Tipperary Studies
Some Topics and Sources (3rd Brigade)
Local Reaction to 1916
John McDonagh (W.S. 532) was sent to Tipperary as a messenger and was in contact with Eamon Ó Duibhir (Ballagh) a key Tipperary IRB contact.
Eamon Ó Duibhir (W.S. 1403) describes the killing of two policemen near Tipperary town by Michael O’Callaghan and Treacy’s reaction to the failures in Tipperary
Dan Breen (W.S. 1739) explains his disappointment that the Rising did not spread – mentions the O’Callaghan episode
The Soloheadbeg Ambush
P.H. O’Dwyer (W.S. 1432) was appointed by Treacy to take charge of the Hollyford Company – gives a detailed account of the planning, execution and aftermath of the ambush – claims no violence was intended – arrested in March 1920
Edmond Crowe (W.S. 599) explains about the rifles captured during the ambush
James Kilmartin (W.S. 881) of Solohead Volunteers was not involved but has interesting evidence
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) took part and gives detailed evidence about the preparation, episode and aftermath
Dan Breen (W.S. 1739) gives his version - NB Treacy responsible and wanted to start a war and only way to do this was to kill policemen – vital to prevent republican movement becoming just talk and politics – very important that after the ambush the Volunteers remained in the country
Seamus Robinson (W.S. 1721) discusses “the ethics of the ambush” [it should be noted that alone among witnesses, Robinson’s style is verbose and turgid] and “how Soloheadbeg came about” – “the first Brigade operation” and some details of the ambush – note his reference to “the hotheaded tension of Breen” – goes on to give lots of details of the aftermath -
Michael Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1433) on the shock
The Rescue of Hogan at Knocklong
Seamus Robinson (W.S. 1721) “There was from the beginning a gentleman’s understanding among us, never spoken ….that we would all four (Robinson, Treacy, Breen and Hogan) stand or fall together.” – gives his version - lots of details -
Sean Treacy
Eamon Ó Duibhir (W.S. 1403) had a good deal of contact with Treacy through the IRB -
James Kilmartin (W.S. 881) from Solohead first met Treacy at a sports day around 1913 and was appointed captain of the Solohead Company by Treacy -
Seamus Robinson (W.S. 1721) very positive about Treacy – “flair for organisation” and “finger in every pie”
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) was brought into the Solohead Volunteers by Treacy and is very informative
Dan Breen (W.S. 1739) describes being sworn into the IRB by Treacy and emphasises the conflict between the kind of nationalism represented by the IRB and by the AOH – on Treacy’s leadership and personality “He had vision and to him nothing was impossible” - “I knew him perhaps better than anyone else” - on Treacy’s mother – “a bossy domineering type…..she made life a complete hell for him …..” (Seemingly she always referred to the witness as “Breen the murderer”) – To Breen, Treacy’s nationalism was a triumph of nature over nurture – Breen’s view on why Treacy was not in charge of the 3rd Brigade –“he felt that we (Treacy & Breen) were just two country lads with neither financial nor social standing ….”
The Volunteers in Cashel and Paddy Hogan
W. O’Donnell (W.S. 1304) active with the Volunteers around Cashel and is useful on Hogan’s career and death in March 1921
Patrick Keane (W.S. 1300) served in the British army during WWI. He was with Hogan when he was killed.
E. Grogan (W.S. 1281) worked closely with Hogan in and around Cashel
Michael Davern (W.S. 1348) on getting arms and raising money for arms
Jerome Davin (W.S. 1310) was sworn into IRB by Hogan – Treacy’s death
Eamonn Ó Duibhir (W.S. 1403) attended IRB meetings in Cashel
James Keating (W.S. 1220) was involved in the burning of the court house
The Volunteers in Carrick
See relevant chapters in P.C. Power, Carrick-on-Suir Town & District 1800-2000 (Carrick, 2003)
D.J. O’Driscoll (W.S. 1159) was involved in organising the Volunteers in Carrick.
Seamus Babington (W.S. 1595) stated that around 800 men from Carrick joined the British army during WWI and he explains the impact of this on the town – lots of anti-Republican wives on separation money – He deals with the Conscription Crisis and the ending of WWI (A student could do a very interesting study on Carrick 1914-18.)
E.J. Glendon (W.S. 1127) joined the Volunteers in Grangemockler and is useful with respect to the anti-Republican influence in Carrick and obtaining arms.
Frank Drohan (W.S. 702) organized the IRB in the town using the Gaelic League as cover. He explains that Carrick was not especially receptive to Irish Ireland.
Dr Philip Murphy MD (W.S. 1197) involved in Gaelic League – good story about getting hold of weapons in hands of Redmond’s Volunteers
Sean O’Carroll (W.S. 1702) describes an arms raid in March 1918, with O’Keeffe (below) when a large amount of explosives and ammunition were taken from three hardware businesses in the town – arrested in November 1920 and out of commission through 1921
John O’Keeffe (W.S. 1168) confirms Carrick’s high recruitment to the British army and describes hostile reception to Countess Markievicz when she visited in 1917
Peter Tobin (W.S. 1223) from Grangemockler evidence about raids for arms
The Volunteers around Cahir
Thomas Ryan (W.S. 783) from Ballylooby – became O/C 6th Battalion – Cahir “a garrison town and most of the population the loyalist type” – for this reason considered a “good place” for consignments of arms to be sent from Dublin - states “There were only three Volunteers in the town of Cahir” – and a later statement “Five members was its total contribution of Volunteers towards the fight for freedom 1916 to 1921.”
Edmond McGrath (W.S. 1393) on the organisation of the 6th Battalion, from a meeting at Tincurry in Sept 1918
Attack on Hollyford Barracks
J.C. Ryan (W.S. 1450) was present
Tadhg O’Dwyer (W.S. 1356) was involved
Attack on Rearcross Barracks
Tadhg O’Dwyer (W.S. 1356) was involved
P.H. O’Dwyer (W.S. 1432) gives an account
Attack on Kilcommon Barracks
Tadhg O’Dwyer (W.S. 1356) was involved
Attack on Drangan Barracks
Sean E. Walsh (W.S. 1363) refers to this, 4 June 1920
T. O’Carroll (W.S. 1243) was in Drangan
Attack on Cappawhite Barracks
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) took part, 4 June 1920
Dinny Lacy’s ASU (Flying Column) No.1
Sean Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1259) is an excellent witness
Andrew Kennedy (W.S. 963) a member – 35 strong – good on organisational matters – describes ambush at Ballyglass of convoy bringing supplies to garrison at Clonbeg in March 1921 – also Doon Ambush in July 1921
P.H. O’Dwyer (W.S. 1432) describes the Thomastown Ambush in Oct 1920
Peter Tobin (W.S. 1223) gives graphic evidence and describes the capture and execution of D.I. Potter
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) describes formation of the Flying Column, its training and activities, including Thomastown Ambush, 28 Oct 1920, Lisnagaul (Aherlow) Ambush; 13 Nov 1920 – describes how the unit was surprised by crown forces in Seskin (Solohead), 28 Dec 1920 –
James Kilmartin (W.S. 881) was Lacy’s second-in-command and provides very useful evidence, including ambushes at Thomastown and Aherlow (Ballydavid) – also Ambush at Garrymore Crossroads between Cahir and Clogheen and which involved Hogan’s ASU – during this D.I. Potter was captured – when the British refused to exchange him for an IRA prisoner, Potter was executed – Kilmartin’s impression of Lacy “His beliefs were so intense that they might be described as fanatical”
Michael Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1433) – member - on the formation of the Flying Column and its members – its first ambush –Thomastown 28 Oct 1920
Sean Hogan’s ASU (Flying Column) No.2
Thomas Ryan (W.S. 783) on its organisation and on being a member – lots of ambush plans that failed – good description of thousands of troops searching for the ASU –
John Nagle (W.S. 1394) was the second-in-command and gives a very detailed account, including names of its members
Organising the Volunteers
Eamon Ó Duibhir of Ballagh (W.S. 1403 and W.S. 1474) was a key figure in the early history of the 3rd Brigade – involved in Ulsterman Seamus Robinson coming to Tipperary – Ó Duibhir was an important figure in the IRB and was sworn in by James Kennedy (Thurles) – an important witness, especially regarding early history of the Volunteers - describes four types of men in the RIC
Dan Breen (W.S. 1739) is useful on the importance of the IRB and the early history of the Volunteers – when first formed “a sudden wave of enthusiasm” – then around Donohill the loss of “90%” to Redmond after the Split – trying to keep the few activists together – formation of the 3rd Brigade – How Robinson was put in charge -
NB: Treacy wanted a “stooge”
Michael Fitzpatrick (W.S.1433) - the 8 Battalions of the 3rd Brigade:
Rosegreen No.1 Clonmel No. 5
Cashel No. 2 Cahir No. 6
Dundrum No. 3 Drangan No. 7
Tipperary No. 4 Carrick No. 8
Seamus Robinson (W.S. 1721) attacks Breen’s role in the Brigade, insisting on his subsidiary role -
J.C. Ryan (W.S. 1450) was quarter master of the 3rd Bt and is interesting on organisational matters such as the election of officers. Confirms the influence of Treacy.
S. Babington (W.S.1595) was Brigade Engineer and is informative about the difficulty getting arms and the business of putting a levy on farmers and businesses. Describes being at Treacy’s funeral.
Tadhg O’Dwyer (W.S. 1356) was at the meeting in Tipperary town in Oct 1918, chaired by Richard Mulcahy to organise 3rd Brigade from existing companies.
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) was also present
Edmond McGrath (W.S. 1393) also at this meeting (held in a room over P.J. Moloney’s chemist shop)
Jeremiah Frewin (W.S. 930) worked at Limerick Junction and gathered intelligence and arms
Sean Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1259) states that in 1918 the Brigade, while poorly armed, consisted of 6 Battalions – excluding Fethard, Rosegreen and Carrick which were later – made up of 57 Companies – a total of around 4,000 men
Thomas Ryan (W.S. 783) compares Robinson and Treacy (not a fan of Robinson)
James O’Flynn (W.S. 1249) assistant adjutant is good source on administration
The Volunteers in and around Fethard
James Keating (W.S. 1220) states that there was no Volunteer Company in Fethard during 1919
P. Ua Floinn (W.S. 1221) was Captain of the Fethard Company and involved in SF. He has a wonderful story about his son, a clerical student in Louvain, smuggling guns in hollowed-out books
His son William O’Flynn (W.S. 1235) who was in his mid-teens gives one of the few pieces of evidence in this source about the Fianna (youth movement) – describes the visit of Countess Markievicz to Fethard
His brother James (W.S. 1249) was assistant adjutant 3rd Tipp Brigade
Sean E. Walsh (W.S. 1363) involved in organising Volunteers around Moyglass and describes the killing of Constable Tobin near Ballinure 2 July 1920 – when in charge of the 7th Battalion mentions the executions of three “spies” (in fact individuals who refused to toe the IRA line) – gives an exciting description of escaping from British patrols in March 1921 when attending a Battalion meeting in Knockroe near Drangan – was a witness to the accidental shooting of Denis Sadlier
Patrick Ryan (W.S. 1380) describes visiting Liverpool in order to obtain arms and a bit more locally, taking arms from four members of the RIC at Downey’s Cross
Thomas O’Carroll (W.S. 1243) was involved in the Volunteers in Drangan and lived beside the RIC barracks – describes obtaining arms and being on the run – when he was picked up he was taken out on convoys as a hostage – at Knockroe in March 1921 his Battalion was surprised by crown forces
The Volunteers in Clonmel
Richard Dalton (W.S. 1116) describes the difficulty getting arms and raiding houses for same.
Frank Drohan (W.S. 702) was a key Republican figure in Clonmel and one of the most important IRB members in the county. He is informative about the years before 1919 and the competition with supporters of the Irish Parliamentary Party and the AOH. Born in 1879, his involvement was more political than military. Elected Mayor of Clonmel in 1921, he took McCan’s Dail seat.
Thomas Halpin (W.S. 742) worked as a railway clerk and is informative about local reactions to 1916. He was very involved in obtaining arms, using his rail contacts. He was sworn into the IRB by Frank Drohan. After the Rising he was one of those sent to Frongoch and was released in August.
W. Myles (W.S. 795) sworn into IRB by Drohan – anti-Recruitment campaign in the town – exceptional nature of Sean Tracy
John Sharkey (W.S. 1100) was from a middle class background in Clonmel and makes the point that it was unusual for businessmen’s sons to be involved in the Volunteers, an organisation in which far more shop assistants than owner’s sons were active - describes dissatisfaction with local leadership because not active enough – forced local changes - information on intelligence gathering - interested in photography (See THJ 1994)
Seamus Robinson (W.S. 1721) describes difficulties with the 5th (Clonmel) Battalion –demotions -
The Volunteers around Hollyford
P.H. O’Dwyer (W.S. 1432) – involved in organising the Company – membership of around 100 “all young men in the Hollyford district were members” – involved in Soloheadbeg Ambush – arrested March 1920 and therefore missed attack on Hollyford Barracks
The Volunteers in Tipperary Town & District
Sean Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1259) also wrote Recollections of The Fight for Irish Freedom (Tipperary n.d.)
Michael Fitzpatrick (W.S. 1433) is informative about the organisation of the Volunteers in Tipperary 1913-18 – DeValera’s visit in August 1917
Maurice Crowe (W.S. 517) brought into IRB in Tipperary town by Willie Benn the local centre – references to Treacy, Lacy and Duffy - post Rising re-organisation of the Volunteers – frequent arrests – took part in 7 hunger strikes
Maurice A. McGrath (W.S. 1701) on the murder of the O’ Dwyer Brothers in Ballydavid in Oct 1920
Andrew Kennedy (W.S. 963) from Solohead but not involved in ambush – worked in Limerick Junction – intelligence work for Volunteers – witness to Black & Tan activity in Tipperary town – joined Lacy’s ASU
Sean O’Carroll (W.S. 1702) worked in Tipperary town and refers to Sean Duffy and Tom Rogers, leaders of the two Companies (A&B) in the town – describes a failed attempt to raid the court house where gelignite was supposedly stored – very informative about the Tipperary Club, a hotbed of sedition and frequently raided by the Black & Tans
P.H. O’Dwyer (W.S. 1432) describes DeValera’s visit to the town and some IRB activity – refers to the proposed court house raid (see above)
Peter Tobin (W.S. 1223) was involved in the Aherlow Ambush
James Kilmartin (W.S. 881) from Monard was Captain of the Solohead Company and describes attacks on RIC Barracks
and raids for arms – describes the Oola Ambush on 30 July 1920 during which involved escaped IRA prisoner General Lucas
Tadhg Crowe (W.S. 1658) from Solohead decribes DeValera’s visit to Tipperary town in 1917 – also the Conscription Crisis and 1918 election - Crowe was arrested for illegal drilling in 1918 and sent to Belfast Prison. He was released in October 1918 – took part in the Soloheadbeg Ambush and the Oola Ambush on 30 July 1920 –gives details about the deaths of Sean Duffy and Paddy Moloney (son of P.J. Moloney TD)
last updated on: Tuesday, 03-Aug-2010 15:38:02 IST