Bennett's of Ballinacurra Descriptive List (Ref. B609)

B609/

B609/9/A/34 Diary, 1914. Bennett records the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease on 1 March. Early in the year, there is much reference to the Ulster question and the Ulster Volunteers. In August, Bennett notes the outbreak of war in Europe. On 6 August he notes ‘nature a strange contrast to the mad outburst of mankind’. On 1 October his son Jack was rejected by the 3 rd Munster Fusiliers on account of his eyesight. He was however re-examined on the 26 th and passed fit. In his entry for Christmas day, Bennett notes ‘I daily have increasing fear that this Great War will call for my son also may God preserve him and give us courage’. B609/9/A/35 Diary, 1915. On 20 January Bennett resigned from the County Committee of Agriculture, as it conflicted with his role as a Department of Agriculture employee in respect of the experimental plots. The prospect of prohibition as a result of the war led to ceasing of malt steepings on 1 April, the earliest date for 30 years. This did not materialise, but unavailability of labour made completion of commission ‘nearly impossible’ (21 May). On 15 August Jack received his orders for the Front. He and his father had a long talk about religion, Jack being described as ‘a true believer’. On 30 September Jack joined the 2 nd Munster: ‘he will now experience all the horrors and dangers of War’. On 18 October, notice was received of Jack’s death in action on 13 October. Bennett reflects ‘our dear lad has given his all – a dear son, companion & friend unblemished through life and a soldier’s death’. On 21 November Bennett gave some of Jack’s shirts and other items to an Arthur Wilson (who subsequently served and died in France). Bennett notes ‘I wept over the dear boy’s clothes – but how terribly sad it must be for his mother’. He spoke at a recruitment meeting in Dungourney on 5 December, which was disrupted by a Sinn Fein counter- demonstration. B609/9/A/36 Diary, 1916. On 1 April Bennett brought Brida home following an operation in Cork. He quotes a line ‘She comes home to die and join the dear lad beyond the river’. She died on 10 April. On 25 April he notes ‘vague reports of rebellion, some alarming’. On the declaration of martial law on the 28 th , he writes ‘Thank God for this. Now the country will be cleaned up’. On the 30 th he notes ‘Flags up at Charleston for rebels down’. On 1 October he observes ‘never before had Harvest Thanksgiving with no barley in’ [high prices and AGS refusal to meet them rendering Bennett inactive in local markets. AGS arranged delivery of some Californian barley]. B609/9/A/37 Diary, 1917. On 8 February, Bennett accepted DoA offer of a post supervising the oats growing contract between the army and Irish farmers. In late February the maltings had to close owing to a government prohibition of malting barley for brewing. In succeeding months Bennett based himself in Dublin and concentrated on Departmental work. He also travelled extensively. AGS grants allowed the firm to remain in profit (30 May). Malting operations resumed in September. On 18 September he notes Jack Smyth’s expression of interest in entering

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