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| Reference |
RO608
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| Title |
Manchester I.R.A.
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| Scope and Content |
File includes a typed report signed by Patrick O’Donoghue (Battalion Commander) outlining the history and activities of the Manchester Battalion. Report includes information that the Battalion owes its origins to the formation of two companies of volunteers; the first in November 1913, and the second in February 1914. Both companies paraded in St. Wilfred’s Catholic Schools, Hulme, Manchester. These companies fell into abeyance after the 1916 Rising but were reorganised in 1919 and 1920. A combined strength of c. 52 are named by O Donoghue. The names of 4 members who took part in the 1916 Rising are included. Activities carried out include assisting in the escape of prisoners from Lincoln Prison, Strangeways Prison and the smuggling of arms and ammunition through the Manchester Ship Canal to Ireland.
Volunteers carrying out operations are named in some cases and there is a listing of 11 women who assisted in concealing warlike stores while awaiting shipment. Details of operations to disrupt essential services in the Manchester area and the burning of farm buildings in the adjoining countryside are included. Two informers are named, one being blamed for the arrest of O’Donoghue, who was replaced as Battalion Commander by Matt Lawless. Other arrests are detailed, including a list of warlike stores captured as a result of these arrests and the sentences passed on convicted Volunteers are given. (5pp undated)
File includes covering letter in manuscript from John McGollogly, Captain No 1 Company naming four members (including him) living in Dublin and making application to “the Pensions Board” (1p dated 11 October 1937) and two newspaper cuttings [Manchester Evening News] undated.
Included in file is a listing of 30 male applicants by name, file reference, status of claim, cross reference and other details relating to the award of service pensions in each case. Included similar information in the case of 6 members of Cumann na mBan (3pp, undated)- [likely prepared by the work of the office of the Referee and Advisory Committee].
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| External document |
MA-MSPC-RO-608.pdf |
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