Riobárd Langford Descriptive List (Ref. U156)

From the collections of Cork City and County Archives Service.

Cork City and County Archives Descriptive List

Identity Statement

IE CCCA/U156

Reference Code:

Riobárd Langford Papers

Title:

(1898) 1913-1973

Dates:

Level of description: Fonds / Item Extent:

50 items or 1 box

Context Creator Langford, Riobárd (b.1896-d.1978)

Archival History/ Source of Acquisition

Collection reference U.156, the Papers of Riobárd Langford (in Irish Riobárd O’Longpuirt) were acquired from Langford by the Archives in the mid 1970’s. The copy of a 1948 letter from Langford (ref. U156/45) was separately donated to the Archives (formerly U65) and has now been added to the collection. Prof. John A. Murphy donated 6 additional items in Nov. 2012 (items 46 to 50) plus an additional copy of items 9 and 10.

Biographical History and Scope and Content

Langford was born in 1896 in Cork City and lived at Ashburton, near Mayfield, Cork and later at South Terrace, Cork. His family was originally from Cobh. His father was Charles Lankford, who worked as a printer in the Cork Examiner newspaper. Member of Conradh na Gaeilge (Gaelic League). Served apprenticeship in Cork Examiner, in about 1910. His printing business started

in 1913 with the purchase of St. Josephs Press, Stable Lane, off South Terrace, Cork, later known as the Lee Press or Cló na Laoi. Married 1st wife neé Fennell who died giving birth to their 3rd child. Had 20 children with his 2nd wife, Catherine O'Callaghan, of Blarney Street. Riobárd’s grandfather was possibly a Protestant minister. Brother in law to Siobhán Langford, IRA, North Cork, who was married to his brother Seamus. Lieutenant, C Company, 1 st Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade during 1916, including armed duty at Sheares Street and guarding of Commandant Tomás MacCurtain and Vice-Commandant Terence MacSwiney. May have lost his job at the Cork Examiner due to his Volunteer activities. Possibly interned during the period 1916-1917. Member of F Company Dublin Brigade c.1917-1918, then returning to Cork where he helped to train C Company and oversee the capture of 47 rifles from the officers training corps building at Cork Grammar School. From 1919, Captain of A Company, 1 st Battalion Cork No.1 Brigade, IRA. Later, he secured and operated the IRA’s printing press. Involved in numerous military operations until his arrest in May 1921 when he was interned in Spike Island and later Bere Island. On ‘special service’ from July 1921 with the IRA’s mobile printing press. Took the anti-treaty side in the Civil War, continuing in charge of the republican printing operations in Cork, later including the mobile field printing press which operated until the final defeat of the irregular forces. His business printing press was dismantled by the government when he continued to print anti-treaty material following the end of the Civil War. May have been a co-founder of the Fianna Fáil party in Cork city. May have been offered a job as superintendent in the Garda Siochana, which he refused. Died in 1978 aged 82.

Content and Structure Scope and Content

Personal archive of Riobárd Lankford. Section A comprises material directly relating to Langford’s Irish Volunteer/ IRA activities in the 1914-1923 period. Section A.1 of the arrangement contains 2 items relating to the foundation of the Irish Volunteers, including an account of the inaugural meeting of the Volunteers in Cork in Dec. 1913, which indicates Langford’s early involvement in the organisation (U156/2). Section A.2 contains a summary account of Langford’s active service, divided into 9 periods, during 1916-1923 (U156/3). Significantly, this account includes new information and covers a longer period than that found in Langford’s witness statement to the Military History Bureau in 1947. The collection contains a copy of Langford’s Military History Bureau witness statement to which he has added some short handwritten notes and comments which do not appear in the Bureau version (Section A.6) (U156/18). Section A.3 contains a small number of items relating to 1916 in Cork and the commemoration of the 50 th anniversary of 1916 in 1966, demonstrating Langford’s ongoing interest, and sometimes fractious relationship with, the various 1916 or Volunteer commemorative associations and committees (U156/6). The issue of whether Cork volunteers were eligible for 1916 medals was a matter in which Seamus Fitzgerald became involved, writing a letter to Taoiseach Sean Lemass (U156/7). A small number of items relating to the killing of Col. Smyth, divisional commander, RIC, in April 1920 by the IRA, are found in A.4 of the arrangement, including Langford’s correspondence concerning the matter with the Irish Press. (U156/10) Section A.5 mainly consists of items relating to some of Langford’s comrades in the irregular or anti-Treaty IRA such as a copy of the inquest into the shooting of Captain Timothy Kenefick (U156/13) and copies of the last letters of Richard Barrett (Dick Barrett) before his execution by the State (U156/14, 16). Section B of the arrangement contains 7 items relating to the issue of Military Service Pensions for IRA volunteers including a letter concerning Langford’s application under the Military Service Pensions Act 1934. (U156/20)

Various writings, mainly in Langford’s hand, are found in Section C of the arrangement such as notes on the 1914-1923 period (U156/28) and such as, a TS. of an essay or lecture, mainly in Irish, about the history of Ireland (U156/35); and such as, the text of a speech made in 1969 by Langford at Ahiohill, near Bandon in West Cork, in memory of Dick Barrett, Rory O’Connor, Liam Mellowes and Joseph McKelvey, who were executed in retaliation for the murder of Sean Hales TD. Section D contains some newsclippings relating mainly nationalist issues, plus an 8 page printed pamphlet ‘Teachers of the Men of 1916’ (U156/39). Relating to Langford’s later business as a printer, Lee Press, is a single item only, concerning the wholesale price of paper (U156/44). Section F of the arrangement contains an additional item, a letter from Langford to the Secretary of the Old IRA Memorial Committee in 1948 concerning the suggestion of slanderous comments by Langford in another letter he wrote to the Secretary in which he raised objections to the way the Committee operated (U156/45). The collection, while relatively modest in size, is of interest to the study of Irish nationalism and republicanism and more particularly the Irish Volunteers and Irish Republican Army for the 1914 – 1923 period, especially for the Cork area. The collection documents Langford’s activities as an officer in the Irish Volunteers and the IRA from 1914/1916, during the War of Independence, and also in the irregular/anti-treaty forces during the Civil War. Some prominent nationalist and republican figures are mentioned in the collection. Also of interest to the study of the agencies concerned with the commemoration of 1916, and its 50th anniversary in particular, and also concerning the provision of military pensions for former IRA men from 1934.

System of Arrangement

A: Irish Volunteers and Irish Republican Army 1914 – 1923 (1947) (1)

Establishment of the Irish Volunteers in Cork, 1914 (2 items) Accounts of Active Service, 1916 – 1923 (1 item, 19pp) 1916 in Cork and 50th Commemoration of , 1916-1966 (5 items) Killing of Colonel Smyth R.I.C., 1920, 1957 (4 items) War of Independence, 1921 and Civil War, 1922–1923 (5 items)

(2) (3) (4) (5)

(6) Military History Bureau, 1947 (2 items) B: Military Service Pensions, 1935-1973 (8 items) C: Speeches and Writings, 1898-1969 (10 items) D: Newsclippings and Publications, 1899-c.1966 (6 items)

E: Printing Business, 1968 (1 item) F: Additional Material, 1948 (1 item)

Conditions of Access and Use Access Conditions: Open by appointment to those holding a current readers ticket.

Language: English and Irish Finding Aid: Descriptive List

Allied Materials CCCA:

U169 Siobhán Lankford PR6 Seamus Fitzgerald PR7 Connie Neenan Military Archives, Dublin: Military History Bureau, Witness Statement No.16, by Riobárd Langford Publication Note/ References Interview by Brian McGee with Finbarr Langford, son of Riobárd Langford, 2006

Rules/Conventions ISAD(G)

Archivists Note / Date of Description Brian McGee, Archivist, CCCA June 2010

Contents

A: Irish Volunteers and Irish Republican Army 1913 – 1923 (1957) ............................ 7 (1) Establishment of the Irish Volunteers in Cork, 1913 (2 items) ...................... 7 (2) Accounts of Active Service, 1916 – 1923 (1 item, 19pp)............................... 8 (3) 1916 in Cork and 50 th Commemoration of , 1916-1966 (5 items) .............. 10 (4) Killing of Colonel Smyth R.I.C., 1920, 1957 (4 items)............................... 12 (5) War of Independence, 1921 and Civil War, 1922–1923 (5 items) ............... 13 (6) Military History Bureau, 1947 (2 items)....................................................... 14 B: Military Service Pensions, 1935-1973 (8 items)...................................................... 16 C: Speeches and Writings, 1898-1969 (10 items) ........................................................ 18 D: Newsclippings and Publications, 1899-c.1966 (6 items)......................................... 21 E: Printing Business, 1968 (1 item) .............................................................................. 22 F: Additional Material, 1948 (1 item)........................................................................... 23

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List of Items and Descriptions

A: Irish Volunteers and Irish Republican Army 1913 – 1923 (1957)

(1)

Establishment of the Irish Volunteers in Cork, 1913 (2 items)

1 14 December 1913 (‘1914’ is indicated in error on the document) TS. account by Langford of public meeting in Cork to ‘…inaugurate Oglaigh na h-Eireann-- the Irish Volunteers…’, on ‘14 December 1914’ [1913]. He writes that the Preliminary Committee were Tomás MacCurtain, Liam De Roiste, J.J. Walsh, Donal MacIonnrachtaigh, and Diarmuid Fawcitt and Maurice O’Connor issued invitation cards ‘to known separatists, Gaelic League local branch secretaries, to G.A.A. adherents; to Gaels who could be depended on to distribute them wisely and well…’. ‘O’Brienite’ Eamonn O'Neill, and John J. Horgan, ‘Redmondite’ were invited to speak ‘to emphasise the non-party character of the meeting’, but did not speak. Guest speakers included Roger Casement of the Gaelic League and Prof. Eoin MacNeill, Secretary of the Volunteers. Describes meeting being interrupted by Ancient Order of Hibernians and ‘Redmondite’ followers. 2pp x 3 copies 2 October 1914 Statement of Executive Committee, Cork Corps, Irish Volunteers, Fisher Street, Cork. Concerns the split in the ranks of the Volunteers following John Redmond’s call for the Volunteers to enlist in the British Army. Statement seeks to ‘place some facts before the citizens’ to explain the cause of the secession of certain volunteers from the ranks of the Cork Corps; ‘The cause of the division…is not a personal, sectional or party one. It is one of principle…Has the time come for Irish nationalists to abandon the old principles of Irish Nationality to make peace with England, accept the English connection…enlist in the British Army…the Cork Corps…support the Provisional Committee in Dublin because that Committee is true to the original non-party

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declaration…and because it refused to allow the Volunteer Organisation to become a recruiting ground for the British Army.’ 4pp

(2) Accounts of Active Service, 1916 – 1923 (1 item, 19pp)

April 1916 – March 1923 Typescript accounts by Riobárd Langford of his active service in the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Army. Ten periods are described. Period One (23 April 1916) includes; ‘officially gazetted’ as a Lieutenant of Company C, 1 st Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade in the ‘Irish Volunteer’. Describes aborted Volunteer action in Cork at Easter 1916, including trip to Macroom, a plan to derail an armoured train, armed duty at the Sheares Street Hall, the surrender of arms to the government following representations of Bishop Colohan and the Lord Mayor, and his loss of employment at the Cork Examiner due to his Volunteer activity. Notes that the men were ‘hourly expecting to fight…and were bitterly opposed to enforced inaction’. Period Two (1 April 1916 – 22 April 1916) includes; activities in the build up to Easter week including transfer of guns to the custody of Sean Moylan of Kiskeam, armed duty at the Volunteer Hall protecting Commandant Tomás Mac Curtain and Vice Commandant Terence MacSweeney who were sleeping on the premises, ‘hourly expecting news from Dublin Headquarters’. Says he attended an officers’ training camp, and ‘personally mobilised every available man…for parade…on Friday night for the purpose of making final arrangements for duty on Easter Sunday’. Period Three (1 April 1917 – 31 March 1918) includes; Continuous Active Service; Member of F Company, Dublin Brigade, in possession of a rifle which was received from Liam Archer, attended meetings of the Irish Republican Brotherhood at 42 Parnell Square, returned to Cork where he intensively trained ‘C’Company including Dan Donovan, Tom Crofts and Florence O’Donoghue. Personally oversaw the Grammar School Raid which captured 47 rifles from an officers’ training corps building. Also carried out organising work in West Cork representing Cork Headquarters.

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Period Four (1 April 1918 – 31 March 1919) includes: mentions plan to put the railway tunnel at Glanmire Road out of commission, administering Oath of Allegiance to Dáil Éireann by all members of the Company and the landing of arms in West Cork. Period Five (1 April 1919 – March 1920) includes; in seeking supplies of Petrol, Langford was arrested and detained in Baltimore R.I.C. Barracks, but was released and managed to source some ‘gun cotton’ from IRA officer Eugene Dunne, some of which was used ‘in the blowing up of King Street Barracks’ in July 1920. Upon Tomás MacCurtain’s request to secure a printing press for the IRA, Langford took over the press of P.Corcoran and ‘from that date to the close of the civil war, all Republican, Revolutionary, or seditious documents of Cork origin emanated from said printing works’. Was also involved in the arrangements for the funeral of Tomas MacCurtain. Also MSS. annotation concerning shooting of man named Mohally, and the printing of a motor cycle permit for Captain Jerome Donovan. Period Six (April 1920 – 31 March 1921) includes; Langford recalls that he made arrangements for the ‘co-ordinated wholesale reprisal on Cork City police patrols’, but this was called off at Arthur Griffith’s insistence. Describes a number of military events including the destruction of the main Cork Income Tax Office, British raid on printing works at Sullivan’s Quay, attack on Blarney RIC Barracks, shooting of Colonel Smith at Cork County Club, ambushes at Dillon’s Cross and Parnell Bridge, printing of 10,000 handbills calling on public not to obey military instructions, printing of duplicate motor licenses, interrogation by ‘Lieutenant Koe’, shooting of spy named Mohally. Says that ‘During this entire period I was constantly on the move and unable to sleep at home…’. Period Seven (1 April 1921 – 11 July 1921) includes; arrested in May 1921 and interned on Spike Island. Wrote published report about killing of Volunteer White who was shot and killed by a sentry while in prison. Period Eight (12 July 1921 – 30 June 1922) includes; transfer to Bere island interment Camp and released on amnesty in December 1921. On ‘special service’, printing forms for commandeering of lorries for use in loading arms and ammunition from the ‘Upnor’ at Ballycotton, and a ‘considerable amount’ of work for Bob Brennan who was sent from Dublin to carry on propaganda. Submitted report on a mobile printing press on instruction from General Headquarters. Period Nine (1 July 1922 – 31 March 1923) includes; continuing to operate on ‘special service’ with mobile field printing press which was set up in Ballincollig Barracks and later in Ballyvourney following the capture of

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Cork by the Regulars. Here he printed a weekly war bulletin edited by Erskine Childers until the press was temporarily abandoned following encirclement by the Regulars, then printing was moved surreptitiously to Lee Press on South Terrace, Cork. He says that, later, the mobile printing press was recommissioned under the order of General Liam Lynch. During this time he also took part in a number of military engagements in West Cork. Period Ten (Following cease-fire at end of Civil War in April/May 1923); He continued to operate on special service printing ‘sedition’ during the Hunger Strike. His livelihood was badly effected, as his printing press was dismantled by government forces, and not returned until August 1925 in useless condition. 19pp

1916 in Cork and 50 th Commemoration of , 1916-1966 (5 items)

(3)

20 May 1916 Copy of letter from Dr. Daniel Colohan, Assistant Bishop of Cork, printed in ‘Free Press’ Saturday May 20 th 1916. Concerns negotiations whereby the Irish Volunteers surrendered their arms in April 1916 and correcting the account which was given ‘in a recent issue of a London daily newspaper’. Gives a daily account of events, including meeting with the Lord Mayor and a British Military representative, and Volunteer leaders and men. Details the various conditions which has been agreed for the hand over of arms and the events surrounding the hand over, including arrests of members of the Irish Volunteers. Also describes the Church’s chaplaincy arrangements for volunteers in the County Gaol and in the Military Prison (near Victoria Barracks). With MS. annotations by Riobárd Langford. 4pp November 1955 Signed declaration by Edward Twomey, States he has seen and read Riobárd Lankford’s Memo. about Easter Week and the reference to Patrick Duggan and the taking of British troops by train and he ‘agrees

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with same’. Points out that work done by railwaymen was only by way of their ordinary line of duty. States that he knew Pat Duggan, guard on the railway, and that he gave Duggan’s 1916 certificate to his daughter before she went to England. 1p 14 February 1966 TS. letter from Riobárd O'Longpuirt (Riobárd Langford), C.561, 20 South Terrace, Cork, to Patrick Canton, 'Honourable Secretary', Cork 1916 Volunteer Association, Academy Street, Cork. Concerns his leaving the Association. He notes that '. . .having temporarily got rid of an officer of the 1916 period. . .the. . .Committee now finds itself in the sorry light that it has only one individual with a Service Medal. . .not even one of its twelve apostles a serving officer of the I.R.A. . .during the Black and Tan trouble or at the Truce. . .'. Regrets that he has not been given the right to state his case at a general meeting. 2pp 14 February 1966 TS. Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald, Chairman, Cork Irish Volunteers 1916 Association, Cork, to Sean Lemass T.D., Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Dublin 2. Concerns issue of awarding medals to Cork 1916 Volunteers. Notes that the matter has been passed to the Minister for Defence. States that the majority of IRA officers who fought in the War of Independence and in the Civil War “were not ‘out’ in 1916”. Argues that Cork City and County volunteers would have ‘fought if ordered to do so or if attacked’, and that Mac Neill’s countermanding order resulted in the dispersal of the Cork Volunteers. Later, many of the important Cork Volunteers joined their Dublin compatriots in Frongoch prison camp. He feels that ‘it would be very difficult now to accede to the request for some form of recognition’, but suggests the Taoiseach meet with a delegation on his visit to Cork. Informs the Taoiseach that the Cork Committee in charge of 1916 celebrations ‘has met with no difficulties or dissensions, nor is it likely to have them’. Describes the organisation and activities of the Committee in Cork. Mentions that he has located a 1917 copy of an article by Sean F. Lemass. 2pp

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18 February 1966 Minutes of Meeting of the 1916 Commemoration Executive Committee. Lord Mayor C.Desmond Chairperson. Contains details of some of the events taking place to commemorate the Easter Rising. 3pp

(4)

Killing of Colonel Smyth R.I.C., 1920, 1957 (4 items)

9 1957 (April 1920) Copy extract from ‘The Administration of Ireland 1920, by ‘I.O’, published in London in April 1920, containing a description of the ‘murder of Colonel Smyth’, divisional commander, RIC, by the IRA at the County Club, South Mall on 17 Jul 1920. (For additional copy, see U156/10). 1p (2 copies) 10 2 October 1957 TS. letter from ‘C.561’ (Riobárd Langford), to the Editor of the Sunday Press, Dublin. Concerns “an inaccurate and misleading picture and account of the death of divisional commander ‘Col’ Smyth…”, that appeared in the newspaper. Gives details of the arrangements made by the IRA Cork Brigade for his killing. With MSS. annotations [also by Riobárd Langford]. With note from the Editor, Sunday Press, ‘The Editor…is much obliged for the offer of the enclosed MS, but regrets that he is unable to make use of it’. (See also : U156/11). Also, additional copy. 3pp (2 copies)

October 1957 MS. Letter from ‘C.561’(Riobárd Langford). Appears to be MS. version of U156/10, concerns account of the killing of Colonel Smyth, RIC, by the IRA in Cork

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(5)

War of Independence, 1921 and Civil War, 1922–1923 (5 items)

17 Feb 1921 TS. Letter from William C. Gover, Major, A.L.O, Headquarters, 6 th Division, (Cork), to Denis Boudren Esq. Solicitor, 17a South Mall, Cork. Concerns Lee Printing Works. Enquires whether his clients are now prepared to give guarantees to refrain from publishing ‘…any matter of a seditious nature or likely to be prejudicial to the Restoration of Order in Ireland’. 1p 11 September 1922 TS. ‘Inquest held by ‘Coroner J.J. Horgan’ at ‘Mr. Gilligans, Coachford’, Monday September 11 th 1922, on the circumstances of death of Timothy Kenefick, Captain of the Volunteers, who was proceeding to Cork by Motor Lorry to attend his mother’s funeral. With accounts by witnesses including C.Herlihy, J.Cotter, John O’Connell, F.Crowley, W.O’Leary, Thomas Burke, Dr W.O’Riordan. Concludes that Kenefick was murdered by a party of Free State Troops. 2pp 8 December 1922 TS. Copy of letter, from Richard Barrett (Dick Barrett), Mountjoy Prison, to ‘My Dearest Mother, Father, Molly, Jim, Willie, Neilus, Eileen and Baby’. He has just been called up from his cell to be told that he is to be executed as a reprisal for the murder of Sean Hales. He is ‘quite prepared for the last long journey…Remember it is sweet and glorious to die for one’s country’. Regrets that the executioners are Irishmen. Asks his family to pray for him and to ‘Remember all the brave lads that have been killed in this fight and try to take it as your lot that you are called upon to give one member of your family to this holy cause…’. 2pp

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15 8 December 1922 MS. copy of letter from Dick Barrett (Richard Barrett), Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, to ‘My Dearest Bridgin’. Written shortly before his execution. He would have liked to write a long letter but has not time, ‘Try and think of me as a dear friend who has died for Ireland…Pray for me but do not mourn my loss. There are many great men dying for Ireland in this sad conflict…’. 1p 16 8 December 1922 Printed memorial card with photographs of Rory O’Connor, Richard Barrett, Liam Mellows and Joseph McKelvey, and poem by Rev. Father Brown,

‘Rory and Liam are dead and gone, Star of the Morning, Mary, come…’

1 item

(6)

Military History Bureau, 1947 (2 items)

27 May 1947 MS. letter from Florrie O’Donoghue (Florence O’Donoghue), Roinn Cosanta (Department of Defence), Buro Staire Míleata 1913-21(Bureau of Military History), Loc Lein, Eglantine Park, Douglas Road, Cork, to Riobárd Langford, 22 South Terrace, Cork. He sends his draft of ‘what we did get done’. Notes one point in Langford’s statement with conflicting information concerning the issue of cards of invitation for the first meeting of the Irish Volunteers in City Hall. Thanks him for his co-operation and assistance. 1p

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9 August 1947 (1909-1917) TS. copy of draft witness statement made by Riobárd Langford, 22 South Terrace, Cork, to the Military History Bureau. With a small number of MS. additions by Langford. Concerns the organisation, establishment and activities of the Irish Volunteers in Cork up to and including Easter 1916 and in the aftermath of the Easter Rising in Dublin. Describes 'An Dún' in Queen Street, Cork (now Father Mathew Street) in 1909 as the centre of all 'advanced national activity' in Cork City, including the Gaelic League. Notes anti-British activities of the 'A.O.H. American Alliance'. Describes organisation and early activities of the Volunteers including the first public meeting at City Hall, Cork on 14 December 1913, and the split with John Redmond's followers. List officers and men of 'C' Company who paraded on Easter Sunday 1916. Describes in detail the events of Easter 1916 in Cork area. With covering note from Florrie O'Donoghue, Bureau of Military History. 6pp

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B: Military Service Pensions, 1935-1973 (8 items)

22 December 1935 TS. letter from Sean P. MacCarthaigh, Ex-Adjutant, ‘A’ Company, 1 st Battalion, Cork 1 st Brigade, Irish Volunteers, 8 Richmond Hill, Cork, to ‘A Chara’. States that Riobárd Langford was Captain of A Company until his arrest in May 1921, and Sean Crowley was 1 st Lieutenant and subsequently elected Captain in June 1921, ‘This information is ascertained from the Company Roll and Parade Books, which I possess’. 1p 25 June 1937 TS. letter from Secretary, ‘Office of the Referee’, Griffith Barracks, South Circular Road, Dublin, to Mr. A. O’Shea, 12 Morrison’s Island, Cork. Concerns Military Service Pensions Act 1934 application from Riobárd O’Longpuirt (Riobárd Langford), 21 South Terrace, Cork. Requests a certified list of officers in Cork active service units in July 1921 and rank of applicant in July 1922. With MS. note at end ‘R Lankford Capt. was ordered by Brigade OC to leave his area owing to intense search for him by British…’. 1p [1950’s] TS. recommendations to Executive, [Old IRA Association] Welfare Committee, entitled ‘Army Pensions Acts 1943 – 49, Special Allowance’. Refers to special allowance paid to ex-IRA men. Requests that the ‘iniquitous means test be entirely withdrawn and…the test as applied to applicants for Old Age Pensions be applied’. Gives several recommendations including an increase in the Allowance by 50% and free hospital treatment for all veterans. Requests the Minister of Defence to receive a deputation to discuss the subject. 2pp

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[1950’s] TS. memorandum from Cumann Oglaigh na h-Eireann (1916) (Irish Volunteers 1916 Association). Concerns grievances of the men of 1 st Cork Brigade (1916) in their dealings with Military Service Boards. Notes that various Ministers for Defence have been asked to give consideration on claims of Cork Volunteers, but only those who received a military service certificate were entitled to a 1916 Service Medal. Describes the activities of the Cork Volunteers on Easter Sunday 1916 and states ‘IT WAS NOT THE FAULT OF THE MEN OF CORK that they did not fight’. Notes that the Black and Tan Medal is available to those failing to qualify for a military service certificate. (Reverse print copy). 1p February 1957 TS. letter from Frank Casey and Peter Nolan, joint Honorary Secretaries, Comhnaidhm Oglaigh na h-Eireann 1916 – 21 (Federation of IRA), 196 Sraid na Piarsaigh, Baile Atha Cliath (Pearse Street, Dublin), to Editor, ‘Longford Leader’ newspaper in reply to recent article ‘IRA frauds on public funds’. Concerns alleged fraud in the granting of Military Service Pensions. Requests that the newspaper give equal prominence to a refutation of the charges made. Charges include, that over 30,000 medals were fraudulently obtained and that thousands are in receipt of public money for which they are not entitled. Describes these charges as ‘nonsensical’ and explains that the Federation of Old IRA has been in ‘constant consultation’ with the Minister for Defence. Concerning the numbers of medal holders, it is noted that many of these were ’without bar’, which carries no pension rights and therefore may have been issued ‘somewhat carelessly…but to suggest that the number …runs into thousands is absurd’. Notes that a special allowance pension is payable to those who are aged and destitute with a medal without bar, but that these are subject to the same scrutiny as a pension. Continues that the two Acts of the Dail in 1924 and 1934 granted pensions to those on active service between 1916 and 1922, but ‘Neither of these Acts was anticipated much less asked for by the IRA’. Expresses shock that a reputable Irish paper should ‘lend itself to a campaign of calumny’. 2pp

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[1950’s] MS. ‘Re. Resolution re. IRA pensions’ containing ‘suggested points for speaker who was to raise the matter at the Fianna Fail Annual Convention’. Concerns the implementation of the 1924 and 1934 military service acts and the provision of pensions to those who fought in the anti-Treaty forces during the Civil War. 3pp 1973 (1922 - 1923) TS. memorandum Re. Pension Appeal, Riobárd Langford (Ref. 31293). Relates to Langford’s application for regrading of his pension due to his special services during 1922-23 in connection with the mobile field printing press. He was selected by Headquarters ‘…as a result of efficiency and competency displayed to Command officers of IRA over a period of years in many spheres of Fianna, Irish Volunteers, IRA

organisation and activity and my known technical and practical experience of the printing and journalistic sides…’. Describes his activities in this period of the Civil War in printing propaganda materials including 42 editions of ‘War News’. 3pp 26 10 October 1973 TS. abridged memorandum re. pension appeal by Riobárd Langford (Ref. 31293). Outlines Langford’s career in the Irish Volunteers and IRA including service during the Civil War where he was in charge of mobile printing press. 2pp

C: Speeches and Writings, 1898-1969 (10 items)

15 August 1898

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TS. extract of speech or article on Theobald Wolfe Tone, United Irishmen leader (1798). ‘Apostles of Freedom are ever idolised when dead but crucified when living…’. Concludes ‘ WR Foundation stone to memorial in Bodenstown laid 15 August 1898’. 2pp

1914-1923 MS. notes and draft writings mainly concerning the 1914-1923 period, in Gaelic and in English. Including notes on Easter 1916 in Cork. May include draft of U156/35. 34pp [1914] TS. of article or copy of text from a publication. Concerns the period 1914-1916 and the ‘resurrection of Irish revolutionary spirit’. 1p July 1914 TS. article concerning the landing of guns for the Irish Volunteers at Howth in July 1914. Gives an account of the events of the day when rifles were brought ashore and the British military fired upon a crowd of demonstrators. 2pp [1960s] MS. note containing copy text of a speech by Eamon De Valera on the 50 th anniversary of the 1916 Rising on the subject of the Irish language (Gaelic). 2pp

[1960’s]

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TS. of article or essay concerning the history of Ireland from the time of the penal laws to the Great Famine, with MS. notes by Riobárd Langford. 3pp [1960 – 1970] MS. notes by Riobárd Langford in Irish and in English concerning the history of Ireland including John Redmond and the Home Rule party. 8pp

c.1960 MS. notes, ‘The Instructive and decisive heroism of Damien’. 3pp

[1960’s] (1913- 1915) TS. essay or lecture by Riobárd Langford on the history of Ireland, mainly in Irish. Topics include 1798 rebellion, 1916 Rising, penal laws, and Catholic Emancipation, quotations from Woodham Smith’s work on the Great Famine, origins of Irish Volunteers in 1913-14, the Gaelic revival, Conradh na Gaelige, the I.R.B (Irish Republican Brotherhood), leaders of the Irish Volunteers, the A.O.H (Ancient Order of Hibernians), Home Rule, Fenians, Diarmuid O’Loinsig of Kinsale, Howth gun-running, and events in Cork during the 1916 Rising. 25pp

1969 TS. copy of speech by ‘Riobárd Ó Longpuirt’ (Riobárd Langford) at Ahiohill, near Bandon and Clonakilty County Cork, in memory of Dick Barrett who died on 8 December 1922 and the ‘gallant trio who died

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with him’. Recounts life of Barrett, born Hollyhill in 1894, who became a teacher with the Rosminian Fathers at Upton, was Brigade Quartermaster for I.R.A. in West Cork, and escaped from internment at Spike Island. Barrett was part of the Four Courts garrison during the Civil War and was arrested and gaoled by the Free State and finally shot together with O’Connor, Mellows and McKelvey as a reprisal for the killing of Sean Hales T.D. by anti-Treaty forces. 3pp

D: Newsclippings and Publications, 1899-c.1966 (6 items)

17 January 1899 ‘Evening Herald’ newspaper, including results of elections and the victory of the Irish Party in Cork. (Fragile). 1 item c.1965 Newsclipping of letter to newspaper from Risteard Mac Siacuis concerning Padraig Pearse and the 1916 Rising and the teaching of the Irish language. 1 item [1960’s] Pamphlet ‘Teachers of the Men of 1916’. With portraits of republican and nationalist leaders, including United Irishmen, Fenians, Young Irelanders, 1916 leaders and War of Independence figures. 8pp

14 January 1966

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Newsclipping of part of editorial in ‘Donegal Democrat’ newspaper, entitled ‘The Ideals of 1916 have been abandoned’. Also, typescript note concerning 1916 soldiers and the revival of the Irish language. 1 item 1 April 1966 Newsclipping of Article ‘Dr Cruise O’Brien Talks of “Creeping Conformism”’. Concerns speech by O’Brien on the theme ‘The Irishness of the Irish’. 1 item

16 April 1966 Newspaper, ‘The Corkman’. With details of 1916 commemorations in Cork. 1 item

[1960’s] Newsclipping, ‘Father Nash Talking: Don’t Abuse Gods gift of Creation’. 1 item

E: Printing Business, 1968 (1 item)

14 January 1968 TS. letter from P.O’Grady, Department of Industry and Commerce, Kildare Street, Dublin, to (Riobárd Langford), Secretary, Cló na Laoi, (Lee Press) 20-22 South Terrace, Cork. In reply to a letter of 4 December 1968 about an increase in the price of paper, the matter has been investigated. States that the wholesalers may increase prices in accordance with increased costs to them, and an increase took place in

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December 1967 which ‘merely restored the price which has applied at the time of the Minister’s Prices Stabilisation Notice…up to 29 th December 1965’. 1p

F: Additional Material, 1948-1972 (6 items)

45. 14 November 1948 Photocopy of TS. letter from Riobárd Langford to Tom Molyneux, Secretary of Old IRA Memorial Committee, in response to a solicitor’s letter demanding an apology for alleged slander carried out by Langford in a letter sent to Molyneaux. Details Langford’s various objections to the way the Committee is operated including a ‘…reprehensible narrow- mindedness…’ and the fact that ‘…certain individuals of the Committee…were enemies of and fought against the Republic…’, and also his ‘…reasoned objections to the present site of [the] memorial…’. Also MS. cover notes (3p) by giving some background to his letter. (Note: this item was formerly CCCA collection ref. U65) 5pp 46. 1948 MS. Notebook containing comments by Sean Murphy on Florence O’Donoghue’s book about Tomás MacCurtain with additional notes by Riobard Langford. 19pp 47. 14 Oct 1971 Ms. Letter from Eamon T. Dore, 9 Cuair Bhóthar Thuaidh, Luimneach, to ‘A Riobárd’, Riobard Langford. Thanks him for his article and long letter. Says much of the ‘1922-23 trouble’ was that much that happened in Kerry could have been avoided, as an offer was made by Paddy Daly

U156/

and [Tom Ennis] in Cork to stop fighting to force the provisional government to get an agreed settlement. Cosgrave did not agree. Refers to response of Sean Deasy to offer of negotiations using intermediary PC O’Mahony, and Deasy’s later peace effort. Dore went to Kerry at the time and was horrified by both side’s reprisals. Refers to small numbers killed in the 1916 – 22 period in Kerry compared to 100 in the civil war. Notes that PC O’Mahony was sent in late 1920 or early 1921 by H.Q. to Limerick and Kerry with instructions to relieve the pressure on Cork and Tipperary, and was afterwards very unpopular in his native county. Says he ‘…knew of Collins [General Michael Collins’] unbounded ambition and arrogance and so did Brugh [Cathal Brugha]…We were at a meeting here in 17 – 18 and Brugh said I will destroy the IRB if it’s the last thing I do- and I said if you try you will only consolidate it round the man you want…Collins…’ and ‘….present…were Sean ÓMuirthle, Sean [McGarry], Con Collins, Ernest Blythe and Tom Ashe…, Blythe…will disagree…he did not know Collins then…’. Dore voted for the [treaty] ‘as a gamble it may work out alright but its true we fellows did some constructive work. At this we parted and he became one of the most savage Free Staters who never fired a shot at anyone in our war…’. 2pp 48. 16 Nov 1971 Photocopy of MS. Letter (with MS. Note at rear), from Riobard Langford, 20 South Terrace, Cork, to ‘A Éamonn, a Chroí’, Eamon Dore, [Limerick], in response to Dores letter of the 14 th Nov (U156/47). It is hard for him to understand Tom Ennis and Paddy Daly trying to ‘call a halt’ and revert to the ‘status quo’. Refers to discussion in [UCC] Dairy Science lecture hall regarding [Eoin Neesons] book, and concerning the death of Michael Collins. The ambush party had left after 3 hours waiting, with just 3 remaining. One of the audience claimed he was in the armoured car with Michael Collins, and that [Tom Ennis] was behind Collins in a touring car. He doubts that Collins was killed by a richochet. Regarding peace offerings, he ‘cannot equate even a possiblity’ of it given Collins’ actions in taking the Four Courts ‘at the behest of General Maxwell’. Also refers to murders of Harry Boland and MacNeill’s son, and a ‘background of treachery and duplicity’, and Ballyseedy and the ‘unwritten tragedies of Kerry’. The offer of peace came very late, the end of 1922 or beginning of 1923. Describes the horrors of the Ballyseedy incident, and the ‘hang dog face’ of Dick Mulcahy. Refers to IRB meeting in Parnell Place and resolution to have

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Collins courtmartialled for ‘conduct unworthy’. Says that Collins got him personally sacked from 3 jobs in Dublin, even though he was ‘probably the fastest linotype..operator in the metropolis’. Refers to seeing Deasy fairly often, an ‘ideal leader’. Regarding the IRB, ‘It is dead and gone since 1924. Brugha had Collins well taped…personally I never liked him…the most foul mouthed man I ever [saw]…’. IRA casulaties in Cork amounted to 365, exculsive of civilians. Refers to murder of 4 IRA teenagers as an excuse for the murder of Erskine Childers for possession of a revolver, and reprisals. MS. note at rear : that the Eamon Dore contended that Michael Collins was anxious to make peace at early stage in civil war, but that this was negated by the murder of Eoin MacNeill’s son, Ballyseedy and the ‘Mountjoy murders’, ‘God forgive the bastards & their loud mouthed spawn at present in the 1971 Dail and RTE’. 4pp

49. 1948 – 1972

Folder with MS. note on items 46 – 48, in Irish.

1 item

50. 28 Nov. 1972 MS. Letter in Irish from Riobard Langford, Lee Press Ltd, 20-22 South Terrace, Cork to ‘A Séain, a croí’, John A. Murphy. Possibly a cover letter for items 46 – 49 which were given to Murphy by Langford. 2pp

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