The gradual dismantling of the Penal Laws in the later eighteenth century fostered a modest spate of chapel-building across Ireland. Emancipation under the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, however, encouraged an accelerated building programme celebrating the liberated status of the Catholic Church. More often than not, each new church was a communal effort combining fundraising … Read more
On Tuesday 20 April 2010 at Mealy’s Auctioneer’s rooms, Kilkenny, lot 604 was sold for €21,000 (plus fees). This item is described in the catalogue as: ‘THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’S CAP BADGE Collins (Michael) An original Irish Army bronze Cap Badge with inscription Óglagh na hÉireann/FF reputed to have been removed from General Michael Collins’ vehicle at … Read more
The cap with jagged tear, minus badge and diamond, now located (but not on display) in the National Museum, Dublin, is the cap that Michael Collins wore when he was shot. It was sent there ‘from Mr Cosgrave’s office’ on 27 January 1923 ‘as being that worn by Collins at the time of his death’. … Read more
On that Tuesday morning, 22 August, the convoy lined up outside Cork’s Imperial Hotel’s military quarters as Michael Collins began his last journey. Emmet Dalton, National Army military operations director, saluted and spoke briefly to him before both mounted the Leyland vehicle. Collins jotted in his notebook: ‘Left at 6.15am—Macroom, Bandon, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen’. As … Read more
Under EPO 362, 4,634 Irish soldiers who had been absent from their posts for more than 180 days were summarily dismissed from the Irish Defence Forces for desertion. Servicemen who on 8 August were absent for less than 180 days and were not captured were dismissed automatically as soon as they passed the 180-day threshold. … Read more