told to kneel and was forced to swear that she would give them up (New Ross Standard, Fri 15 July 1921, p. 7). The age and name of the daughter was not reported in the newspaper.
The Truce
Irish peace discussions commenced on Monday the fourth of July, and a great crowd waited for hours for news. It was reported that after the peace discussions began the list of events issued by Dublin Castle was the smallest it had been for years with only one attack on the police chronicled. The weekly summary, however, recorded 14 police killed; 20 wounded; 1 military killed, 5 wounded and 25 ambushes were recorded. Readers were reminded that the number of Irishmen interned was still increasing and was now well over 3,000 (Waterford News & Star, 8 July 1921, p. 5). It was not until the 15th of July that a local paper reported on the truce, “All Ireland rejoiced at the intelligence the [Dublin] newspapers contained on Saturday morning that a truce to the unfortunate conditions of affairs in Ireland had been called by Mr. de Valera on the one side and the Crown authorities on the other” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 4).
It was reported that except in Lurgan, the last shot in the land was fired at 11:55 on Monday the 11th of July at police in Kingscourt. In the twelve hours immediately preceding the truce there were numerous attacks on Crown forces. In accordance with the truce all activities ceased in New Ross and districts at Noon on Monday. On Monday afternoon the military and police carried no firearms when going about. On the succeeding days the military went in processional order through the town to bath in the river, taking bath towels with them. A number of I.R.A. men came into town and moved about freely. On Monday night people moved about the streets until midnight singing patriotic songs. At the churches on Sunday the people were asked to pray for the success of the peace negotiations. Since Monday people could be seen going about on bicycles. During the week people who were afraid to come to town on business came in large numbers (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 July 1921, p. 7). Within a week it was reported that the martial law restrictions were lifted on motor vehicles and bicycles. The bans on fairs and markets were removed and all creameries ordered closed by the military were allowed to re-open. The ban on the tri-colour flag was lifted in Dublin but was reported as still being in place in Cork, (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 July 1921, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the fact that press censorship continued (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 4) the military allowed the newspapers to report on a demonstration organised and held in New York city by the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic. The organisation was formed by de Valera when he previously visited the U.S. It was estimated that 25,000 people participated and it took 2 ½ hours for the procession to pass (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
The Rest of the Story
Following up on events we highlighted in previous posts, in July the following items were published:
Three men arrested at the funeral of Nicholas Mullins were released from Woodstock. The released men were John Voss, of Jerpoint; Andrew Walsh, of Kiltorcane, and John Kearns, of Coolmeen (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). James McKenna and Patrick Luttrel who were convicted in the Waterford military court on the 15th of June 1921 for levying war against the King at Garryricken, near Callan, Co. Kilkenny and being in possession of arms and ammunition, were sentenced to penal servitude for life (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 8). For further details see the blog post of 30 May 2021.
In the New Ross Standard of 15 July 1921 (p. 5) the following poem, “To the memory of Jack Hartley, Fifth Battalion I.R.A.” was published. Jack Hartley and Nicholas Mullins were killed in action on 18 June 1921 at the Coolbarn ambush. For further details see the blog post of 20 June 2021.
He’s gone—he’s dead, A noble hero for his country’s bled, A rebel’s grave ever was his doom, But, ah alas! He fills it all too soon. No more his stalwart form we’ll see, Until we meet him in eternity; No more that loving smile we’ll greet, Or hear those tones and accent sweet. But why lament for such as he, Whose early wish to die for thee and Eire? He’s gained and tasted sweet, And gone with glory to his Saviour’s feet. And many a youth will yet lie low, For ideals which from heaven glow, For Faith and Love and Liberty, For thee oh down trodden country. And then at least the light will speed, Which glimmers now in Eastern skies, And by that light we’ll all be free, And shout from hill and vale resound, Of Lliberty—glorious Liberty. M. C. McP.
Other Local Matters
All the local newspapers reported that unemployment was increasing across both Britain and Ireland. In July 1921 it was also reported that the old fishermen had declared that the number of salmon caught in the Barrow and Nore in that season was the largest for any season during the previous 40 to 50 years (New Ross Standard, 1 July 1921, p. 5). Additionally, at a joint meeting of Slieverue and Glenmore branch of the transport union a harvest bonus was agreed. Men over 18 years were to receive £2 10s; men under 18 years to receive £1 10s. The harvest bonus was to be paid before 1 October, or before the threshing. Men who had been in the same employment for at least 12 weeks prior to harvest were entitled to the harvest bonus. A threshing allowance to 3s. was to be given in lieu of drink. The men at threshing would be allowed overtime pay at the rate of 1s. per hour. Casual harvest worker to be paid 7s per day, “with diet” during harvest period; this included binding corn. In consideration of the fact that Glenmore and Slieverue were largely a dairy part of the county, and it was necessary to extend milking periods to as near as possible to twelve hours between each milking, the hours during the harvest period were set at ten hours per days (New Ross Standard, 29 July 1921, p. 8).
Special thanks to Jacqueline Walsh for the photo of the Aylwardstown railway station. The feature photo was published in the Illustrated London News (c) Illustrated New Group on 16 July 1921, p. 4. The caption under the photo provides: “With Camera Instead of Machine Gun and Revolver–Cadets Fraternising with Crowd Outside Dublin Castle.”
Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Teenage Volunteers in the War of Independence: The Freyne Brothers of Kilcullen, Thomastown [Updated]
Three months after the Irish Civil War commenced the Kilkenny Moderator on 24 September 1921 reported on the meeting of the Kilkenny County Council. At this meeting a vote of honour was held for the gallant men of the Kilkenny brigade who fell in action, fighting for their country. It was stated that “their names [are] enshrined in our hearts and our memories, and they [are] indelibly inscribed on the honour roll of Ireland’s martyred dead…which future generations of the race would revere and bless…” Eight Kilkenny men were identified as having been killed in the War of Independence namely, Thomas Hennessey, Michael Dermody, Patrick Walsh, John Quinn, John Hartley, Nicholas Mullins, Sean Brett and Peter Freyne.” As Danny Dowling noted three of the eight men listed by the Kilkenny County Council were directly connected to Glenmore. Today, we are going to highlight the fallen Peter Freyne and his brother James Francis “Frank” Freyne who served as teenagers in E. Company, of the 2nd Battalion, of the Dublin Brigade of the Old I.R.A. during the War of Independence.
The Extended Family of the Freyne Brothers of Kilcullen, Thomastown
Peter and Frank Freyne were the eldest two children of John Freyne (1866-1936) and Ellen Freyne née Hanrahan (1874-1915).
Their father, John Freyne (1866-1936) was born on 19 March 1866 at Kilbride, Glenmore to James “Jim” Freyne and Bridget Freyne née Knox. John was the second youngest son. James “Jim” Freyne and Bridget Freyne née Knox were married on 23 September 1851 at Rosbercon. John Freyne’s eight siblings include: [1] Michael Freyne (1852-1925) married and farmed at Ballyfacey, Glenmore. [2] Andrew Freyne (b. 1854) emigrated to Australia; [3] James Freyne (1856-1937) married Jo Hennessey in 1900 and farmed at Kilbride, Glenmore; [4] Johanna Freyne (1857-1945) married Paul Fitzgerald (c. 1853-1923) of Knockbrack, Glenmore; [5] Thomas Freyne (1861-1932) became a priest; [6] Margaret Freyne (1863-1930) married Richard Cody (c. 1871-1906) of Carrigcloney, Glenmore; [7] Mary Freyne (c.1865-1921) married, in 1893, Patrick Brien of Brownsford, Tullogher; and [8] Patrick Freyne (1868-1925) became a priest.
Their mother, Ellen Freyne née Hanrahan was born on the 26th of November 1874, the daughter, of David Hanrahan (farmer) and Anastatia Hanrahan née Walsh of Blessington, Inistioge/Thomastown (recorded differently in different records). Ellen’s known siblings include: [1] Johanna Hanrahan (b. 1872) married James Farrell, of Ballyknock in 1905; [2] Margaret Hanrahan (b. 1871). A married farmer named David Hanrahan, of Blessington, died of TB on 8 November 1875 at the age of 55. A widow of a farmer, Anastatia Hanrahan, of Blessington, died at the age of 58 on the 22nd of April 1894. [It is assumed that these were the parents of Ellen Freyne née Hanrahan. If anyone can shed further light on Ellen’s parents please forward it and we will update.]
Their parents were married on 13 February 1901 at St. Saviour’s (Dominican) in Waterford city. The couple were married by Fr. Patrick Freyne, C.C. the groom’s brother who was assisted by another brother Fr. Thomas Freyne. The witnesses to the wedding were Margaret Freyne and Joseph Knox. “After a sumptuous breakfast in one of the leading hotels, the young, happy couple left en route for Dublin, where the honeymoon will be spent. Mr. Freyne was a great supporter of the G.A.A., and played many a hard-fought football match under the colours of the well-known ‘Green and Red’ in the good old days. The invincible Kilmacow boys ought to have many happy reminiscences of ‘Jack’ Freyne’” (Munster Express, Sat. 16 Feb. 1901, p. 5). After their wedding they settled on a 90 acres farm at Kilcullen and began their family.
Their family included at least eight children. Keeping with the rural custom of naming the eldest son after his paternal grandfather and the second son after his maternal grandfather etc. the family included: [1] James Francis “Frank” was the eldest born on 15 Feb. 1902. [2] Peter David Freyne was born 14 months later on the 23rd of April 1903. [3] Mary Francis Freyne (31 May 1904-1979); [4] John Freyne (b. 15 Nov. 1907); [5] Anastatia Freyne Dearlove (16 Aug. 1909-1993); [6] Thomas Freyne (b. 13 Aug. 1910); [7] Honor “Nora” Freyne (25 Feb. 1912-1981) [8] and Ellen Freyne (b. 3 Dec. 1913). Tragedy struck the family at Christmas time 1915 when Ellen Freyne died of cancer of the spine on the 23rd of December. She was 41 years of age.
Peter David Freyne (1903-1921)
In our last blog we noted that Peter Freyne, of Kilcullen, Thomastown was killed in action on 11 April 1921 during the morning attack on the London, North Western Railway Hotel, North Wall, Dublin. Peter was 12 days short of his 18th birthday. [Update: Some records indicate he was born on the 28th of May 1903 others indicate the 28th of April 1903. Strangely the pension documents did not require the family members to state the deceased volunteer’s date of birth.]
The pension file of Peter Freyne was opened in 1925 when his father, John Freyne, applied for a pension and was rejected because he was not dependent on Peter when Peter was killed in action. Decades later, his sister, Nora Freyne, sought a pension and was likewise rejected because she was only 9 years of age at the time of his death and wholly dependent on their father John. However, her application provides a few more facts concerning Peter, such as the fact that his middle name was David; he attended Rockwell College prior to joining the Irish Volunteers and had worked as a distillery employee. There is very little in the file to reflect what other actions Peter took part in prior to his death. The pension file of Peter Freyne is available at http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R5/1D472%20Peter%20Freyne/1D472%20Peter%20Freyne.pdf . The file does provide that when interviewed in 1925 his father John noted that his eldest son James had been a commandant in the Irish Volunteers and was presently in prison on a charge of armed robbery.
From Bloody Sunday to the London, North Western Railway Hotel
James Hanrahan, Captain of the Inistioge, B Company of the 5th Battalion of the Kilkenny Brigade wrote a letter dated 28 March 1942 wherein he verified that “Francis” Freyne was an active member of his company from 1917-1919. “He was one of the party who relieved Private Aspel of his rifle while on leave, took part in all raids for arms and was in on the making of all ammunitions, bombs etc.” Frank was “transferred” to Dublin. In 1920 Frank was 18 and Peter was 17. Frank indicates in various letters he wrote that in 1920 he and Peter were both in Dublin and committed Irish Volunteers. They were both mobilized for Bloody Sunday in November 1920, but Peter had the only gun they had so Peter went out that morning. Frank wrote from Maryborough Prison (Portloise) on 4 November 1925, that when he and Peter left home in 1920 they had received passage to “go out to our people in New York” but decided to put their country first and remained in Dublin to take part in the fight.
The attack on the London North Western Railway Hotel, North Wall, Dublin is always referred to as the “Holyhead Hotel” job by Frank. In letters he wrote, contained in his own pension file, he noted that he participated in the job with his brother and Denis O’Brien, the ex-Commandant, was slightly wounded in the attack. A contemporary newspaper report provides that at Peter Freyne’s inquest, held at the King George V. Hospital, Peter was shot in the chin by a member of the R.I.C. acting “in the execution of his duty.” A witness stated that Peter Freyne had thrown one bomb and had another in his hand as he ran toward Crown Forces and was shot. It was reported that his father, John Freyne, identified his body and stated to authorities that he did not know his son’s occupation as he had not seen his son for a year (Londonderry Sentinel, Sat. 4 June 1921). The photo to the right is courtesy of the National Library of Ireland. The photo was taken in the aftermath of the attack on the hotel and shows joking “Black & Tans” surveying the damage on their quarters. Written on the mount of the photo, “Tans glad to have escaped the bombs thrown at their headquarters in Dublin.” For further information concerning the photo, see NLI Ref.: HOGW 117. For general information on the Hotel see, http://builtdublin.com/london-and-north-western-hotel-north-wall-quay-dublin-1/ .
[UPDATE: On 11 April 2021 the East Wall History Group released an excellent short video regarding the attack and hotel available at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHhMGVKRl-s .
The Thomastown Cumann na mBan had a special Mass said on the first anniversary of Peter’s death, attended by the local Irish Republican Volunteers (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 5 Aug. 1921).* Notwithstanding the lofty sentiments expressed in 1922 at the Kilkenny County Council meeting, the family with the help of the local press ensured that Peter’s name and death were recalled. When Frank returned to Ireland in 1935 to marry Bridget Holden of Dysart, Thomastown. The wedding announcement in the New Ross Standard provided that “The bridegroom, who holds as important position in New York, is a brother of the late Mr, Peter Freyne, who was killed by British forces in the attack on the North Wall Hotel, Dublin, in 1921. Both were prominent in the Anglo-Irish war” (Fri 16 Aug. 1935, p. 12). When John Freyne died in 1936 the only one of his children mentioned in his obituary was “…Commandant Peter Freyne who was shot dead by British military in the attack on the North Wall Hotel in 1921”(New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 April 1936). When Mary Frances Freyne earned a Masters’ Degree in 1938 from Columbia University (New York) a newspaper announcement recited that “She is a sister of the late Mr. Peter Freyne, N.C.0., 2nd Batt., Dublin Brigade, who was killed by British military at the L.N.W.R. Hotel, North Wall, Dublin,” however it was wrongly reported that his death was “during the attack on the Custom House, in May, 1921, when he was only 18 years” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 June 1938). Some 73 years after Peter’s death, when his sister Anastatia’s death was announced in a local newspaper, it was noted that “her brother, Mr. Peter Freyne, was one of those killed by Crown forces during the fight for freedom” (New Ross Standard, Thurs. 22 April 1993, p. 23).
James Francis “Frank” Freyne (1902-1974)
After his brother Peter was killed Frank was not able to attend the funeral. On the 25th of May, Frank was mobilized for the ill-fated “Custom House” job and was captured. He told the Crown Forces that his name was George Lewis. He was imprisoned in Arbour Hill and Kilmainham until the 8th of December 1921 when a General Amnesty was agreed. The Custom House Commemoration Group host a blog and posted an interesting article regarding Frank at https://www.customhousecommemoration.com/2020/08/04/no-country-for-james-frankie-freyne-custom-house-burning/
After the General Amnesty, Frank joined the National Army in either February or March 1922. He enlisted at Beggars Bush Barracks. In his pension file he recorded that he was attached to the Transport Department for a few weeks then he was sent to Kilkenny as a Commandant.
During his command in Kilkenny the Kilkenny Moderator (Sat. 2 Sept. 1922, p. 4) published the following Proclamation signed by Frank:
PROCLAMATION. NOTICE is hereby given, that all Permits for Motor Vehicles in this Area, comprising the City and County of Kilkenny, are cancelled as from September. In future Permits to use such Vehicles will only be issued to those who hold Motor Tax Receipts and Drivers’ Licence from the Secretary Kilkenny County Council. Cars must also be fitted with Registration Numbers on front and rear. Signed, FRANK FREYNE, O.C. Kilkenny Brigade.
Frank was demobilised on the 9th of November 1923 at the age of 21. In 1925 Frank applied for a Certificate of Military Service. The application was signed on 21 November 1925 while he was in Maryborough (Portlaoise) Prison under his Christian name James. Minister Hughes when he received Frank’s application rejected it without sending it to the Board of Assessors. From the records in his pension file Frank after his conviction wrote to the Minister to reconsider his criminal case for armed robbery. The Minister after conferring with Garda Siochana granted Frank a conditional release although his conviction still stood. He served two years. The two fellow ex-Volunteers involved in the incident, Swaney and Kilcoyne both got pensions with no difficulty in 1925. It is not clear from the pension file why Frank refused to put forward a defence at his trial other than it is suggested he had some mis-guided loyalty to his two companions. From a legal standpoint, based on the information provided in the pension file, there was no reason to provide a conditional release to Frank. The whole episode as reflected in the pension file does not ring true.
On 3 June 1929 Frank emigrated to the United States. He joined his sister, Mary Francis who had emigrated in 1922, and was employed as a school teacher. Although Frank and Peter, in 1920 had the opportunity to go out to their people in New York, when Mary Francis went in 1922, she went to Tarrytown, New York where local born Mother Butler had established Marymount College https://glenmore-history.com/the-very-rev-mother-marie-gerard-phelan-1872-1960/. Given their large extended family it may be the case that they were related to one of the nuns at Tarrytown.
After Frank arrived in the U.S. he wasted no time and applied to become a US citizen on 24 October 1929. In his naturalisation papers he was described as being 5 feet 8 ½ inches in height, and weighed 158 pounds. He had blue eyes and brown hair. He lived at 417 W. 121st and was employed as a clerical worker. He reported on the 1930 Census that he was working as an accountant at a grocery. The photo at the right was attached to Frank’s citizen application and reflects how he used his Christian name on offical U.S. documents. Unfortunately the photo appears to have been smeared by carbon paper used at that time to provide duplicate copies of documennts.
In 1935, Frank returned to Ireland and married Brigid Holden, of Dysart, Thomastown. Brigid was born on the 14th of July 1905. Excerpts from the wedding announcement provide that the wedding took place at Thomastown parish church on Wednesday of ex-Commandant Francis Freyne, son of Mr. John Freyne and the late Mrs. Freyne Kilcullen, Thomastown, and Miss Bridie Holden, second daughter of Mr. James Holden and the late Mrs. Holden, Dysart, Thomastown. Mr. Thomas Freyne brother of the bride-groom was best man, and Miss Josephine Holden, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid (New Ross Standard, Fri 16 Aug. 1935, p. 12).
In 1935, Frank again sought recognition for his service. It is not apparent from the pension file why he decided to commence what would become a long struggle. Perhaps while in Ireland for his wedding he found that the political atmosphere had improved toward him. Hughes was now the Minister and he conferred with the Attorney General who ruled that if Frank had applied for recognition for his service on the proper form in 1925 the Minister, at that time, was “bound” to send it to the Board of Assessors. The difficulty was that the Board had completed their work before 1930. The file provides that in September 1935 Frank received a letter wherein it was stated, “should the executive Council approve the reconstitution of the Board of Assessors [the Minister] considers it desirable that the matter should not be published in the Iris Oifigiul.” Thus, Frank began to write to men he had served under and with. His pension file contains correspondence from Oscar Traynor, William Byrne, James Hanrahan and Denis O’Brien.
In one letter Frank noted that “Mr. Dan Breen was instrumental in getting the present minister to act favourably in this matter in 1935.” The correspondence provides that Frank, and presumably Peter’s, Dublin address was 4 St. Joseph Terrace, Fairview on the north side of Dublin off of the Malahide Road. William Byrne in a letter dated 23 February 1942 verified that Frank participated in the following actions as well as other emergency requirements of the brigade/battalion:
(1) Raid on Dublin Docklands in 1920 for 17 pound shells for brigade.
(2) Attack on Military at Newcomen bridge 1920.
(3) Raid on British and Irish SS sheds for boycotted goods in 1921.
(4) Attack on auxiliaries L & NW Hotel, North Wall where his brother was killed in 1921.
(5) Attack on city of Dublin S.P. Co premises where a large consignment of motors, tyres n lubes for Tans were destroyed 1921.
(6) Attack on the Custom House when it was burned in 1921.
In April 1942 after 7 years of renewed effort to have his service recognised Frank was issued a Certificate recognising 5.3 years of service with the rank of commandant. He was awarded a pension of £80 per annum from the 1st of October 1934. The pension file for James Francis “Frank” Freyne is available at http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/1924A1JamesFrancisFreyne/W1924A1JAMESFRANCISFREYNE.pdf One of the more interesting aspects of the file is the fact that Frank made reference in his correspondence with the Irish authorities that his address was often changing and he wanted correspondence sent to an address associated with his profession. Cenus records do not reflect that he moved house often. Perhaps the statements in his file concerning his home address reflect that he continued to “look over his shoulder.”
During his quest for recognition of his service Frank continued working and attending college eventually he became a Certified Public Accountant. In the 1940 Census he recorded that he was 35 years of age, had attended college in the past year, had two years completed and worked as an accountant for a chain store and earned $2400 per year. The U.S entered WWII on 7 December 1941 and Frank was required to register for the draft. On his 1942 draft form Frank noted that he lived at 155 W. 162nd St., Bronx, New York. He worked at the Peat Marwich Mitchell Co. and suffered from Marie Strumpell disease. Today, the disease is called Ankylosing Spondylitis and is an inflammatory rheumatic disease which mainly affects the hips.
On the 11th of June 1945 Frank’s wife Brigid died at the age of 40. The couple had two young children Francis G. Freyne was 7 and Maureen H. Freyne was 3 (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 June 1945). Frank married his second wife, Agnes F. Cummings on 26 June 1948 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in the Bronx. On 18 November 1949 the couple had a son they named Peter David Freyne after Frank’s brother. Frank continued to receive the pension for his service until his death on 27 December 1974. His widow Agnes F. Freyne née Cummings continued to receive a widow’s pension until her death on 26 October 1988.
The Namesake–Peter David Freyne (1949-2009)
Peter David Freyne became a political columnist in Vermont. Thanks to a column he wrote when the movie Michael Collins was released we have some further details concerning Frank, his service, and the trip he took to Ireland with his children (available at https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/portrait-of-an-assassin/Content?oid=2136076). As part of the column a photo is attached where Peter identifies the baby as himself with his parents. Given that Peter was born in late 1949 in New York, the clothing, the hairstyle, and moustache etc. are not consistent with 1950 New York. I wonder if the photo is in fact his father as a baby?
Update of 18 Feb. 2022. The Advocate (Sat. 31 Aug. 1957, p. 11) of New York published an article regarding Peter Freyne’s trip to Ireland in 1957. “Still Flying In—Sixty-three Irish-Americans arrived at Dublin Airport on a P.A.A. chartered flight from New York, and were met by the Lord Mayor, Mr. James Carroll, T.D. They are all members of the Irish Institute, Inc…The party ws led by Mr. Gerald M. Griffin, Attorney-at-Law, New York, who was born in Charlesville, Co. Cork…Another passenger was seven-year-old Peter David Freyne, who is travelling with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Frank Freyne, New York. Peter is named after his uncle, Peter David Freyhne, who was killed by the Black-and-Tans on April 11, 1921, when the Holyhead Hotel, North Wall, was attacked.”
Peter studied to be a foreign missionary and was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam war. He moved to Vermont in 1979 where he took up journalism. When he died in 2009 Bernie Sanders is reported to have said that he first met Peter Freyne in 1981. “[A]s a friend and occasional antagonist for over 25 years, I knew Peter to be brilliant, honest, courageous and unusually observant…In addition, he was prickly, annoying, and utterly relentless in getting the information that he wanted.” It sounds like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
For details concerning Peter David Freyne see, https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/end-of-the-line/Content?oid=2136127 . Photo of Peter David Freyne (1949-2009) from obit in the Brattleboro Reformer, Thur. 8 Jan. 2009, p. 3.
Please send any corrections, omissions, additional information, photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photos of the London, North Western Railway Hotel, at the North Wall, London were taken on 11 April 1921 are Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland and are part of the Hogan Collection. Hogan, W. D. (111921). [Black and Tans at London and North Western Hotel in the aftermath of a raid]. Link to photos: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Search/Results?lookfor=North+wall+hotel&type=AllFields&view=list#recordvtls000279877
*Other commemoration ceremonies at Thomastown in the 1930’s included: (1) Easter Week Commemoration 1932 with address by Sean O’Mahony, ex-TD, Dublin (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 April 1932); (2) Commemoration of 1935 with oration by Seumas Lennan, of Borris (New Ross Standard, Fri. 26 April 1935) [update added 11 April 2021].
One Hundred Years Ago: April 1921
British newspaper articles in April 1921 reflect how industrial strife in the post-World War I period seized the attention of the authorities. As Britain loosened control of the war industries wages were cut. When the coal mine owners in March 1921 announced more wage cuts it led to a strike and fear that the transport and rail workers would join in a “Great Strike.” On what has been dubbed Black Friday, the National Transport Union and the National Union of Railwaymen refused to join the striking coal miners. Although there was initial relief that that the Great Strike was averted, individual transport unions and workers refused to carry the coal. Against this backdrop of industrial strife, “outrages” in Ireland were reported with more frequency. In Dublin alone, in April, over 65 attacks on Crown forces were reported. By the end of the month the newspapers were commenting on the growing lists of wounded and killed police, auxiliaries, soldiers, “rebels” and civilians across Ireland.
Glenmore Labour Dispute
Glenmore, in the midst of the industrial strife in England and the War of Independence in Ireland, had its own labour dispute. The dispute was between the farm labourers and the farmers of the Glenmore district. After negotiations between the Transport Workers’ Union and the employing farmers a settlement was reached. Ploughmen were to be paid £1 a week with board and lodgings and general hands 18s. per week with board and lodgings (Kilkenny People, Sat. 23 April 1921, p. 6).
Glenmore Man Arrested
It was reported in the New Ross Standard (Fri. 1 April 1921, p. 5) that Mr. James Hanrahan, of Glenmore was arrested the previous week, brought to New Ross and afterwards taken to Inistioge. In the same newspaper, a few columns to the right it was reported that he was released from custody on Monday. The Munster Express (Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 6) provides a few more details including that he was arrested by auxiliary forces (Black and Tans) and that he was well known in sporting circles, and was a former all-Ireland representative on the Kilkenny football team. What isn’t reported in either newspaper is the fact that the Crown had James Hanrahan, the intelligence officer for the Glenmore Company of the old IRA, in custody and released him. For the list of members of the Glenmore Company see, https://glenmore-history.com/the-glenmore-company-of-the-old-ira/ .
Son of Glenmore Man Killed in Action
Last fall when Danny Dowling was discussing the War of Independence, he identified three men with direct Glenmore connections who were killed in action during the war. The first of the trio was Peter Freyne, Kilcullen, Thomastown. Peter Freyne was born on the 28th of May 1903, [Update: some records record that he was born on the 28th of April 1903] the son of John Freyne a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. In our next blog post we will provide more information regarding John Freyne and his two sons who fought in the War of Independence.
Very little information was published in April 1921 regarding the attack on the 11th on the London and North Western Railway Hotel, North Wall, Dublin where the Black and Tans were quartered. Peter Freyne (1903-1921) who was a Sergeant in Company E. of the 2nd Battalion of the Dublin Brigade was killed in the action. After his father, John Freyne, a widower, identified his body, he was brought to Thomastown for burial on the 14th of April (Munster Express, Sat. 16 April 1921, p. 4). Previous to the arrival of the train a crowd numbering several thousand knelt and recited the rosary. A large force of auxiliary police and the R.I.C. was present. The coffin was draped with the republican flag and covered with wreaths. The flag was seized by the Crown forces, who accompanied the funeral to the church, which they entered. On leaving the church the mourners were surrounded by the forces and searched. John Fleming, D.C., and John Gardiner were arrested the following morning (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 April 1921, p. 6). In addition to the local clergy present Rev. Thomas Freyne, C.C. of Gathabawn and Rev. Patrick Freyne C.C. of Johnstown, uncles of the deceased (Kilkenny People, Sat. 23 April 1921, p. 6) and natives of Glenmore were present. There was subsequently much activity by Crown forces, and further arrests included: Michael Murphy, D.C., and Richard Doyle (New Ross Standard, Fri. 22 April 1921, p. 6).
Martial Law
In April there were fewer executions carried out by the Crown Authorities than in the previous month. In Cork, on the 28th of April, Patrick Sullivan, Maurice Moore, Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulachy were shot for levying war against the King. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 29 April 1921, p. 6). In Dublin, Thomas Traynor, the father of ten children, the youngest being five months old, was executed by hanging on the 25th of April. Traynor was implicated in the shooting of Cadet Farrell in Dublin on the 15th of March.
The martial law requiring a military permit for the day time use of bicycles in Kilkenny caused widespread arrests and the seizure of bicycles. An official of the National Transport Union was walking his bicycle after alighting from a train in Kilkenny City and he was detained and his bicycle seized. Workers cycling home from New Ross, where there were no restrictions on the use of bicycles, were detained and their bicycles seized. The cases against Patrick Lee, Richard Maddock, Mary Fitzgerald and Patrick Murphy, of Ballyknock, Tullogher, for cycling without permits in county Kilkenny came before the military court of Kilkenny. The cases were dismissed and the bicycles returned to their owners (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 April 1921, p. 5).
In New Ross, early in the month a military Proclamation was posted warning the public that anyone passing the police barrack between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., new time, would be fired upon if they failed to halt and put up their hands immediately when required by the sentry (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 8).
On the Sunday following the burial of Peter Freyne the auxiliaries surrounded the chapel in Hugginstown while Mass was being conducted. As the faithful left the church all the men and boys were lined up outside the wall on the street and searched. The search included removing their caps and examining the lining of coats. Some young men wearing Sinn Féin ties were compelled to remove their ties. The names of all men and boys were recorded. J. Aylward, R. Barron, D. Butler, and W. Lynch were detained for some time, but later Aylward and Barron were liberated. Butler and Lynch were conveyed away in the lorries. The forces also visited Hugginstown on the previous Tuesday evening several shots were discharged. “They had an exciting chase after two young men for nearly a mile, but failed to capture them. The Auxiliaries conducted themselves very well whilst Mass was being celebrated” (Munster Express, Sat. 23 April 1921, p. 6).
James Hoban, a farmer’s son, from Glendonnell, Mullinavat was shot through both legs on the 19th in broad daylight while transacting business at the pig fair in the village. He was shot by Crown forces with a single shot fired from a machine gun. The shot apparently came from an armoured car that had just arrived at the barracks. James Hoban died later that night of shock in the County and City Infirmary, Waterford (Munster Express, Sat. 23 April 1921, p. 6). James was born in 1897 and was the son of James Hoban and Ellen Hoban née Walsh.
Local I.R.A. Activities
As reported in March most of the local activities were designed to slow the movement of Crown forces and to keep Crown forces deployed outside of the major population centres. One I.R.A. activity that increased significantly was the seizure of mail. This was undertaken to stop communications to and between Crown officials and to intimidate civilians from reporting or informing on local men or activities.
In Waterford an army field kitchen vehicle was unloaded from one of the Clyde Shipping steamers. That night it was removed and dumped into the river Suir. It was salvaged a few days later and sent to its destination in County Wexford (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 April 1921, p. 4). What route the army field kitchen vehicle took to County Wexford is not known, but it could not have been transported to County Wexford via the Waterford-New Ross road. As previously reported in our March blog two bridges on the Waterford to New Ross Road, in the townland of Ballyverneen, Glenmore, near Forristal’s Mill, were damaged in March. “The bridge on the New Ross-Waterford road, at the foot of Glenmore was blown up on Friday night [the 8th of April]. Previously the arch of the bridge had been destroyed a few weeks ago” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 April 1921, p. 4).
In terms of raids on mail it was alleged that early in the month John Harrison, a farmer, of Drumreilly, Co. Leitrim, wrote a letter to the authorities. When his letter was discovered during a mail raid he was executed by the I.R.A., and a note was left with his body labelling him an informer. The Belfast News-Letter (Mon. 2 May 1921, p. 5) reported that the “official details concerning the murder …of Mr. John Harrison of Drumreailly, County Leitrim, show that he was not only shot, but so chopped about with an axe that even the doctor who examined the remains fainted at the sight.” We were unable to find this “official detail” reflected in any other contemporary Irish newspaper.
In Wexford town on the 1st of April raiders consisting of five armed and masked men entered the post office at 7:20 a.m. and held up the staff who were sorting the mail. Initially it was reported that the staff thought it was an April Fool’s prank, “but on presenting of arms the seriousness of the situation became apparent. The R.I.C. correspondence was demanded, and having secured it the party left” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 8).
On the 4th of April the mail car between Waterford and Dunmore East was raided (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 8). On the 5th of April a parcel from London arrived at the Waterford G.P.O. When the bags were being emptied for sorting two revolvers dropped out. The weapons were wrapped in paper, but no address could be deciphered (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 5). That evening the “up mail train” from Waterford and New Ross was boarded by mask men who seized three of four mail bags. (New Ross Standard, Fri, 8 April 1921, p. 8). The Waterford G.P.O. was raided by masked gunmen on the 15th of April and the mail was returned to the Post Office, marked “Censored by I.R.A.” (Munster Express, Sat. 23 April 1921, p. 6). On Sunday the 24th of April the Thomastown postman, Thomas Dack, was held up a short distance from the railway station by a party of masked men. Dack had just collected the morning mail from the 7:30 train from Kilkenny. He was blindfolded and his hands and feet were tied. The mail bags were taken. Dack extricated himself and reported the occurrence at the post office. About noon three of the mail bags were found untampered near the viaduct bridge, about 500 yards from the railway station. The remaining bags were not found (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 April 1921, p. 5).
In addition to the increase in mail seizures, the Mullinavat R.I.C. Barracks was again attacked on Tuesday the 13th of April commencing at 12:30 a.m. The Official Report recites that the attack commenced with a considerable number of armed men armed with rifles and revolvers throwing explosives at the barracks. Police responded with rifles and revolver fire and grenades. “A section of the garrison which is numerically small, threw up Verey lights and signals for assistance.” All wires, telephone and telegraph, connecting Mullinavat with surrounding towns and villages were cut. Three large holes were made at the rear of the building from bombs. There were no reported injuries or deaths on either side although the Official Report believed that there were some losses among the “assailants.” The attack ended at about 2:30 a.m. when the attackers withdrew (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 April 1921). The Waterford News & Star (Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 7) provided a few more details. “A thatched cottage opposite the barracks took fire during the melee, and was burned down. As a preliminary to the attack, the wires were cut (including some in the city of Waterford), and the bridge at Lough Cullen, near Mullinavat, was blown up…The roads converging on Mullinavat were, it is said, otherwise blockaded.”
Battle for Hearts, Minds and Intimidation
Both sides in the conflict put up posters and both sides tore down posters. The month commenced with a number of Belfast boycott posters being put up in New Ross and promptly taken own by the military (New Ross Standard, Fri. 1 April 1921, p. 5). The following week the New Ross military posted posters stating, “Home Rule is alright. But don’t build it on ruins. Stop the murder of policemen and soldiers.” Overnight the posters were cut down (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 8). In Waterford it was reported that several prominent persons received type-written notices, signed “Anti-Murder.” The message read, “Sir or Madam—we have credible information that you employ or harbour assassins, the gentlemen who shoot in the back, fire from behind fences. If any of these commit any of their usual crimes in this city or vicinity, you or your house and business WILL GO UP.” The notices were mailed in Waterford city, and printed on paper bearing a “certain watermark” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 5).
Newspaper Censorship
Most local newspapers were already under military censorship, but Mr. E. T. Keane, Editor of the Kilkenny People received notice that because he had reported on a meeting of the Board of Guardians, where a letter from Dáil Eireann was read, the newspaper was placed under military censorship (New Ross Standard, Fri. 15 April 1921, p. 4). Although no further details are provided it is believed that the letter was a demand for taxes raised from licenses etc. to be sent to Dáil Eireann rather than to Crown Officials. Mr. D. O’Carroll, J.P. resigned as clerk of the Law Guardian Board and Castlecomer Union stating he could not serve two masters (New Ross Standard, Fri. 8 April 1921, p. 8).
On the first of April four masked and armed men, in the middle of the night gained access to the residence of Michael Rockett (c. 1876-1966) of Slieverue. The men demanded in the name of the Irish Republic, the money that had been collected from neighbours for dog licences. When they were informed that the money had already been sent the men sternly demanded that the sum sent be paid to them or they would raid the house. After receiving €11 the men left (Munster Express, Sat. 9 April 1921, p. 5).
Notwithstanding the military censorship often interesting articles and advertisements are found in the censored newspapers. For example, the New Ross Standard (Fri. 15 April 1921, p. 4) published a column of old Irish which prior to the censorship was not generally translated. The following translation of the Irish joke that passed censorship is as follows:
TRANSLATION, THE ORPHAN– An Irishman was going to market one day, and when he was nearing the town, he heard the bell tolling. The first man he met was an Englishman. He did not know why the bell was tolling, and he asked the Englishman the reason. “Oh,” said the Englishman, “did you not hear that the devil is dead?” ” I did not,” said he. “Come here,” and with that he put his hand in his pocket and handed him a penny. “Why are you giving me the penny?” said the Englishman. “That is a custom our people have when the father dies we give alms to the orphans.”
Lastly, the following unusual advertisement appeared in the New Ross Standard on the first of April 1921. Was it an April Fool’s prank or a coded message to get past the military censorship?
Desperate Tragedy at Old Ross, Co. Wexford—During steam rolling operations outside the premises of L. T. Doyle, Universal Provider and Anti-Kodologist, Old Ross and Palace East. “High Prices ” were deliberately pushed under the wheels and crushed to atoms. After cremation the remains were despatched by aerial post to “The Torrid Zone ” from whence there is no return. Everything is now selling in above stores at bedrock prices, and there was no cessation of business during the mourning period, nor no whiskey at “The Wake.” The War Baby. High Prices Killed in Action at Old Ross, Co. Wexford, March 1921. No prayers, by request. (k475:5-4)
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above is from the Irish column that appeared in the New Ross Stanard on 15 April 1921, p. 4. The English translation is above.
There is no known photo of the destroyed bridges on the old main Waterford to New Ross road. Below is a photo taken in 2020 of the bridge on the old main Waterford to New Ross road nearest to where Forristal’s mill stood in Graiguenakill. Danny Dowling noted that it was once a humped back bridge that allowed small vessels to carry grain up the pill to the mill.
[Clarification the publican that was raided in Slieverue in early April 1921 was Michael Rockett not Michael Stapleton who died later in April 1921. Apologies for the error.]
100 Years Ago: March 1921
In 1921 Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States. The Prime Minister of Britain was David Lloyd George and Pope Benedict XV was head of the Catholic Church. In Ireland in March 1921 the War of Independence continued, with the activities of both sides impacting on more and more of the population.
Court Martial Executions
During March 1921 under Martial Law what newspapers could print to keep the public informed was censored. Thus, there are differences reflected in the various local newspapers concerning events. The New Ross Standard apparently sought to alert readers to the fact that it was operating under military censorship and placed a prominent notice that read, “Passed by Censor, As Wexford is included in the Martial Law area, all reports in this issue have been censored by the military authorities” (Fri. 4 March 1921, p. 8). Notwithstanding censorship the newspapers are full of reports of men being taken from their homes, or places of employment, by armed men and never seen again. In some instances, bodies were recovered and sometimes notes were found, on or near the bodies, labelling the deceased a traitor and attributing the death to a particular side in the conflict.
On the 28th of February six men were executed in Cork Barracks between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The Kilkenny Moderator, did not list the names of the men but noted that they were executed in batches of two at intervals of fifteen minutes. Outside the barracks large crowds gathered. Replying to a question in the House of Commons, Sir H. Greenwood stated that five of the men were executed for waging war against the King and the sixth was executed for having in his possession a revolver and a pamphlet entitled “Night Fighting.” The men were all legally represented at the court martial, but no further details were provided regarding the trials. It was reported that the relatives of the men were refused permission to remove the remains for burial. Canon O’Sullivan ministered to the men before their executions and so far as the Church was concerned, they received Christian burials as the Burial Service was read in full. (Sat. 5 March 1921, p. 6). When further executions were announced a resolution was adopted by the Cork Corporation protesting against the proposed executions “as absolutely unjust, and against the law of civilised warfare.” (New Ross Standard, Fri 25 March 1921, p. 8).
On Monday the 14th of March 1921 six men were also executed in Dublin after court marital. However, instead of being shot these six men were hanged like common criminals in Mountjoy Prison. Details concerning the six executed men were provided in the New Ross Standard. Thomas J. Bryan, was 23 years old, an electrical engineer and had only been married 3 months. Patrick Doyle, was also 23 years of age and was a carpenter by trade. He was a married father of three children. His eldest child was 3 ½ years of age and his younger children were twins born two weeks before his execution. One of the twins died the Saturday before. The remaining four men were 19 years of age. Francis Flood was an engineering student at Dublin University College. Bernard Ryan was the only son of an aged and widowed mother. He held a position as a Government official which he left for a clerkship in a Dublin firm. Patrick Moran was a grocer’s assistant, in the Main St. of Blackrock. He was President of the Grocers’ Assistant Association in Dublin. Thomas Whelan moved to Dublin at the age of 16 from Connemara, Co. Galway, to work for the M.G. W. Railway. It was reported that his aged mother travelled to Dublin to comfort him during his trial. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 March 1921, p. 4). Today, we know that some of the personal information concerning the executed men is wrong the above information was taken from the contemporary newspapers accounts that were operating under military censorship.
Thomas Whelan and Patrick Moran were convicted by court martial for the murder of British officers on Sunday, November 21st, and the remaining four were found guilty of complicity in an attack on Crown forces at Drumcondra (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 March 1921, p. 4) and thus committed treason by waging war against the King. Similar to the previous executions in Cork the condemned men were executed in pairs. “Whelan and Moran were the first to approach the scaffold, and at six o’clock the bolt was drawn. An hour later Doyle and Ryan were launched into eternity, and at eight o’clock Flood and Bryan paid the supreme penalty.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 March 1921, p. 4).
On execution day, long before dawn, people began to gather outside the gates of Mountjoy. It was reported that nearly 1,000 people knelt at the gates reciting the Rosary, “which was given out at intervals by a lady attached to Cumann na MBan.” Many carried lighted candles, by the time the last pair were led to the scaffold it was reported that 40,000 people had gathered. People also gathered in churches and workers downed tools the morning of the executions. The Cumann na Mban arrived “in force” bearing banners with inscriptions. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 March 1921, p. 4). “Contrary to the usual prison observances, the passing away of the condemned men was not announced by the tolling of the prison bell, nor was any black flag hoisted. At half-past eight the prison gates swung partly open, and an official nailed up the typewritten announcement intimating that the sentences of death had been duly executed. Immediately behind the gates could be observed an armoured car.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 March 1921, p. 4). Mrs. Whelan, in her striking Connemara garb, occupied a chair beside the gate, asked that the notice of the executions be taken down and given to her so she could kiss her son’s name. The official silently complied with her request. The crowd then began to recite the Rosary in Irish. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 18 March 1921, p. 4).
Although the relatives requested the bodies of the executed men all requests were refused. The men were buried on the grounds of Mountjoy and their graves remained unmarked until the 1930’s. However, it was not until this century that these men became recognised and dubbed part of the Forgotten 10. During the War of Independence ten Republicans were hanged in Mountjoy prison. Kevin Barry was the first Republican executed after the leaders of the Easter Rising. On the 1st of November 2000, the 80th anniversary of Kevin Barry’s execution the remains of all ten men were exhumed and buried with a full State Funeral in Glasnevin cemetery.
Waterford Court Martial Cases
Closer to Glenmore, in Kilkenny City it was reported at the end of February that a large group of armed men terrorised the city after midnight, detaining people, discharging firearms, breaking windows, stealing money and chocolates. “The R.I.C. took into custody five of their new police motor mechanics in connection with the occurrences and that they have been handed over to the military authorities to be tried by court martial. The occurrences aroused great consternation in the localities in which they took place, and great indignation is rightly felt amongst the citizens at such an unprecedented disturbance of the peace of the city.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 5 March 1921, p. 4). The court martial was held in Waterford City and two R.I.C. officers testified against the five mechanics regarding statements they made when they returned late to the barracks, long after their passes expired. The mechanics alleged that they had been detained by Sinn Feiners. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 26 March 1921, p. 4). Eventually, the R.I.C. mechanics were acquitted. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 2 Apr. 1921, p. 5).
In a separate Waterford Court Martial trial John McBride, of Knockmoylan, Co. Kilkenny was tried for failing to report to Crown authorities a possible attack on the Mullinavat Barracks. On the 17th of January the Mullinavat Barracks came under attack. A party of police and military coming from Kilkenny to assist the besieged police found a barricade of stones at the railway crossing at Knockmoylan. It was reported that one of the stones weighed four or five cwt (448 to 560 pounds). The defendant as the railway linesman lived right across the line from where the barricade was placed. It was alleged that “it was a reasonable assumption that the prisoner, living so close to the barricade must have known of it.” It was also alleged that the barricade was part of the plan to attack the Mullinavat barracks. The defendant stated he went to bed the night before and locked the gates. He did not leave his house until the 7:40 train passed and he then saw the stones. He could not move them without assistance and was waiting for his ganger to arrive. The police arrived and arrested him. The crossing was located four or five miles from Mullinavat. The defendant stated he had no political affiliation, and he was found not guilty (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 5 March 1921, p. 4).
Trenching Roads and Damaging Bridges
As the weaker armed Republicans continued to fight Crown forces, roads and bridges were blocked or rendered impassable in order to stage ambushes or to keep Crown reinforcements from arriving. For example, in early March 1921 roads were blocked in eleven places in the Bagenalstown district by trees and other obstructions. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 5 March 1921, p. 4). In the Diocese of Ossory, in which Glenmore is located, several roads were reported trenched in several locations. Local workmen were commandeered by the R.I.C. and Black and Tans and compelled to fill the trenches. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 19 March 1921, p. 3). All roads leading to New Ross were also trenched. Sometimes there was enough room for a small cart to pass, but wagons and motor vehicles could not. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 March 1921, p. 5). The conditions of the roads became so bad that the Kilkenny County Council, as well as the Waterford County Council, placed notices in newspapers advising people to use the roads at their own risk.
Sometimes the obstructions worked and sometimes they did not. “There is reason to believe,” a report from Dublin Castle adds, “that an attack on Bagenalstown barracks was frustrated by the timely arrival of reinforcements.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 5 March 1921, p. 4). On the other hand, Brigadier General H.R. Cumming, D.S.O. Colonel Commandant of the Kerry Brigade, another officer and two soldiers were killed at an ambush in County Cork although they were protected by three motor tenders and an armoured car. The newspaper reported that between five and six hundred Republicans took part in the ambush, using machine guns, rifles, revolvers, shotguns and bombs. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 12 March 1921).
On Monday night the 7th of March, the Republicans attacked the Dunmore East Police Barracks. At 9:45 p.m. the bridge at Waterford was opened to allow a ship to pass. A large number of armed men appeared and refused to allow the bridge to be closed. Other men damaged the electrical machinery which operated the bridge. At 3:30 a.m. a large group of military arrived by one of the late trains and took charge of the bridge. They had to lower the bridge to cross the river into Waterford City from the train station. The bridge was lowered by a hand apparatus. The obstacles on the roads leading to Dunmore East and the damaged bridge prevented the speedy relief of the police barracks. The sounds of the attack could be heard for miles and it lasted for hours. (Kilkenny People, 12 March 1921, p. 9) On the 9th the military visited the Waterford City bridge and after entering the engine room the bridge could not be opened without “acquainting the military.” The newspaper presumed that this action was a sequel to the raid on the bridge on the 7th. (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 March 1921, p. 17).
At about the same time a large force of military arrived in Waterford and conducted another raid on the City Hall. As a tribute to the memory of the Mayor and Ex-Mayor of Limerick a tricolour flag was flying at half-mast. Both men were murdered on the 9th of March in their homes in Limerick in the middle of the night by Black and Tans. After the military removed the flag from the Waterford City Hall city officials were told that they would be court martialled if it happened again. “As the military drove off the flag was waved by one of the soldiers.” (Waterford News & Star, Fri. 11 March 1921, p. 17). (For a concise account of the Limerick murders see, https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/articles/limerick-in-shock-after-mayor-and-former-mayor-murdered ).
The local newspapers provide that a number of bridges and roads around and in Glenmore were damaged in mid-March 1921. Two bridges on the Waterford to New Ross road were damaged near Forristal’s Mill (Graiguenakill/Ballyverneen, Glenmore), as well as the Arrigle bridge in Bishop’s Mountain. (Munster Express, Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 6). On the 27th the Luffany bridge was blown up. The Luffany bridge spanned a small stream, about a mile beyond the creamery at Slieverue on the Waterford to New Ross road. The newspaper queried the blocking of the highway as “the district is of a very bleak description,” and the Slieverue creamery was the only building of any size or importance in the area. The Slieverue police barracks had been vacant for a long time. The nature of the explosive used in the destruction of the bridge was not known. However, it was expressed that the traffic along the road was considerable. (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 5). In addition to the destruction of the Luffany bridge, a big trench was dug on this busy road about a mile from Slieverue, and farmers with carts found it difficult to travel to and from Waterford. Trenches also were dug on the road between Harristown and Mullinavat, and on the road at Clonassy. The Military commandeered farmers’ horses in the locality to repair the damage done to bridges and roads. (Munster Express, Sat. 2 April 1921, p. 6).
Attempted Jail Break & Soldiers Caputured
The last week of March an attempt to “rescue” prisoners from the Waterford jail occurred. Mrs. O’Brien of King’s Terrace, whose back garden abutted the rear prison wall, reported that several armed men appeared at her home. They detained her in one room of her house while they went into her back garden. Soon after the men left the police appeared and searched her garden where they discovered a ladder. Although authorities would not conform it the newspaper reported that it was believed that prisoners attempted to overpower a guard to escape. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 March 1921, p. 4)
Perhaps the most astounding report for the month was the capture of soldiers from the Rosslaire Express by Republican forces at Kilmacthomas, County Waterford. The express train from Cork to Rosslare was stopped by 300 armed men at Kilmacthomas junction. Fifteen soldiers stationed in County Cork were found on the train. The soldiers were on leave and not armed. Three of the soldiers were allowed to stay on the Express. One soldier was going to visit his dying mother and two others were going to visit sick relatives. The remainder were herded into the village led by a fiddler playing lively tunes. It was reported that a council of war was held by Sinn Féiners and it was decided to billet the soldiers in the Village Post Office. Some of the soldiers’ bags and overcoats were taken. The next day the military arrived from Waterford, and escorted the captured soldiers back to Waterford. A detachment of 100 military were placed in charge of the Village and were quartered in the Workhouse. The article concludes by reporting that the express train was delayed about half an hour. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 11 March 1921, p. 5).
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The featured photo above depicts a group of protestors in 1920 outside Mountjoy Prison. (The Graphic, Sat. 17 April 1920, p. 11).