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| File Reference |
MSP34REF15663
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| Name |
Mary McGrath |
| Gender |
female |
| Address detail |
| Street |
Main Street, Newport
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| County |
Tipperary
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| Country |
Ireland
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| Date of birth |
1894-08-14
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| Date of death |
1976-06-04
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| Associated files in MSPA |
34E6479; DP21518
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| Related files |
MSP34REF44315 (Brigid Kennedy, sister)
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| Civilian occupation |
Dress maker;
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| Easter rising service |
No |
| Organisation |
Cumann na mBan |
| Rank |
Member
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| Unit |
6 Battalion
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| Company |
Newport Branch
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| Brigade |
1 Tipperary Brigade
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| Commanding Officer(s) |
Annie Duggan
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| Pension Claim |
Yes |
| Award Pension |
Yes |
| Army Pensions Act 1923/1953 |
Yes |
| Type of Award |
SPASpecial Allowance (DP file)
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| Military Service Pensions Acts 1924 |
No |
| Military Service Pensions Acts 1934 |
Yes |
| Grade |
E |
| Notes |
Awarded 2 1/2 years service for pension purposes
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| Military Service Pensions Acts 1949 |
No |
| Digital file |
Scanned/digital copyMSP34REF15663 Mary McGrath.pdf
Scanned/digital copy34E6479 Mary McGrath.pdf
Scanned/digital copyDP21518 Mary McGrath.pdf |
| File dates |
27 May 1935 - 19 September 1979
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| Subject Information |
Files relate to Mary McGrath’s successful claim made for a military service pension in respect of service rendered during the period 1 April 1920 to 30 September 1923. McGrath was unsuccessful in her claim in respect of her service during period 1 April 1917 to 31 March 1920. Paperwork on file shows that McGrath two brothers (John and Tom) and three sisters (including Sarah and Brigid) were involved during the period. It is also recorded that one of her sisters, Mrs Brigid Kennedy was also an applicant under the Military Service Pensions act (1934). During the period, she lived with her family at a house with address ‘Tunrpike’, Newport.
In connection with her application for a military service pension, McGrath attended a meeting with interviewing officers on 6 September 1941. A summary of the meeting is held on file. The summary, application form and a lengthy statement (13pp) completed by McGrath shows that she joined Cumann na mBan at Newport in 1918 and her family home was used on a regular basis by the [6] Battalion as a meeting place and a place to stay.
Broadly, McGrath’s activities post 1920 centered on catering and doing laundry work for men who frequented her home. It is further noted that Flynn assisted men who used a dug out that was made on her land. There was also an arms dump located under a built in press in the home and due to its size, was used to store small arms such as revolvers and ammunition. At times, McGrath was required to convey these arms to various locations. McGrath’s statement contains information about Lackamore ambush (9 April 1920) and Lackelly ambush (12 May 1921). McGrath also claimed that she provided information about a D.I. Biggs which led to an attempt on his life ‘which did not succeed’ c. May 1921. During the Civil War, it is noted that McGrath carried out the same type of duties and tended mainly to men attached to Sean O’Carroll’s column which numbered eighteen (18) men; the family home was also used as a dispatch centre during that time. Included on file is a copy list of ‘Active C.na mBan’ women active in the 1 Tipperary Brigade area and McGrath’s name appears on this list. The list was produced by Seán Gaynor, Chairman Tipperary 1 Brigade Pensions Committee.
McGrath’s case was supported by Patrick F O’Brien (ex Adjutant, Tipperary 1 Brigade) O’Farrell, John McGrath (late Officer Commanding A company, 6 Battalion), E O’Leary (ex Officer Commanding, Tipperary 1 Brigade, Active Service Unit) and Seán O’Carroll. The aforementioned wrote letters addressed to the Military Service Pensions board and endorsed aspects of McGrath’s service.
File includes: pension application prepared and submitted by McGrath. Files also contain paperwork regarding the progress of McGrath’s application and eventual award of pension. There is also paperwork on file regarding the winding up of Miss. McGrath’s estate following her death in 1976.
File (DP21518) relates to applicant's claim for a Special Allowance. Includes: medical report; correspondence and memoranda conerning application. Material relating to family partly closed under Data Protection.
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