Clare and the Great War

by Joe Power

  There are memorial tablets in the Church of Ireland churches of Ennis, Killaloe, Ennistymon, Kilnasoolagh, Spanish Point, and Tuamgraney. Indeed, in the Church of Ireland in Bindon Street, Ennis, there is a wooden cross which was originally placed over the grave of Lt John Frederick Cullinan Fogerty, who died on 8 August 1915 in Gallipoli. One brass plate in St Columba’s commemorates six men from the parish of Dromcliffe, who died in the Great War. These memorials were erected by the families of the wealthier Protestants in County Clare, the landed gentry and professional classes.

  There is no similar tradition in the Catholic churches, despite the fact that well over 95 per cent of the Clare dead of the First Word War were Catholics, even though many of the Catholic soldiers may have been persuaded by the Catholic hierarchy to enlist in defence of Catholic Belgium. So, there is no reminder in the Catholic churches of County Clare of those who died. However, in the old graveyard of Shanakyle in Kilrush, the Kilrush Ex-Servicemen’s Association erected a wooden cross to commemorate their comrades who had fallen in the Great War. This was erected in the early 1920s.1

  On the other hand, the republicans who died in the War of Independence in County Clare are buried in their native parishes, and monuments have been erected where they were killed. It was easier to cherish the memory of the twenty-four republicans from County Clare, who died during the War of Independence than that of the 600 or so men and women from County Clare who died during the First World War. Incidentally, the twenty-four Clare civilians who died during the War of Independence are also largely ignored by the public.2

  Memorial plaque for G.W. Maunsell at Ennis. (Courtesy of Eric Shaw and John Power)

  Michael Brennan, in his memoir, contrasted the manner in which he and other republicans were treated immediately after the Easter Rising with the reception they received eight months later when they returned from English prisons: ‘At Limerick station we had been sent off by a crowd of British soldiers, “separation allowance ladies” (“viragoes”), who howled insults, pelted us with anything handy and several times had to be forced back physically by the military escort, when they tried to get us with fists or nails.’

  ‘Eight months later, when I got off the train in the same station I was met by a crowd numbering several thousands, who cheered themselves hoarse and embarrassed us terribly by carrying me on their shoulders through the streets. It was all very bewildering, but it made clear that the Rising had already changed the people.’

  Michael Brennan’s welcome on his return in January 1917 was similar to that given at Ennis in December 1918 to James Madigan of Ennis, when he was greeted at Ennis railway station after serving more than twelve months jail in Belfast for his republican activities. Hundreds of supporters turned out to greet him and he was given ‘a most enthusiastic reception’. The Volunteers organised a parade into O’Connell Square, but the RIC interrupted the procession into the town centre with a baton charge.3

  It was almost the reverse with those who volunteered to join the British forces in 1914 and 1915. After enlistment they may have received notice in the local papers and been cheered off by their families and friends at local railway stations, but there were no cheering crowds to welcome home the ‘gallant’ men as heroes, who had served in the British Army or Royal Navy during the Great War. Instead, they came home quietly after demobilisation, to a country that no longer acknowledged their sacrifices and bravery.

  Memorial Cross for Lt John F. Culligan RE. (Courtesy of Eric Shaw and John Power)

  Armistice Day

  After the war the British Legion was active in many of the large towns and cities, assisting those ex-servicemen who had fallen on hard times. In 1919 Earl Haig became the patron of the Poppy Fund to raise funds to assist the wounded soldiers and sailors. In the large towns and cities, especially in Northern Ireland, there were Armistice Day services to commemorate the dead.

  Some attempts were made to have Armistice Day ceremonies in County Clare after the War of Independence and the Civil War. It would have been very difficult to sell poppies in County Clare for the British Legion during the years of the ‘troubles’, 1919-1924. However, there was some commemoration in Ennis on the first anniversary of Armistice Day, which did not please some republicans in Clare as Michael Brennan, Commandant of the East Clare Brigade described in his memoir:

  On Armistice Day 1919 I was in Ennis. British soldiers, ex-soldiers and their women folk were demonstrating to celebrate the victorious end of the war and Union Jacks were flying in a few places. We didn’t interfere until the English flag appeared on the County Infirmary. I went at once to the hospital and demanded an explanation as to why an enemy flag was flown on a hospital owned and maintained by the people of Clare. I learned that it had been done on matron’s orders. I pulled down the flag and burned it in the street in the presence of a crowd which had gathered.

  I anticipated reactions and they came quickly. I went to the Old Ground Hotel and was talking in the garden with Canon O’Kennedy and other members of the Clare Sinn Féin Executive when a shrieking and apparently drunken mob of soldiers and civilians arrived … I fired three shots over their heads and they disappeared hurridly … I made a strategic retreat over various walls until I reached the convent where the nuns kept me until it was dark. Two of the local priests called then in a motor car and I went with them to St. Flannan’s College. I learned from them that the ‘hunt was up’ and that the town was being combed for me by military and police … A day or two later I left St. Flannan’s and motored to Cork dressed as a woman, complete with the flowing motoring veil of those days …4

  There were many ex-servicemen living in the town of Ennis and indeed in many towns of Clare after the war. They were a significant presence in the community. Indeed, during the local elections of 1920, one candidate, James Frawley, stood as a candidate for the Comrades of the Great War party. He received eighty-four votes, the third highest, and was elected a member of the Ennis Town Council. In that election six Sinn Féin and five Labour councillors were also returned. Another ex-soldier, Martin McCarthy, was co-opted onto Kilkee Town Commissioners in 1919.5

  The Ennis branch of the Comrades of the Great War held a committee meeting at the Comrades Club, Church Street (now called Abbey Street) on 30 October 1925, in which they expressed their gratitude to Mr G. de Willis and Mr Schofield and others who assisted Mr F. Connolly, who suffered severe financial difficulties after the death of his wife. Mr E. Reynolds (chairman) presided at the meeting. The resolution of thanks was proposed by Mr Michael M. Hegarty and seconded by Mr James Frawley.6

  Shortly after this meeting, a notice of an Armistice Day Choral Evensong to be held at Ennis parish church, Bindon Street, was put in the Saturday Record. The preacher was to be Revd R. Boyd, MC, HCF. A collection would be taken up afterwards for the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Association of County Clare.7

  Over the following nine years Armistice Day ceremonies at Ennis were recorded in the Saturday Record. The newspaper reports give us some idea of the work and influence of the British Legion in distributing relief in the town of Ennis to wounded and disabled ex-servicemen. W.H. Ranalow was honorary secretary of the Ennis branch of the British Legion around this time.

  In 1926, two parades took place, one on Remembrance Sunday, 7 November, and the second on Armistice Day, 11 November. The parades started from the British Legion Hall in Mill Road and the men marched with medals and other awards. The parade was led by Maj. G. Studdert and was inspected by Gen. Parker. The route of the parade was from Mill Road, via Harmony Row and Abbey Street into O’Connell Street for 10 o’clock Mass at the Pro-Cathedral. On Armistice Day the men marched to the Franciscan Friary for 11 o’clock Mass, after which there was a two-minute silence in O’Connell Square, followed by the Last Post and Reveille. Later that afternoon a choral evensong was held at Bindon Street church, where the preacher was Revd H. MacManamy, MC, Legion of Honour. Afterwards, a collection for Earl Haig’s Poppy Fund was held. According to one report, ‘a
bout 120 ex-servicemen, proudly wearing medals and decorations, formed into ranks four deep and, led by the Ennis Brass and Reed Band, paraded to the church’. The ceremonies were described as ‘solemn’.8

  There was a similar parade on Remembrance Day in 1927, again under the command of Maj. G. Studdert, with services in the Franciscan friary and in the Protestant church at Bindon Street. The parade was inspected by Lord Inchiquin of Dromoland. Also, a dance was held in the Legion Hall (women’s section), in aid of Earl Haig’s Poppy Fund. The Saturday Record of 12 November published a letter from Earl Haig appealing for the charity. The ceremonies in Ennis were ‘quiet, but impressive’. The parade was led by the band of the United Labourers’ Association. Lord Inchiquin, in addressing the assembly spoke ‘of the hardship and distress prevailing among many ex-servicemen, owing to the dearth of employment’. He advised them ‘to remain united in the comradeship which had been formed, fostered and cemented during the Great War’. During the day ‘Flanders Poppies were worn by many in the streets of Ennis’.

  Notice of Armistice Day Service, Saturday Record, 28 October 1925.

  Mrs Olive Gordon Stewart was in charge of the poppy sellers and organised several entertainments during the week on behalf of the Wounded and Disabled Soldiers. A ‘most successful’ dance was held at the British Legion Hall on Monday night, 14 November, which was attended by more than forty-five couples from Ennis and its environs. Music was supplied by the D’Vine Band from Dublin and dancing was non-stop from 9.30 p.m. until 4 a.m.! The dance and catering was organised by Mrs Pearson, Provincial Bank and Mrs Gordon-Stewart.9 It would seem that those who went to the dance were middle-class people, as 5s was a significant sum of money during these years.

  There was only a brief mention of British Legion activities in 1928. There was a dance in the British Legion Hall on 21 November. H.W. Ranalow, hon sec., also wrote a letter to the paper stating that £157 had been collected through the sale of poppies in 1926, but that more than £300 had been distributed in County Clare to ex-servicemen in need.10

  Similarly, in 1929 little was written about the Remembrance Day ceremonies. The men marched from the Legion Hall to the friary, where Mass was celebrated. A two-minute silence was observed at O’Connell Square at 11 a.m. Later that afternoon a memorial service was held at Ennis Parish church, Bindon Street, where the preacher was Revd Canon Adderly, Hon. CF. The new honorary secretary of the British Legion Ennis Branch was H.V. White, who stated that poppies would be sold on 9 and 11 November. He also said that grants to disabled men in County Clare amounted to three times the amounts raised in Clare by the sale of poppies. There was also a poem by John McCrae, called ‘In Flanders’ Fields’:

  In Flander’s fields the poppies blow

  Between the crosses row on row,

  That mark our place; and in the sky,

  That larks still bravely singing, fly

  Scarce heard amidst the guns below.

  We are the dead. Short days ago

  We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

  Loved and were loved, and now we lie

  In Flander’s fields.

  Take up your quarrel with the foe;

  To you from failing hands we throw

  The torch; be yours to hold it high.

  If ye break faith with us who die,

  We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

  In Flander’s fields.11

  The only news reports in 1930 and 1931 were that the annual fundraising Poppy Dance would be held in the Legion Hall. Tickets would be 5s. Dancing was from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in 1930, but from 9 p.m. to 3.30 a.m. in 1931! Supper was included in 1931. In 1932 an average of £100 was distributed in County Clare, while it was reported that much more was collected in the county.12

  In 1933 More than sixty ex-servicemen took part in the parade on Remembrance Day led by Capt. Jack Corry DCM from Labasheeda. There were ceremonies in the Ennis Friary and at the Church of Ireland church in Bindon Street. It was reported that ‘poppies were worn by many people in the streets of Ennis and that the anniversary passed off as quietly as to be unnoticed’.13

  The last newspaper report of the 1930s relating to an Armistice Day ceremony at Ennis dates from 17 November 1934 when, ‘A parade of about 100 ex-servicemen under the command of Capt. Corry, DCM, Labasheeda, took place from the British Legion Club to the Friary. Following Mass there was a two-minute silence followed by the Last Post and Reveille. In the evening there was a commemoration service in the Ennis parish church, Bindon Street, where Canon Griffin gave a sermon’.14

  Unfortunately, the Saturday Record closed down in September 1935 and there were no further reports of Remembrance Day ceremonies at Ennis or elsewhere in the county until 1948. That is not to say that they did not occur, but they were rarely reported during the forties and fifties in the only remaining Clare newspaper, the Clare Champion, which had pursued a more nationalist policy since 1917. The ceremonies may have continued, as there were at least 100 marchers in 1934, which was a significant number. There were no hostilities shown to the ex-servicemen by the IRA or other militant republican groups in the county. The Second World War began in September 1939 and Ireland declared neutrality. This is perhaps another reason why the surviving combatants of the First World War may have been sidelined. The Irish people had more important things on their minds.

  After the Second World War ended in 1945 there was no mention of a Remembrance Day ceremony. Instead the Clare Champion was more focused on the erection of a memorial to four members of the East Clare Brigade of the IRA who were shot at the bridge of Killaloe on 17 November 1920.15

  On the thirtieth anniversary of the Armistice, in November 1948, a Remembrance Day service was held in the Church of Ireland church at Bindon Street, Ennis. Afterwards there was a collection for Earl Haig’s Poppy Fund. It must be remembered that the Poppy Fund was now catering for veterans of both world wars. There was no report of any publicly advertised Mass in any of the chapels in Ennis in memory of the deceased.16

  Saturday Record, 6 November 1931.

  There was no mention of a Remembrance Day ceremony in Ennis in 1958 on the fortieth anniversary of the armistice. Of course, this was during the years of the so-called IRA ‘Border Campaign’ of 1956-62 and national republican sentiment was high at the time. As a matter of interest, the Great War memorial at Limerick, which had been erected by the Limerick Branch of the British Legion in 1929, was blown up in August 1957. A significant factor in this was that Sean South, an IRA Volunteer from Limerick, was killed while taking part in the IRA ‘Border Campaign’ on 1 January 1957.17

  IRA memorials were erected at Miltown Malbay and at Lahinch to honour two local IRA Volunteers. There was also a memorial service in Tuamgraney with a Mass for the repose of the souls of the deceased members of the East Clare Brigade IRA and members of Cumann na mBan, with a procession to the Garden of Remembrance. The year 1958 was also the centenary of the foundation of the Fenian movement and there was a huge parade around Ennis from O’Connell Square to the Maid of Éireann monument at the Mill Bridge to honour the memory of the ‘Manchester Martyrs’. Perhaps it was prudent not to have a Poppy Day collection in Ennis at this time.18

  Ten years later, in 1968, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Armistice, there was a notice in the front page of the Clare Champion that the Annual Poppy Collection would be made on 8-9 November in Ennis. The report stated that £245 had been collected in the previous year and that war veterans in County Clare had benefitted from grants of £400 from British Legion funds. They had received help to purchase coal and groceries. It mentioned that membership of the British Legion in Clare now amounted to about seventy men. (Again, it must be remembered those who benefitted were survivors of two world wars.) By now, those who had fought in the Great War were probably in their late sixties or older and the numbers were dwindling rapidly.19

  The annual Remembrance Day collection continued in Clare for a few more years, though it received only intermittent mentions
in the local papers. In November 1970, during the height of ‘the troubles’ in Northern Ireland, a report in the Clare Champion stated that a three-day Poppy Day collection would be taken up in the streets of Ennis between 5-7 November. The article stated that £201 had been collected in 1969 for the Irish men who had fought in two world wars. The newspaper report stated that at least forty needy cases had been helped, with the provision of clothes, groceries and coal. Widows were also assisted and three of them had been given grants for funeral expenses during the year. It was stated also that for every £1 collected in Clare, the HQ of the British Legion returned £4 to the county. During the early years of ‘the troubles’ membership of the Limerick Branch of the British Legion declined steadily. The branch was closed and their premises in Hartstonge Street Limerick was sold. The Clare members and friends were also affected by ‘the troubles’. There were no more reports in the local papers of Poppy Day collections after 1970. Incidentally, the special issue commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Clare Champion printed in 1978 hardly mentioned the Great War at all.20

  Some Veterans of the Great War

  Time was marching on and the number of Clare veterans of the Great War was shrinking rapidly. Belatedly, some local people and historians began to take an interest in the few known surviving Great War veterans living in Clare. But, even if they wished to discuss the war, the memories of the old men were fading.

  Tommy Kinnane

  One of the few ex-British Army veterans who were honoured in his community after the war was Tommy Kinnane of Clare Castle. This was because after he left the army in 1918, he joined the IRA and took an active part in the War of Independence. Born in 1882, he joined the Ordnance Survey in his teens and was many years with the British Army. He then left the army for a few years. During this time he was captain of the Robert Emmet’s football team that won the county football title for Clare Castle in 1908. When the Great War broke out he joined the Royal Engineers and spent two years in France. When home on leave in 1918, he was arrested by the RIC for possession of a Sinn Féin flag and was sentenced to six months in jail. While in jail he made contact with some members of the IRA and upon his release, he joined the IRA and became a member of the flying column of the mid-Clare brigade. His military training and experience was quite useful to the IRA in Clare and he served on many engagements during the War of Independence. He took the anti-treaty side in 1922 and was badly wounded in an engagement with Free State forces in 1922, losing an eye. After his death in 1947, his friends in Clare Castle and in the Old IRA erected a Celtic Cross at Clarehill Cemetery, Clare Castle, in his honour. An IRA firing party gave him a gun salute, firing three volleys over the grave and the Last Post and Reveille was sounded in his honour. Mr Bernard Power, Clare Castle gave the oration at the graveside on 22 July 1950.21