Michael (M.J.) Burke letter on eve of execution, January 1923
Regular readers will remember the chance discovery of Frank Cunnane’s letter on the eve of his execution in 1923 behind a dresser in a cottage in Headford. The posting of that letter has instigated a very rewarding section of this blog. We’ve received photos, mass cards and letters from the period and have been very happy to facilitate the conversation which […]
Irish Civil War: Letters on the Eve of Execution
The Irish Civil War began on April 14th 1922 with the occupation of the Four Courts and several other buildings. The final phase of the War descended into a series of atrocities which left Irish society deeply divided and embittered for decades afterwards. In January 1923 11 Anti-Treaty prisoners including some Galwaymen were executed (two […]
The Tuam Martyrs, April 11, 1923
“No matter what the future may hold for the Irish nation, the seven years — 1916 to 1923 — must ever remain a period of absorbing interest. Not for over two hundred years has there been such a period of intense and sustained effort to regain the national sovereignty and independence.” DeValera This weekend is […]
