Steele, O'Connell & O'Gorman Mahon. Group portrait of (L-R) Tom Steele, Daniel O'Connell, M.P., and The O'Gorman Mahon (James Patrick Mahon), M.P. The O'Gorman Mahon proposed and Steele seconded O'Connell for the 1828 elections in Clare.

Standing at Stud. A notice announcing that Young Marmion was to stand at stud at Killulla, Newmarket-on-Fergus in 1860. The stallion was owned by Terence O'Brien who was married to Maria Frost from Drumline. They emigrated to British Columbia in 1862 after their youngest son Patrick was born, along with Terence's brother, Morgan and Catherine, sister to Maria O’Brien. After living in British Columbia the family moved to western Washington state.

Harriet Smithson Berlioz. Harriet Smithson - born in Ennis in 1800 - was an acclaimed actress who later married the French composer Hector Berlioz. This engraving is the frontispiece of 'A New Way to pay Old Debts: a comedy in five acts' by Philip Massinger in which she played the part of Margaret when the play was staged in London. The portrait was engraved on steel by Thomas Woolnoth from an original drawing by Thomas Wageman.

The O'Gorman Mahon. A drawing of The O'Gorman Mahon, done in 1877 while her was an M.P.

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Additional Information Re – Application. John Minihan Corofin for 1934 Military Service Pension. Leading to period (192 )/ 1913: I was one at a meeting held in the board room Corofin November 1913. Organisation: The meeting was called by H.J. Hunt Corofin for the purpose of organising a branch of Irish Volunteers in the district. 1914: A branch of the Irish Volunteers was formed about February 1914. Branch formed/officers: H.J. Hunt Corofin was elected Captain I was appointed Section Leader. Parades: Drill and parades in public were carried on. Funds: I helped in the raising of funds by collection and public functions for the purchase of arms. Arms Purchased: 14 Martini Enfield Rifles and 600 rounds .303 munition was purchased from Irish volunteers H.Q. by such funds at £3.10.0 stg per rifle. .22 Miniature Rifle/Practise: I attended parades and drilled openly also .22 Miniature Rifles practise under H.J. Hunt. Redmond: Redmond’s adherents joined the Irish volunteers about August 1914 in our district. Split demanded rifles: At a meeting held in A.O.H. Hall Corofin Nov 1914 Redmond’s adherents split with the original Irish volunteers and demanded the rifles."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Secured rifles/Distribution of rifles: I with about 25 Irish volunteers under H.J. Hunt secured the rifles and munition. The rifles being distributed among the Irish volunteers, I got charge of 2 rifles and 600 rounds .305 munition, which I held in my possession until required in 1920. 1915 Oath of allegiance to Ireland: Attended parade ordered by H.J. Hunt November 1915. Purpose of which to take oath of loyalty to Ireland. Administered by organiser Earnest Blythe who was then under order of deportation by the British. 16 members taking the oath. Training: As a member of the Irish Volunteers attended all parades and trained privately in all military matters also rifle practice until April 1916. 1916 period (1 & 2) mobilised attack on Corofin: Mobilised with my company under H.J. Hunt O/C at 4pm Easter Sunday 1916 with 3 days rations for the purpose of attacking..."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "District R.I.C. HQ at Corofin. Countermanding Order: Countermanding order received through Limerick command calling off all engagements. 14 members were mobilised. Secured Arms: Secured all arms in the district in the hands of others than Irish volunteers. Easter Monday proceeded to Galway: On Easter Monday our O/C H.J. Hunt not satisfied with countermanding order proceeded to Galway to get in touch with Liam Mellows for orders owing to enemy activities unable to get in touch and returned to his unit. Period (1 & 2) 1916 During week: Under H.J. Hunt we stood too the whole week awaiting orders to proceed with attack on barracks. R.I.C.: A body of R.I.C. numbering about 20, invested the area about my house from Wednesday to the following Monday. Supervision Intelligence: A body of R.I.C. numbering about 20, invested the area about my house from Wednesday to the following Monday. Being a publican was in constant touch with the R.I.C. and collected valuable information as re their movements, numbers, personnel of their officers. Period from 1st April ’19 to 31st March ‘18: Paid civilian informants. Sergeants in charge of intelligence and all general police information orders and sometimes secret orders and sometimes secret orders. This information I gave to H.J Hunt and Captain Joseph Barrett. I collected a number of revolver and munition. Period 3 1917 East Clare Election: I took a prominent part in the organisation of voters in the district also transport arrangements in the East Clare election 1917."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Re-organisation of volunteers and Cumnamban: Under H.J. Hunt organised the I.R.A. and formed the 5th Battalion Clare Brigade comprising 10 company areas Corofin, Rath, Kilnaboy, Dysart, Ruan, Cloona, Kilfenora, Carron, New Quay, Kilkeedy numbering about 600 men. I also organised Cum-na-mban in those bay areas within the 5th Battalion. First public parades since 1916: Those volunteers maintained order in different hostile areas paraded in public and went through military evolutions. The first time the volunteers paraded in public since 1916. Drill: I drilled and made efficient the volunteers in those areas in military exercises. Batton charges: On several occasions I was one of a party secretly armed with revolvers and carrying openly. Battons ordered to Hostile election areas..."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "...and took part in several batton charges in Ennis under Col. Patk. Brennan O/C Clare and General Michl Brennan Adgt. Scout: Did scout and dispatch riding with motor cycle throughout the whole East Clare area.Open drill/Representation made to G.H.Q.: After East Clare Election Col. P Brennan O/C Clare made representation to HQ to have Clare made a special area and carry on parades or drill openly in defiance of the British. Order Issued: By order from G.H.Q. Clare was declared a special area. Appointed Vice Commandant 5th Battalion: I was appointed Vice Commandant 5th Battalion. H.J. Hunt Commandant appointed sanctioned by Pat Brennan O/C Clare Brigade I.R.A. General Parades: General I.R.A. Volunteer parades were held throughout the entire 5th Battalion area in command of H.J. Hunt and myself and military evolutions gone through. 1917-‘18 R.I.C. & military stationed at Corofin: Period (3) Corofin was district R.I.C. HQ in charge of a district inspector and Head Constable. A company of the H.L.I. (military) were also stationed at Corofin numbering 120 men."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Bayonet charges by military: At one if those I.R.A. parades in Corofin the O/C military ordered H.J. Hunt our O/C to dismiss parade which he refused to do. A bayonet charge was ordered supported by a machine gun section. We having to retreat before superior equipped enemy forces. My O/C arrested: My O/C H.J. Hunt was arrested in August by R.I.C. and charged with illegal drilling. He was tried in Cork by General Court Martial sentenced to imprisonment and sent to Mountjoy. Acting O/C 5th orders: I took command of the 5th battalion. After my O/C being arrested. Issuing orders to all Coy. Areas to parade publicly. Inspection: Inspected such Coy parades. Commanding battalion parades: Ordered battalion parades to be held in enemy territory Corofin. Taking command of all battalion parades. Giving orders in section extended & company drill. Three such parades were held under my command. Arrested: I was arrested on the 16th August 1917 by Head Constable McGurk in charge of a party of R.I.C. Conveyed to Cork: . I was conveyed to Victoria barracks Cork in charge of Sgt. Brosnahan and party of R.I.C. Charged under Do. R Regulations: I was charged with offences against Do. R Regulations."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Tried by G.C.M. sentenced to 2 years H.L.: I was tried by General Court martial at Victoria barracks Cork and sentenced to two years hard labour (one year remitted). Refused to recognise court: I did not plead I refused to recognise the jurisdiction of the court to try me, it being a court set up by the alien government and I being a soldier of the I. Republic. Removed to Mountjoy claimed prisoner of war status and political treatment: On the 12th September 1917 I was removed to the Mountjoy Prison. As a soldier of the Irish Republic I claimed prisoner of war status and political prisoner’s treatment and refused to wear prison clothes not being a criminal. H.L. prisoners/Leaders: I was removed to the C wing along with 6 other Irish republican H.L. prisoners. Thomas Ashe being one of the number. He, we elected as our leader. Non H.L. prisoners their leaders: The non H. L. prisoners were in D wing in charge of Austin Stack, Finian Lynch, Paddy Brennan and Michael Brennan. Refused to do work - did exercise: The 7 H.L. prisoners refused to do any work or comply with any prison rules. We received worse diet than the usual prison diet and only ½ hours exercise daily."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Broke prison rules on bread and water non H.L. section: On the 17th of September we broke all prison rules and were immediately put in solitary confinement on bread and water. On the 18th September 1917 the non H.L. Irish Republican section followed our lead. They were removed to our wing. The number now totalling 40. The number of Clare men being 15. Our demands: On the 19th September 1917 we rang the cell bells, each man made a demand for exercise. 1917-’18 (Periods) Demands refused: Association, prisoner of war status, and political treatment. We were refused our demands. That night Thomas Ashe sang “Wrap the Green Flag Round Me” & “Carry your Cross”. Ringing bells/ continues Ringing/ knocked on doors with stools: On 20th we again rang the bells in a more hostile manner and gave our demands which were ignored by the prison authorities. A continued ringing ensued. The enemy muffled the bells. We caused pandemonium by knocking on the doors with the prison stools and broke all prison fittings within our cells."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Stripped of everything including clothing: The din was so great we did not hear the warders rushing our cells until they had us on the floor and stripped us of our boots and removed all movables including bed and clothing leaving only the bible, prayer book and salt. Supported by military/ hunger strike declared 20th to 30th without beds sleeping on floor: The wardens were supported by a company of military stationed in the wing. We declared a hunger strike commencing 10am on the 20th September 1917. I went through hunger strike from 20th-30th Sept without boots bed nor clothing sleeping on floor with the bible as a pillow. Forcible feeding/Lost weight very weak could not stand: I was forcible fed 13 times. I lost 3 stone in weight in 10 days. Being so weak having to be carried to the feeding room. When I tried to talk no sound would issue. When I tried to stand I could only get on my knees and pitch forward unable to get up. Ashe died: Thomas Ashe died on 25th Sept 1917. As a result of being forcible fed by Dr. Lowe."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Strike declared off: The strike was declared off on the 30th Sept at 12p.m. We had won a victory. British constitution/ classes: We were the first body of men to have won a distinction to break the British constitution. Our leaders set up military training classes (officers) which I attended. For training efficient officers. Removed to Dundalk: On the 13th Nov. 1917 we were removed to Dundalk prison. Agreement broken/ hunger strike in Dundalk: We were declared to be on hunger strike commencing at 8am on that day the British having broken their agreement with us. As the treated as criminals some republican prisoners I was on hunger strike from 13th to 19th Nov at 7 pm. in Dundalk prison. Cat and Mouse Act: I was released under the Cat and Mouse act with Austin Stack, Finian Lynch, Wm Mack. Carried munition: I carried a quantity of .303 munition to Ennis which was received from G.H.Q. for Clare."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Returned to Unit 1918-'19-'20: I returned to my unit the 5th Battn Clare Brigade. Duty as heretofore: I took up duty as heretofore, commanding parades etc. Attended First aid Classes: I took a course in first aid Classes. O/C arrested again: My O/C H.J. Hunt was again arrested for commanding Battn. Parades at Corofin. I again was in command: I again took command of the Battn and Held 3 Battn Parades at Enemy H.Q. Corofin Giving words of Command etc. Cumn–na-mBan: I took command of the Cumn na mBan & taught First aid and Military Exercises. 1st April ‘18 to 1st March ‘19 Train Period 4 Inspected & lectured boys nightly: G.H.Q. gave orders for private Training public parades to be suspended. I issued order to all boys to parade & train by night. I inspected and lectured to such parades nightly. Training each boy in warfare, especially attack retreat & surprise. Conscription/Liable to arrest: Conscription was passed in April. Being liable to arrest at any time I went on the run so as to to be in a positon to command my unit to resist conscription."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension."First Aid Benefits Pikes & munition: Ordered the Cumn-na-mBan to make a first Aid Outfit and Haversack for each man inspected Same ordered & assisted in the manafacture of munitions & pikes repairs of Firearms. Defenceless Men: Men without weapons of defence I organised into a labour & destructive unit. Clare proclaimed under Martial Law: Clare was proclaimed under martial Law (ceasefire in Ennis) 25,000 British Troops invaded the area with barb wire entanglements on the banks of the Shannon, as the first drive was intended for Clare. Intelligence & communication/Fighting Unit: I organised an effective system of Intelligence within my area and perfected our lines of communication. I had the Battn in a position to take the field as a fighting unit. German Plot Arrests 1st April ‘19 31st March ‘20: Volunteers arrested under the German plot who were in charge of rifles & munitions Got in touch with those and secured their arms & munitions. Our movements reported to enemy: (Period 5) Our movements were being reported to the enemy. I got in touch with the Head Constable in Corofin in Dougall. I received from him all reports they received as to our movements & information as to their movements & orders."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension."Information received by me got Rifles munition Documents into Safety: Also when raids on Volunteers were to take place. On one occasion when head Constable Dougall had no time to give me warning as he personally was ordered to take charge of the raiding party. He ordered his party to raid the local Hall in the meantime coming himself to my house giving me warning of a raid to take place. I had time to get into safety 2 rifles 600 Rounds .303 munition and documents Roll Books etc. before the raiding party arrived. Head Constable Dougall resigned in 1920. R.I.C. Boycott: A boycott of R.I.C. was enforced by our forces and Intelligence as to their movements etc. hard to secure. In touch R.I.C.: I was ordered to keep in Touch with R.I.C.and collect all information: Information Received: Head Constable Dougall me with all information required which I gave to O/C mid Clare Brigade at Workhouse Ennis. I was also in touch with R.I.C. Ruan Barracks including Bill Carroll. I was one of the first he mentioned the capture of Ruan Barracks to. Visited D.I. Mackey: Visited every night the house where D.I. Mackey was staying (O’Rahilly’s) collected same information & tried to get in touch by purchasing a bicycle from him. D.I. Mackey resigned in 1920."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension." Raid on wounded volunteer: Gave information as to the intentions of the Ennistymon R.I.C. to raid Cloona district for a wounded Volunteer Martin Devitt. He was removed to safety. Reports: I reported all information to O/C mid Clare Brigade at Ennis. Courts: Helped in the establishment of the Republican Courts. 1st April ‘20 31st March ‘21: (Period 6). Capture Ruan R.I.C. Barracks 18/10/20: On Sunday night 17/10/20 ordered to enemy District H.Q. Corofin on Intelligence and act as scout to avoid further orders and report immediately any unusual occurance or activities of the enemy in connection with the capture of Ruan Barracks.On the run: After capture of Ruan Barracks became a suspect in order to evade arrest went on the run. A member of Mid-Clare A.S.U.: I became a member of the member of the Mid Clare A.S.U. under Joseph Barrett O/C columns and took part in all engagements or operations carried on by the column. Monreal Ambush 18/12/20: Took part in Monreal ambush 18/12/20, a member of the Mid Clare A.S.U. 33 men at a point 2 miles Ennistymon– Ennis Road to..."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "5 Hours Fight:...ambush 3 lorries R.I.C. & military S.H. 45 men in a 5 hours fight enemy reinforcements from Ennistymon arriving in 30 minutes 18 of our men having to retreat in 20 mins, leaving 15 to engage the enemy & retreat. Retreat & again engaged the enemy: When we had retreated 100 yards the Enemy engaged us with machine gun fire. We had to take cover in a river behind stones about 1 foot high (head cover) and engaged the enemy. We had to silence 3 machine guns before we could again retreat. Rear guard action: In the retreat Joseph Barrett & myself fought a rear guard action. I carried one wounded Volunteer Wm McNamara to safety. Casualities: Enemy casualities 14 killed 4 seriously wounded 6 wounded slightly 6 wounded on our side. Helped Wounded: Helped & carried our wounded 5 miles across country to be dressed by Dr. Hillery. Removed Wounded: Removed & guarded wounded to place of safety 10 miles distance."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "1920-21 (Period 6) Guarded Wounded/ Caherea Ambush 19/1/’21: Guarded wounded & wanted man Bill Carroll for 4 weeks with Joseph Barrett a member of a mid Clare column of about 15 men in ambush at Caherea 19/1/’21 point 5 miles Ennis – Kilrush Rd. for a party of military. Surprised: After being in position all day and about to leave when we were surprised by enemy forces 14 lorries. Casualities: Enemy casualties one wounded. Our O/C Frank Barrett slightly wounded. O’Briens Castle Carrahan Ambush 12/2/21: Ambush O’Briens Castle Carrahan 12/2/’21 point 5 miles Tulla – Ennis (½ way). One of the A.S.U. numbering 30 men surprised by Tulla enemy forces after an engagement 3 of our men fully equipped were captured. Appointed Adjutant & I.O. 3rd Battalion: Appointed Adjutant 3rd Battalion mid-Clare Brigade on 9/2/’21 and also appointed Intelligence officer 3rd Battn. mid Clare Brigade 23/2/’21. men home off the run: The enemy district O./C.’s in. each district had orders to get men home on the run who were not on the black list."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Representation made to my people: D.I. Scott Ross O/C Enemy Corofin made representation to my people stating that there was no need for me be away from home – I could come home and no undertaking required on his part: Report to O/C mid Clare/ Our Intelligence disorganised/ Enemy Secret Code: I reported this to O/C mid Clare Frank Barrett that the enemy were trying to get men home. Our Intelligence system having become disorganised and our O/C Frank Barrett received orders from Director of Intelligence to have a man in Corofin to receive Enemy secret Code from Commander Reynolds of the auxiliaries who were about to be removed to Corofin. Ordered home: I was ordered home on Intelligence Special by Brigade O/C Frank Barrett 25/3/’21. Came home: I arrived home on the 25th March 1921 & made my appearance at Mass. D.I. Scott Ross to See me: D.I. Scott Ross came to my house that night to see me. Asked no promised only stated that I need not have left home as there was nothing against me, asking me to get all I could off the run & supply him with their names. 1st April 1921 11th July 1921 (Period 7):"

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Took up my old position as butter buyer: I went about freely taking up my old position as butter buyer so as to have an excuse to move freely & with safety all over the mid-Clare Brigade Area. Carried on work of adjutant & I.0. 3rd Battn area: I carried on my work as Adjutant of the 3rd Battn. Mid-Clare Brigade also I.0. I organised a system of Intelligence within my Own Battn. effectively appointing agents unknown to each other thereby keeping a check on all within reach of the enemy. Mails Raid: Got the incoming & outgoing mails raided & captured. (Period 7) 1921: Eventually disorganising the Enemy Intelligence system in the area. Intelligence over 35 miles area: Acted on intelligence for Brigade in person with the help of agents over areas Ennistymon - Miltown-Malbay - Kilshanny - Inagh - Ennis West Clare Railway. 3 enemy posts & 3 routes in use by the enemy – covering an area of about 35 miles. Organised Collection of Rates within Enemy lines: Organised the collection of rates within enemy district Corofin, no collection having taken place or possible prior to I coming home."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Communication only read by O/C mid Clare: All my communications & information being strictly confidential & private & only to be read by O/C mid Clare personally daily & twice daily communications were necessary according to information, I received & enemy activities. Danger of Capture of Dispatches/ Precautions/ Getting through & Return [through] Enemy lines: The danger of those documents being captured or information reported to the enemy being so great that I personally would have to get through the enemy lines & cycle from 5 to 7 miles leaving between 10 p.m. & 11 p.m. to head into the hands of our first confidential dispatch Rider in a special list of communication on the return having again to get through the enemy lines between 12p.m & 1 a.m. Attend Hand Ball Court & mix freely with the enemy: I used visit every evening the hand ball court next the R.I.C. Barracks Corofin for the purpose of observing the enemy & for the collection of information from some of my agents & give them orders for what I required for next day. I used mix freely with the enemy in this court taking part in a game of ball with them."

Application of John Minihan of Corofin for a Military Service Pension. "Intelligence in 3rd Battn./ Result Cregmoher Ambush/ Dispatch Rider. Result of my information reported within my own battn. 3rd Ambush Cregmoher 1 mile Corofin Ennis Rd. on D.I. Scott Ross & party 10/4/’21 ambush one 1 enemy dispatch in - scout & Intelligence man Dromore 4 miles Corofin- Ennis Road Fatally wounded. Ambush Dispatch Rider: Ambush on one enemy dispatch scout & Intelligence man Drumcavan 2 miles Corofin-Ennis Road. Attacked by an unarmed Volunteer enemy wounded with his own Webley. Ambush Party Lay Dromore: Ambush party Brigade A.S.U. lay Dromore 4 miles Corofin-Ennis Rd for 3 lorries of Corofin enemy. Enemy not travelling owing to report by Civilian returned from Ambush site to a shopkeeper in Corofin having reached enemy 17/5/’21. Ambush Clifden: Ambush Clifden one mile west Corofin on one Armoured Lancia & one Crossley Tender water party 15 men R.I.C. & Tans – One enemy wounded enemy retreating having being warned – reinforcements up in 10 minutes."