Seamus Fitzgerald Descriptive List (Ref. PR6)

From the collections of Cork City and County Archives Service.

Cork City and County Archives Descriptive List

Identity Statement

IE CCCA/PR6

Reference Code:

Seamus Fitzgerald Papers

Title:

1890-1975

Dates:

Level of description: Fonds /Item Extent: 23 boxes

Context Creator(s): Fitzgerald, Seamus LLD (b1896 - d1972) Archival History The collection was donated to the Archives by Patrick A. Fitzgerald, Seamus Fitzgerald’s son, in 1992. Biographical History Born 1896. Joined Irish Volunteers in 1914 and was interned following 1916 Risiing; active in Sinn Fein and IRA 1918-1922; early member of Fianna Fail Party. Active in Old IRA Mens association. Served as a Town Councillor in Cobh Urban District Council. Member of Cork Harbour Commissioners. Involved and appointed to various organisations such as local chambers of commerce, the campaign for Cork airport, Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta, Governing body of UCC, Local Appointments Commission, various Trade Unions and Employers organisations. Owner of Fitzgerald and Company. Held Directorships of Rushbrooke Cork Dockyard, Verolme Dockyard and Irish Steel and others. His interests included the Irish Language and music. Fitzgerald was a nationalist who channelled his patriotism into day to day efforts to establish Ireland as a modern nation, especially in the economic sphere. He was responsible for countless efforts to attract foreign industry to the greater Cork area, and support and maintain indigenous operations. He worked tirelessly through the many organisations he was a member of, such as Cork Harbour Commissioners, Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Irish Tourist Association, to combat complacency in the drive for industrialisation. One of his

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greatest personal achievements was his securing of Verolme Industries (Dockyard) for Cork. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Cork Airport, a facility he saw as vital for Munster development. His ability and commitment were recognised also on a national level and he was appointed as a Director to the boards of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta. However he devoted most of his energies to his native Cobh and the greater Cork area. Content & Structure

Scope & Content

The personal papers of Seamus Fitzgerald. Section 1 'Early Political Affiliation' contains material relevant to Fitzgerald's activities as a member both of The Irish Volunteers and of Sinn Fein. The Volunteer material is divided into contemporary items and later recollections. Preserved here are letters to Fitzgerald received during his 1916 internment in Frongoch camp and an especially poignant group from Fitzgerald home to his mother. Letters from fellow internees also survive. Amongst the later material subsection VIII contains requests from ex-Volunteers for Fitzgerald to vouchsafe their recollections for pension purposes. Gathered also by Fitzgerald are copies of statements given by friends of his to the military historian, Flor O'Donoghue. Fitzgerald had himself planned to write a memoir of those events but it never came to fruition. His research is however preserved here. Section 1, Subsection C (Sinn Fein) details Fitzgerald's early political activity which saw him elected to the Second Dail in 192. Preserved here also is a testimonial from Michael Collins, then Minister for Finance, paying tribute to Fitzgerald's energy and determination. Sinn Fein electoral material and items relating to the parties organisation, including the Sinn Fein Courts are also contained here. Fitzgerald, a committed Republican, was interned again from 1923 to 1924 this time by the Free State Government. Material relating to this and to the general treatment of Republican Prisoners is described in subsections VI and VII. Section 2, Later Political Affiliation , records Seamus Fitzgerald's 50 year commitment to the Fianna Fáil party. He was instrumental in the early organisation of Republicans and the establishment of Fianna Fail in Cork and was to remain for decades one of it's main motivators. The documents preserved record his involvement with the party from 1926, his spearheading of the 1934 reorganisation in Cork, and his participation in party affairs including elections until his death in 1972. Fitzgerald, himself, stood for election five times in the Cork City and Cork East constituencies, being elected twice for short terms. As did other politicians Fitzgerald spent a lot of time dealing with the problems, complaints and requests of constituents. Preserved in Section 2 V is a unique body of correspondence resulting from the voluminous demands made by post on Fitzgerald's time and energy. Pleas for help with job applications, pension rights, discrimination, imagined and on-imagine wrongs, intercessions with government bodies all received an answer. Fitzgerald investigated each case and made detailed inquiries before lending his support or his name. He grouped these letters and his copy replies together in massive files, in some cases keeping replies from Government Departments separate as evidence of his huge postload. The requests did not end with Fitzgerald's terms in the Dail, but as he was known as a man of

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influence in many circles they continued to arrive. Those letters post dating 1960 have been closed at the request of the donor to save any possible upset. Preserved alongside material relating to Fitzgerald's own election campaigns are documents and paraphernalia relating to Fianna Fail's electoral campaigns in Cork including an interesting group of 'battle songs'. Electoral propaganda belonging to other parties was also collected by Fitzgerald and is also preserved. His commitment to Fianna Fail was rewarded by a term in the Senate from 1934 to it's abolition in 1936. Section 2 Subsection B here reflects Fitzgerald's associations with other Republican organisations and his concern for their aging members. He was a member of the Cork Old IRA Mens Association and appears to have been on good terms with its founder General Tom Barry, and have lent his support to beginning with A his activities as a member of Cobh Urban District Council and B his fifty year long tenure as a member of the Cork Harbour Commissioners. The material relates to the day to day operations of both these bodies and both contain material relating to Haulbowline Dockyards and Cork Airport. Fitzgerald as a member of the Harbour Board was during the period of the Second World War or Emergency, involved as an officer in the organisation and drilling of the Cork Maritime Inscription and Competent Port Authority. He retained memorabilia (message forms, order sheers) relating to War Games between the Maritime Inscription and the Local Defense Force. Section 3 Subsection C records Fitzgerald's activities as first a founder member of Cobh Chamber of Commerce and then it's Cork counterpart. It was through the Cork Chamber that Fitzgerald helped establish the Cork Economic Development Council which was instrumental in attracting foreign investors to the Cork area. There survives a large body of correspondence relating to this. Amongst the unsuccessful ventures was an application by to establish a cycle factory in Ireland, an offer rejected by the Government. This section of the collection reflects very strongly Fitzgerald's unwavering efforts to promote new industries and bolster those already established. This commitment is also reflected in Subsection D, in his support for the establishment of an airport for Cork. This was a project he pursued from the 1930's when plans for both an aerodrome and a seadrome were being mooted. Again his membership of a number of complimentary bodies helped him push this project. Cork Airport was finally opened at Farmer's Cross, Ballinhassig, just one of the many sites considered. Early proposals and reports are preserved in this section. many Republican memorials and Commemorations. Section 3 is devoted to Fitzgerald's Public Service , His involvement as a director of both Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta is reflected in Section 2 Subsection E, mainly in the form of copy minutes and reports. There is an interesting group of material dealing with the establishment of Aer Lingus and Fitzgerald's involvement with this. Section 2 Subsection F details Fitzgerald's activities as a co-opted member of the Governing body of University College Cork up to 1971 and as a member of the Finance Committee of the College. As an acknowledgement of his dedication and drive Fitzgerald was awarded an honorary degree by UCC in 1949. Memorabilia from the ceremony and letters of congratulations are preserved. As a well known and trusted public figure Fitzgerald received a number of political appointments. Subsection G contains material from two, his

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participation for a number of years as a member of the ESB Superannuation Tribunal and his service on the Local Appointments Commission. His sense of fair play also made him a trusted negotiator and arbitrator as can be seen in Subsection H where is preserved dealings with both Employer's organisations and Unions. The final subsection here H records Fitzgerald's involvement with the Irish Tourist Association which was later malgamated into Bord Failte. Section 4, Business Involvements , records Fitzgerald's activities as a prominent Cork businessman. Section 4 Subsection A details concerns that he was in ownership or part ownership of Fitzgerald and Co., the Electrical Engineering and Goods shop he founded in partnership with his brothers, was his main base in Cork. Preserved here in A II are details of tenders offered and plans for early electrification projects undertaken, including Tralee County Hall and Limerick District Hospital. These provide a useful insight into the manner of rural electrification at that time. Fitzgerald was for a time also involved in running the New States Hotel in Cobh (Commodore Hotel) and the Lido Cinema in Cork but neither venture proved successful. However subsection B, Directorships, contains records of Fitzgerald's achievements as a director of Rushbrooke Dockyard, Verlome Cork Dockyard and Irish Steel. Much of the material relating to Cork Dockyards Limited revolves around repeated attempts from the 1920's onwards to place the dockyard on a secure footing, thus ensuring employment in the Cobh, Passage and Haulbowline areas. After a period of closure in the late 1930's the dockyard was reopened with great hope in 1941 , but never managed to become fully independent of state support. Foreign experts were brought in to help revitalise the company, a move not always approved of by the local people. A section of material is preserved relating to local complaints about William L Kok, Chief Engineer, at Rushbrooke. These centred around the fact that he owned a rather powerful motor boat which was felt to be inappropriate for an alien to operate around the Irish coast during the Emergency. A letter from Fitzgerald attesting to Kok's integrity appears to have finished the matter. Rushbrooke was taken over in 1958 by Verlome Dockyards, thanks largely to efforts by Seamus Fitzgerald, Dr. Baddy of the IDA and Brian Gallagher the Irish Ambassador to the Hague. The bringing of Verlome to Cork was one of the high points of Fitzgerald's career. Appointed a Director in 1959 he was instrumental in securing Irish Government support for the company. Preserved in the collection is material relating to the general administration of Verlome Cork Dockyards from its opening in 1958 to Fitzgerald's retirement in 1970. The move to Cork by Verlome was almost universally welcomed but there were one or two dissenting voices. Union relations were always tricky at Verlome and an interesting letter from Erskine Childers reveals support for Verlomes stance against some Union demands. Documents relating to ship orders, company finances, relations with the Irish Shipping Co. and Union negotiations are all preserved here. It must however be stressed that these papers do not provide a history of Verlome Cork Dockyards but rather reflect the surviving evidence of Fitzgerald's involvement with the company. Seamus Fitzgerald was also pivotal in the opening in 1939 of Irish Steel Limited, and material relating to this is contained in Section 4 Subsection 3. Preserved in Fitzgerald's correspondence is evidence of the company's rocky existence and dependence on government support. An interesting body of documents relates to the tribulations of William Masqeik, Chief Engineer at Irish Steel, who as a German National faced many bureaucratic problems during the Second World War, not least when he attempted to purchase a small farm in Co.

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Cork. Again Fitzgerald appears to have ironed out the situation, but Masqueik left bemoaning the attitude of company bosses who would not take his advice on steel production. Contemporary newsclippings collected by Fitzgerald refer to the activities of Irish Steel and some Union troubles. The final subsection in Section 4 contains brief records of Fitzgerald's investment in Foilseachain Naisunta Teoranta and the Southern Star newspaper. Section 5, Interests and Patronage, reflects Fitzgerald's interests outside the business world and also his generosity in giving of his support financially and otherwise to charitable organisations. He was involved in establishing the company Gaedhealachas Teoranta; a limited company set up to build and invest in Irish language schools and was also a lifelong member of Conradh na Gaeilge. He was also involved in supporting and organising the yearly Tostal festival in Cork. His presidency of the Cork Orchestral society proved unharmonious when in that capacity he welcomed to his home the Fine Gael Taoiseach John A. Costello. He was accused by members of local F.F. Cumainn of turning his back on the Party and letters both supporting and denouncing him were sent to Eamonn de Valera. Also preserved are a large number of the correspondence relating to circulars and requests for support sent by charitable and voluntary organisations to Fitzgerald together with his copy replies. Section 6, Personal and Family Life, contains mementoes, correspondence and appointment diaries belonging to Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was apprenticed in HM Dockyards Haulbowline and references and other documentation from that period is contained here. He was suspended in 1916 as a result of his arrest for Volunteer activities, but was reinstated. Preserved in Subsection B are groups of general correspondence between Fitzgerald and friends and family members. Subsection C Family Memorabilia contains items such as Birth Certificates, the marriage certificate of Seamus and May Fitzgerald. Here also are a series of appointment diaries kept by Fitzgerald which contain notes of meetings and travel plans, but do not contain all such appointments Fitzgerald would have been presumed to have. The papers of Seamus Fitzgerald are unique in that he straddled so may spheres, cultural, political revolutionary and commercial. As they do not provide a full record of the various bodies and projects, but rather the surviving record of Fitzgerald's involvement with them. He was a man of seemingly endless energy and motivation with a strong sense of fair play. His brand of nationalism was first and foremost a practical one and his legacy was to help establish Cork as an area capable of handling industrial development and to have assisted in the development of perhaps the most formidable political organisation in Ireland. Researchers interested in the evolution of the Irish state particularly with regard to industry and the organisation and development of Fianna Fáil should find the Seamus Fitzgerald collection invaluable. Arrangement

Main sections of the Collection: SECTION 1: EARLY POLITICAL AFFILIATION A

IRISH VOLUNTEERS- CONTEMPORARY MATERIAL

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B C

IRISH VOLUNTEERS -RECOLLECTIONS

SINN FEIN SECTION 2 FIANNA FÁIL A: FIANNA FÁIL B SECTION 3 PUBLIC SERVICE A

LATER REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATIONS

COBH URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL CORK HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AER LINGUS AND AER RIANTA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS CORK AIRPORT

B C D E F G H

UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS ORGANISATION

I IRISH TOURIST ASSOCIATION SECTION 4 - BUSINESS INVOLVEMENTS A OWNERSHIP OF- 1 FITZGERALD AND COMPANY 2

NEW STATES/COMMODORE HOTEL COBH

3 B 1 2 3 C

LIDO CINEMA

DIRECTORSHIPS OF-

RUSHBROOKE CORK DOCKYARD VERLOME CORK DOCKYARDS

IRISH STEEL

INVESTMENT IN-

Foilseachan Naisunta Teoranta

II Southern Star Newspaper SECTION 5 INTERESTS AND PATRONAGE SECTION 6 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE A EARLY LIFE B CORRESPONDENCE C MEMORABILIA SECTION 7 PHOTOGRAPHS (See the table of contents for more detail)

The arrangement of the collection reflects Seamus Fitzgerald's methodical grouping of related materials, and the correspondence especially reflects his original groupings. Some order was imposed by the archivist to better define particular areas of Fitzgerald's interest and activities. The interrelationship of his various roles, politician, businessman, public servant, is reflected so as to give a clear impression to the researcher why Fitzgerald was in a unique position to influence and champion.

Conditions of Access & Use

Access : Open by appointment to those holding a current readers ticket.

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Language/Script : English and a small amount of Irish Finding Aids: Descriptive List

Allied Materials:

Related Material CCCA: Cobh Town Council records

Archivists Note: Carol Quinn, Contract Archivist, CCCA 1994 Brian McGee, Archivist, CCCA, September 2010

Contents APPENDIX I.............................................................................................................................1 National Elections Contested By Fitzgerald...................................................................................1 Senate Terms Served........................................................................................................................1 APPENDIX II...........................................................................................................................2 Abbreviations Used In Text.............................................................................................................2 List of Items and Descriptions..................................................................................................3 SECTION 1: EARLY POLITICAL AFFILIATION (1916-1969) (190 items).......................3 A IRISH VOLUNTEERS- CONTEMPORARY MATERIAL................................................3 I Letters to Seamus Fitzgerald while interned, 1916 .............................................................................3 II Letters home from Fitzgerald..............................................................................................................5 III Letters from Frongoch Internees.........................................................................................................7 IV Letter from Maire Nic Suibhne ...........................................................................................................9 V Letter from an IRA Volunteer.............................................................................................................9 VI Contemporary Newspapers .................................................................................................................9 VII Quarter Master Records 4th Battalion, No. 1 Brigade.......................................................................10 VIII Memorabilia....................................................................................................................................... 11 IX Requests to Vouchsafe Pension Applications of Ex-Volunteers.......................................................11 B IRISH VOLUNTEERS -RECOLLECTIONS.....................................................................14 I Copies of Statements to Flor O'Donoghue........................................................................................14 II Correspondence between Seamus Fitzgerald and others recalling Volunteer activities....................16 III Research by Seamus Fitzgerald on Irish Volunteers..........................................................................19 IV Mo Sceal Fein....................................................................................................................................20

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V Donations of Memorabilia.................................................................................................................20 VI Newspaper Clippings ........................................................................................................................21 VII Obituaries........................................................................................................................................... 21 C SINN FEIN ................................................................................................................................. 21 I Testimonial from Michael Collins.....................................................................................................21 II Government Share Issue 1920...........................................................................................................22 III Second Dail 1921 -192......................................................................................................................22 IV Sinn Fein Election Material (1919-1925).........................................................................................25 V Internment (October 1922- )..............................................................................................................34 VI Material relating to internments of Republicans ...............................................................................43 SECTION 2 FIANNA FÁIL (1925-1971) (463 items) ...................................................46 A: FIANNA FÁIL...........................................................................................................................46 I Early Organisation.............................................................................................................................46 II General Reorganisation 1934............................................................................................................48 III Cork County Advisory Body.............................................................................................................52 IV General Involvement of Fitzgerald (by year)....................................................................................54 V Correspondence Requesting Favours and Intercessions....................................................................84 VI Election Material................................................................................................................................ 90 VII Senate.............................................................................................................................................. 111 B LATER REPUBLICAN ASSOCIATIONS.......................................................................116 I Old I.R.A. Men's Association..........................................................................................................116 II Other Organisations......................................................................................................................... 119 III Republican Memorials.....................................................................................................................120 IV Publications ..................................................................................................................................... 124 SECTION 3 PUBLIC SERVICE (1920-1971) (378 items).................................................126 A COBH URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.............................................................................126 I Early Involvement by Fitzgerald (1921-1922)................................................................................126 II General Activity of C.U.D.C...........................................................................................................127 III Correspondence ............................................................................................................................... 130 IV Electioneering Material...................................................................................................................133 V Newsclippings ................................................................................................................................. 134 B CORK HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS ..........................................................................134 I General Involvement.......................................................................................................................135 II Cork Maritime Inscription And Local Defence Force.....................................................................149 C CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE........................................................................................151 I Cobh Chamber Of Commerce.........................................................................................................151 Ii Cork Chamber Of Commerce..........................................................................................................152 III Cork Economic Development Council............................................................................................153 IV Involvement In The Establishment of Local Industry.....................................................................159 V Cork Oil Refinery............................................................................................................................162 D CORK AIRPORT................................................................................................................165 I Early Efforts to Establish an Air Facility at Cork............................................................................165 II Post War Establishment...................................................................................................................170 III Newsclippings ................................................................................................................................. 171 E AER LINGUS AND AER RIANTA...................................................................................171 1 Aer Lingus.......................................................................................................................................171 2 Aer Rianta........................................................................................................................................175 F UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK.....................................................................................179 I Co-options to the Governing Body..................................................................................................179 II Membership of Finance Committee................................................................................................180 III General Association With................................................................................................................181

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IV Conferring of Honorary Degree 1949.............................................................................................184 V Retirement from the Governing Body (1971).................................................................................185 G POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS........................................................................................185 I E.S.B. Superannuation Tribunal.....................................................................................................185 II Local Appointments Commission...................................................................................................187 H UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS ORGANISATION............................................................187 1 Employers Organisations.................................................................................................................187 2 Involvement With Unions...............................................................................................................190 I Irish Tourist Association.................................................................................................................191 SECTION 4 - BUSINESS INVOLVEMENTS (1920- 1972) (278 items)...........................194 A OWNERSHIP OF................................................................................................................194 1 Fitzgerald And Company................................................................................................................194 2 New States/Commodore Hotel Cobh ..............................................................................................202 3 Lido Cinema....................................................................................................................................205 B DIRECTORSHIPS OF........................................................................................................207 1 Rushbrooke Cork Dockyard............................................................................................................207 2 Verlome Cork Dockyards................................................................................................................221 3 Irish Steel.........................................................................................................................................239 C INVESTMENT IN...............................................................................................................243 I Foilseachan Naisunta Teoranta........................................................................................................243 II Southern Star Newspaper................................................................................................................243 SECTION 5 INTERESTS AND PATRONAGE (1946-1971) (48 items) ...........................245 I Irish Language.....................................................................................................................245 II Cork Scientific Council........................................................................................................250 III Cork Orchestral Society......................................................................................................250 IV Maritime Institute Of Ireland.............................................................................................251 V Donations And Association With Charitable And Voluntary Organisations.................252 SECTION 6 - PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE (1911-1974) (62 items).........................253 A EARLY LIFE.......................................................................................................................253 I Apprenticeship................................................................................................................................. 253 B CORRESPONDENCE......................................................................................................... 255 C MEMORABILIA ................................................................................................................. 258 I Family Memorabilia........................................................................................................................258 II Appointment Diaries and Journals..................................................................................................260 III Cork Corporation Yearbooks..........................................................................................................261 IV Articles By Seamus Fitzgerald........................................................................................................262 V Newspapers ..................................................................................................................................... 263 VI Notes................................................................................................................................................ 264 VII Ration Notice And Book.................................................................................................................264 VII Menus.............................................................................................................................................264 IX Sundry Items..................................................................................................................................265 SECTION 7 PHOTOGRAPHS (9 items).............................................................................267

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APPENDIX I National Elections Contested By Fitzgerald

May 1921 - (Sinn Fein) Elected to the Second Dail until June 1922 Sept. 1927 - (Fianna Fail) Defeated

1943 - (Fianna Fail) Elected 1944 - (Fianna Fail) Defeated 1945 - By election - (Fianna Fail) Defeated

Senate Terms Served

1934 - to abolishment of Senate in 1936

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APPENDIX II

Abbreviations Used In Text

C.D.L. : Cork Dockyard Limited C.E.D.C. C.H.C.: Cork Harbour Commissioners Co. : County C.U.D.C. E.S.B. : Electricity Supply Board F.F. : Fianna Fail I.T.A. : Irish Tourist Association Mss : Manuscript T.D. : Teachta Dála U.C.C. : University College Cork V.C.D. : Verlome Cork Dockyards

: Cork Economic Development Council

: Cobh Urban District Council

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List of Items and Descriptions SECTION 1: EARLY POLITICAL AFFILIATION (1916-1969) (190 items)

IRISH VOLUNTEERS- CONTEMPORARY MATERIAL

Letters to Seamus Fitzgerald while interned, 1916

From M. Cotter

1 13 June 1916 Letter to Seamus Fitzgerald in Wakefield Camp from M. Cotter, 7 Albert Terrace, Queenstown, (Cobh, Co. Cork), passing on the best wishes of Lilly Twomey and Dan Collins. Request to be remembered to fellow prisoners. Envelope marked passed by Censor. 2pp ii From Patrick Fitzgerald 2 1916 Letters from Patrick Fitzgerald to his brother Seamas in Wakefield and to their mother Alice informing them of his efforts in Dublin to secure Seamas's release. A deputation has been sent to Mr. Asquith and he is hopeful, but does not wish to put down too much on paper. 2pp iii From Alice Fitzgerald 3 19 June 1916 Emotive letter to Seamas from his mother Alice counselling him to keep his spirits up for fear "you will make me worse than what I am". She hopes his friends will be sent to the same place so they could be company for him. Inquirers are her letters getting through and assures him all efforts are being made on his behalf. His father has not been told of Seamas's arrest "God is good and Blessed Mother you may be home before him yet". Again counsels him not to despair and expresses her longing for news of him.

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4pp

From William Fitzgerald

16 June 1916 Letter to Seamas from his cousin William in Durham City, informing Seamas his letter escaped the censor and was passed on by the Mother Superior at Wakefield, he comments "It is impossible for me to try, and console you after reading your letter" adding "What wrong did you ever do that you should be made to suffer so much, and to think that I was compelled to join the B. Army and my countrymen being victimised like they are". Moves on to mention he received a letter from Jim Holland who was sent a letter and a pound of tobacco from Paddy "the day of the battle". He assures Seamas he is a martyr in a splendid cause and wishes they could trade places. The English papers won't listen to pleas of clemency from Priests, but two are writing to Mr. Redmond for a general release. Asks to be remembered to all with Seamas. 4pp

From Ann Hannan

13 June 1916 Letter from Ann Hanan, Queenstown writing to show "some of the cailini have not forgotten ye". Asks after M. Leahy commenting sardonically "I hope that ye will not be too fat when ye come out". Informs him the League branch is closed and was very gloom after their arrest. In a PS she cautions him "Do not tell anyone that I wrote to you as I would not like it to go round". 4pp

From Michael Hennessy

14 June 1916 Tattered letter from Michael Hennessy, Queenstown, in parts indiscipherable. Inquires how Seamas is, and who he is able to see at the prison, and instructs him to report any, ill-treatment "your countrymen at home will not have it". Adds there is a great movement for their release and attacks "those parliamentary wretches". 4pp

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vii

From Michael [ ]

28 May 1916 Letter from Michael, interned in Richmond Barracks, Dublin. He expresses surprise that Fitzgerald is still in Wakefield and comments he is being very well treated himself "cannot complain about anything". Attached is a newsclipping reporting on the triumphant return to Queenstown of James Fitzgerald and Michael Leahy after their release. 1p

viii Poem

3 May 1916 Poem initialled 'A.C.' "To Ireland" Well may your skies be dark, dear land Well may you weep today The bravest of your sons, dear land, Have bled for you

Letters home from Fitzgerald

To his Mother, Alice Fitzgerald

26 May 1916 Letter from Seamus in Wakefield to his mother, explaining new privileges allow him to write more often. They are also allowed to walk and talk in pairs for nearly an hour " a blessing after such isolation". He requests a pencil and a stamped addressed envelope to write home and also "about 1/2 lb butter every week, a large cake, home made preferable, twice a week, a piece of cooked bacon or pork, some hard sweets like bullseyes etc., and such like". He cautions no tins are allowed and requests the food as soon as possible. He would also like some volumes of Cassells Educator to be sent on so he can use the time profitably and also his prayerbook and rosary beads. Closes with a warning not to put letters in parcels. Sends love to all at home.

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30 May 1916 Letter from Seamas to his mother complaining he has not received any of her parcels and cautioning her to not now sent on his "outside clothes" as they might not reach him before his release. Prisoners are being released daily in lots of 20, and he mentions a prisoner named O'Brien was given his ticket home only to be turned back as he was the wrong O'Brien. He had a visit from a nurse who was informed of their whereabouts by the Rev. Mother Superiorness of Queenstown. Inquires if she has sent on the Cassell's Educators and some eatables "as I am sorely in need of them" Remarks on the beautiful weather and sends his best wishes to all at home. 4pp

10 5 June 1916 Letter from Seamas thanking his mother for the parcel from which the bovril was confiscated as he could not make it up. Mentions a visit from a local nun and discusses her anxiety over whether 'Patrick' was saved or not from the wreck of the 'Black Prince', expressing relief his father (a seaman) was not involved. Conditions in the prison are improving somewhat and they are allowed time for exercise and chat. Miss Simcox, daughter of an ex-Lord Mayor of Cork came to visit him, and Michael Leahy (see has arrived. They are hopeful of release for the King's Birthday. Mentions he noticed the Daylight Savings Bill is in operation. 4pp 11 10 June 1916 Letter from Seamus to his mother; he received no letter from her but got a parcel of biscuits from Bob commenting "Only for what we receive from outside we would never be able to live here at all". One hundred men have been transferred to Frongoch "concentration camp" and he doesn't know if he will have to go. There has been no word about his appeal and he fears the Queenstown Police are blocking it. He has lost his appetite and has become very melancholy musing that those involved in the fighting have been set free and the innocent ones are still imprisoned. Complains he never got the food he requested and comments he read of Patrick's death in the Cork Examiner. "It is a terrible blow to us all". (copy letter) 3pp 12 13 June 1916 Letter from Seamus to his mother complaining he has heard no word from her as it is sometimes a fortnight before he receives a reply to a letter, adding the letters sent out to

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family members are really for her. He has been moved to the top of the building where it is bitterly cold and states as the prison diet is insufficient he has to rely on parcels and visitors. The Superiorness of the local convent gives him a sandwich daily but he longs for bacon or ham. Remarks two fellow prisoners died, but he himself is in the best of health. He cannot understand why he has not been released. "There is blundering somewhere or else

the police must be revenging themselves on those whom they have a grudge against". Exhorts his mother to be strong and that God will welcome Patrick into his everlasting Kingdom. (copy letter) 4pp

Letter to his Aunt and Uncle

5 June 1916 Letter from Seamus to his Aunt and Uncle thanking them for their welcome letter and describing Wakefield as "a rather dirty sleepy little manufacturing town, corresponding to practically what Carlow is in Ireland". He also describes the prison layout; for large halls each containing four wards with 40 to 60 cells (he is in C Hall, No. 1 ward, Cell No. 27 (1/27. Main meals consist of black coffee "very objectionable stuff", horseflesh with one potato, two tablespoons of beans and some soup, breakfast and supper dry bread but he comments "still mind you it is better then what we got in Cork". Adds they were kept in Solitary Confinement for 23 1/4 hours each day for two weeks. Closes with remembrances to friends and a request for Miss Carroll to write. 4pp

III

Letters from Frongoch Internees

i From Leo Ring

[1916] Letter from Leo Ring in Frongoch to Seamus Fitzgerald in Cobh, thanking him for the welcome letter and

parcel. He and his "companions in misery" are well adding "we are just pulling the devil by the tail here I can assure you we had some exciting times on and off". He heard of the welcome Seamus and Michael Leahy (see) got

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when they returned home commenting "Queenstown must be proud of her rebels". Adds he has so many calls to write but so few letter are allowed he is in a quandary, requests a Christmas Card "that would suit a young lady" to be sent on. 2pp

From Michael Stames

26 October 1916 Letter from Michael Stames in Frongoch thanking Seamus for his letter. Mentions the death of a friend and comments "I told Paddy B, about Miss Sheehan but I didn't tell him you were meeting her every night" and jokes "You better look out when Mick gets home". The bag of vegetables he sent arrived to everyone's delight but due to the length of the journey (9 days) the cabbage had spoiled. Mentions Leo Ring (see /12 above) is well and says hello adding "When you are writing to Liam give him my love!" He mentions other prisoners adding "Don't worry about us being kept here. The longer they keep us the better it will make the spirit of the people at home". Internment he feels is another British gaffe "in the history of their bungling". 2pp

iii

Letter from [ ]

[1917] Letter to Seamus from 6 Longwood Avenue, Dublin (signature illegible. The writer comments wryly he would prefer to be back in Frongoch "office work is not as nice as the fatigues". Most of his company are now back bar a few who may be used as hostages, he mentions a few he doesn't expect to see "until the next scrap". All acquitted themselves with honour even though D. Price "Chief Spy here" tried to get men to implicate others. Relates account of the shooting of Pierce (Padraig Pearse) told to him by Fr. Augustus OSFC. Jokes he has not heard from Mick Leahy (see above) "writing is too serious an occupation for Michael the fickle". He was invited to give a statement about his treatment while interned but responded "not arf". Invites Seamus to visit and see "how not to use artillery". The Police although fed up with the military are turning a blind eye to them and civilians were treated roughly for the fortnight of the rebellion. His mother fell ill on his return from stress. 4pp

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Letter from Maire Nic Suibhne

14 July 1915 Letter from marie Nic Suibhne to Seamus stating "We cannot all be heroes and fill a hemisphere with some great deed of daring" adding "There's always noble service for noble souls to do". 1p

Letter from an IRA Volunteer

9 January 1923 Letter from an IRA Volunteer to Commandant Seamus Fitzgerald requesting leave on grounds of his mother's illness. "I have done my best while in the service of the IRA and were it not for the illness of my mother, I would never apply for this permission". 1p

Contemporary Newspapers

26 September 1914 21 November 1914 Copies of Fianna Fail A journal for Militant Ireland.

7 items

28 November 1915 Copy of The Spark "To keep the fires of the Nation Burning".

4 March 1916 Copy of Irish Volunteer Edited by Eoin MacNeill

4pp

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PR6/

15 September 1917 30 August 1919 Copies of Ar H-Eire (New Ireland)

2 items

25 May 1918 Copy of The Herald

6pp

24 23 November 1918

Copy of An Saoghal Gaedhealach

16pp

15 October 1920 Copy An t-Oglach "The official organ of the Irish

Volunteers".

4pp

26 30 April 1922

Copy of Na Daoine Macanta "The Plain People"

1pp

27 Copy of Eire 'The Irish Nation' 28 1916

Clippings reporting on the threat of arrest for Fitzgerald as Chairman of Queenstown Council and a subsequent arrest attempt. Clipping of report of conditions in Frongoch Military Camp.

VII Quarter Master Records 4th Battalion, No. 1 Brigade

28a March 1922 - January 1925

File kept by Fitzgerald as Quarter Master of the 4th Battalion Cork No. 1 Brigade, detailing requisitions of food and other items "July 13th, 1922. August 1922 Patrick

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PR6/

Barry 25 40 Boots" and "October 1923 J. Murphy, Main St., Midleton 24, 36 Funeral". Also details arms returns noting amounts of small arms and ammunition for some. Also details of Battalion subscriptions to the Prisoner's Dependents Fund.

VIII Memorabilia

29 December 1914 - May 1915

Bullet peppered target cards used by Cork Volunteers Firing conditions (distance, visibility) are recorded and the names of the marksman is noted beside each bullet hole. 37 items

30 1916

Prayer to St. Jude [sent to Fitzgerald while interned]

31 29 May 1922 - [ ]

Memorandum from the CS "George Ward" at Passage West detailing serial numbers of Webley revolvers. Tattered blank Travelling Permit to leave the city of Cork. Signed SE Dalton, Major General. Requisition form for a telescope and seven overcoats for Quater Master Seamus MacGearailt, 1st Southern Division Cork No. 1 Brigade 4th Battalion. 3p

IX Requests to Vouchsafe Pension Applications of Ex-Volunteers.

From Thomas Cotter

32 March 1938

Letter to Fitzgerald from Thomas Cotter, 656 East 166 Street, Bronx, New York detailing his services in the IRA with reference to his application for a pension. He joined Carrigtwohill "D" company Irish Volunteers in 1917 and gives details of raids up to March 1920. Recalls

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PR6/

ambushes and skirmishes and names spies he executed in 1921 and those who assisted him. He was arrested in October 1922 and took part in the general hunger strike November 1923. He was released December 1924. Also cover letter informing Fitzgerald he gave his name as a reference for the pension application. 7pp

From Daithi

28 December 1937 Letter to Fitzgerald from Daithi, 1310 Ardee Avenue, Bronx, New York, describing his life in America and thanking Fitzgerald for his help with the pension application. He lives in the suburbs so his children will be safe from traffic and it takes him 1 1/2 hours to get to work in the city. he earns $40 a week for 45 hours but adds expenses are very high. He has been following Fitzgerald's career in the newspapers and is glad he is doing so well. Encloses a photograph of his family. 4pp, cmx cm

iii

From George Keating

[ ] Letter to Fitzgerald from George Keating, Brooklyn, New York requesting his advice on employment prospects in Ireland and help with his pension application. Fed up with "American Communism" which is gripping the country he wishes to return to Ireland. 1p

From Joe Kiely (See also 50)

26/27 August 1938 Letter from Joe Kiely, Middlesex, England, thanking Fitzgerald for looking into the matter of his pension "I must have written about fifty letters to different people, about that pension without result". Encloses an application letter for a position as clerk in Haulbowline as requested 2pp

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