Patrick Hugh Holahan Volume 2

[Publish Date]

Patrick Hugh Holahan Volume II (1917-1923)

2

Contents After release of Easter 1916 prisoners ................................................................................................ 3

Imprisonment for singing a “seditious song” [1917] ............................................................................ 5

Funeral of Thomas Ashe [September, 1917] ...................................................................................... 6

South Armagh by-election [ Feb 1918] ................................................................................................ 8

Armistice Parade [Nov-1918] .............................................................................................................. 9

General Election [December 1918] ................................................................................................... 11

War Of Independence [January 1919 – July 1921] .............................................................................. 12

Collinstown Aerodrome Attack [March 1919] .................................................................................... 14

General Escape from Mountjoy [March 1919] ................................................................................... 17

Attack on goods train at Ashtown [June 1919] .................................................................................. 18

Planned raid on Anglo-American Oil Co. Depot. ........................................................................... 18

Kevin Barry [September 1920] .......................................................................................................... 19

Bloody Sunday [November, 1920] ..................................................................................................... 20

Raid on Company Headquarters and arrest. ................................................................................. 20

Active Service Unit ......................................................................................................................... 21

Promotion as Commandant 1st Battalion [Jan/Feb/Mar 1921] .......................................................... 22

Letter to Company 0/C. suspected trap. ........................................................................................ 23

The Squad. .................................................................................................................................... 23

Ambush for British troops at Findlater's Church ............................................................................ 23

The Raid on Keegan's Gunshop, Inns Quay, Dublin. .................................................................... 24

Burning of the Customs House [May 1921]....................................................................................... 27

Other Activities in War of Independence ........................................................................................... 27

War of Independence Truce [11th July, 1921] ................................................................................... 28

CIVIL WAR [April 1922 – May 1923] ..................................................................................................... 37

Occupation of Four Courts (14th April, 1922) ..................................................................................... 38

Battle of Dublin – the “Block” [June –July, 1922] .............................................................................. 40

End of Civil War fighting in Dublin [July 1922] ................................................................................... 46

Civil War Internment .......................................................................................................................... 47

Kilmainham Jail ................................................................................................................................. 47

Gormanstown Co. Meath ................................................................................................................... 48

End of Civil War [May 1923] .............................................................................................................. 50

Release [December, 1923] ................................................................................................................ 50

Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Index ...................................................................................................................................................... 53

3

After release of Easter 1916 prisoners

From Paddy Holahan’s pension application (1)

“On my release from Frongoch in late August[1916], I immediately started re-organising Fianna, most of whom had been too young for actual fighting, and who had become disorganised by the arrest and imprisonment of the older ones.”

Paddy Holahan (2)

Joseph Reynolds (3)

In January, 1917, the Headquarters staff of the Fianna was reconstituted as follows :- Chief of the Fianna .. Madame Markievicz Chief of Staff .. Éamon Martin Adjutant General .. H.C. Mellows Asst. Adjutant General .. P.J. Stephenson Quartermaster General .. Garry Holohan Asst. Quartermaster General A. White Director of Training .. Seán McLoughlin

Éamon Martin was in the U.S.A at this time and McLoughlin acted as Chief of Staff during his absence. Barney Mellows was arrested by the British about February 1917, and the Assistant Adjutant General, P.J. Stephenson, performed the duties of Adjutant General. The following were appointed to the Battalion staff :-

Commandant .. Barney Mellows Vice-Commandant .. Bob Holland Adjutant .. P. Cassidy Quartermaster .. Seumas Pounch

This staff functioned up to June 1917. Following Barney Mellows’ arrest in February, 1917, Garry Holohan then took over as 0/C. of the Battalion, in addition to his appointment as Q.M.G. and Brigade Commandant

P. Houlihan was noted as being 1st Lieutenant of “B” company , 1

st Battalion Fianna Éireann in 1917

(4)

4


Paddy Holahan (1)

”In 1917 a general reorganisation started, and I was appointed Director of Training to South City Fianna, joining at the same time F Company 1

st Batt. Volunteers and acting drill instructor

to the Company, under Capt. L Archer.” (1)

John Kenny (5)

My time was now fully occupied in seeking employment and helping to reorganise the 'Irish National Guards'. I had been elected chairman, and Alex. Thompson had been elected secretary of our old association. Tommy Bryan, who was later executed by the British, was also a member. Many new members had been enrolled, among them Paddy Houlihan who became Comdt. of the 1st Battalion. Seán Howard, an old member, had been killed in action in Easter Week, but most of our crowd had survived.

5

Imprisonment for singing a “seditious song” [1917]

According to the Irish Press:- (6)

In 1917 he was arrested and sentenced to one month's imprisonment for singing a seditious song. This was to be his only imprisonment during the remainder of the British occupation. For the next four years he was a much wanted man

Sean Prendergast (7)

“his imprisonment in 1918 or 1919 for singing "seditious songs".

Laurence Nugent (8)

Some men were now tried by courtmartial for singing seditious songs. The songs in this charge were 'The Green Flag' and 'The Soldier's Song'. The concert at which these songs were sung was held at 41 Parnell Square, and a third batch of prisoners were deported to England.

From National Archives (UK) (9)

From National Archives (UK). http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/s/res/17?_q=WO%2035&_ps=30

Prosecution of George Lyons, Andrew O' Doherty,

Patrick O'Holohan and John Milroy; Seditious Concert;

1917; ... War Office: Army of Ireland: Administrative and Easter Rising Records. IRISH SITUATION, 1914 - 1922. Prosecution of civilians. Prosecution of George Lyons, Andrew O' Doherty, Patrick O'Holohan and John Milroy; Seditious Concert; 1917; Dublin; trial by court martial. Collection:Records created or inherited by the War Office, Armed Forces, Judge

Advocate General, and related bodies Date range:1917 Reference:WO 35/95/15

Subjects:Armed Forces (General) | Ireland | Army

Kevin R. O’Sheil (10)

In Ireland, the tide towards the teaching and policy of the Easter Week leaders was flowing surely with a gradually quickening tempo, being helped thereto by the folly of the Government and their soi-distant "loyal" supporters in the country. For example, on 23rd of that January, Patrick Houlihan, Seán Milroy, George Lyons and Andrew O'Doherty were arrested and tried by courtmartial for having permitted. Irish songs and recitations at a concert.


“during this period I was arrested under D.O.R.A and sentenced by General Court Martial; on my release I resigned from Fianna, and devoted all my time to the training of the Company.”

Garry Holohan (11)

“Concerts were held at the Workmen’s Club, York Street, and 41 Parnell Square, almost every Sunday night, to raise funds. My brother Pat was arrested with Seán Milroy and Vincent O’Doherty in 1917 for singing seditious songs at a concert in 41 Parnell Square, and got six months in Mountjoy Jail.”

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C13388681



6

Funeral of Thomas Ashe [September, 1917]

Thomas Ashe was a founding member of the Irish Volunteers and a member of the IRB. He fought in

Ashtown in Easter Week 1916. [Patrick Holahan (cousin of Paddy Holahan) fought in Ashtown in

Easter 1916 with Thomas Ashe (11)]. He died on 25th

September 1917 in the Mater Hospital from

force feeding after being on Hunger Strike. Ashe’s death marked a significant increase in support for

the Republican movement. His body lay in state at Dublin City Hall and his funeral was followed by

30,000 people, led by armed Volunteers in uniform as it made its way to Glasnevin Cemetery. It was

the first public funeral after the Easter Rising of 1916. Michael Collins gave the graveside oration.

Irish Press Obituary (6)

He was a member of the firing party that gave a last salute to Tom Ashe in Glasnevin Cemetery. This was the first appearance in Dublin of armed Republicans since the surrender after 1916.


“At the funeral of the late Thomas Ashe I was one of the Firing Party”

There is video footage of the volley over the grave of Thomas Ashe online.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLd5E1f1Fc (12)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLd5E1f1Fc

7

Figure 1 - Paddy Holahan is one of the firing party at funeral of Thomas Ashe

Irish Independent Monday 1st October 1917 (13)

8

South Armagh by-election [ Feb 1918]

In the South Armagh by-election of 2nd

Feb 1918, the supporters of the Irish Parliamentary Party

candidate [Donnelly] and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians imported from outside

constituencies were, with the tacit approval of the police authorities, making matters very rough for

those who sided with Sinn Fein. Approaching polling day, the Sinn Fein leaders felt that the prospects

of their candidate [Dr Mc Carton] would be jeopardised unless adequate protection was provided at

the polling booths for their supporters. Accordingly, detachments of armed Volunteers were brought

into the constituency

According to the Irish Press (6)

He went north for the Armagh election, which Sinn Fein lost, but the spirit of the times is shown in the story that the volunteers: took the registration plates from the cars they drove from Dublin for the campaign and substituted their own "I.R. 1916" on all cars.


“When the Armagh Election campaign was started, owing to the hostilities of the opposition, it was decided to send a special armed squad from Dublin, and I was taken from my work and placed in charge of a section of them. I reported to F Lynch at Crossmaglen were I carried out all instructions given me during the Campaign.”

9

Armistice Parade [Nov-1918]

James Harpur1 (14)

I learned of the Armistice Parade in town in the year 1918, and I was mobilised for, I think, 41 Camden Street. The Battalion 0/C., Phil Cosgrave and the Vice 0/C., Joe McGrath, were there. I was given an old Spanish revolver and, I think, three rounds of ammunition by Joe McGrath and my instructions on that occasion were to patrol from the Mail Office Liffey side of Parliament Street, and I was to prevent anyone taking photographs of the Parade, the idea being that this British military parade was not to be given any publicity in the local papers. I was accompanied on that occasion by another Volunteer whom I think was Jim Fulham. As the Artillery were passing I saw a camera-man with a tripod camera on the south side of Capel Street Bridge endeavouring to take photographs of the parade. As we were making our way towards him to prevent him from doing so I observed two more Volunteers approaching him from the Quay side. I recognised these as Paddy Holohan and Pat Doyle the latter was afterwards executed. They reached the camera-man first and I heard an altercation going on between them. The next thing I saw was the camera and the man (the operator) being thrown into the Liffey. We resumed our patrol.

Johanna Holahan (15)

There was some big Royal Demonstration in Dublin. I think it must have been a recruiting drive. But the streets were packed with people watching. The parade it must have been about 1919 because I don’t think I was married. But Paddy and I mingled with the crowd until Paddy saw a Gaumont camera man taking pictures to send to England and he never took his eyes off him. We were in Dame St. and the parade was marching down towards College Green. The camera man must have finished his film because he turned back to go to the Gaumount Office which was on the other corner of where the “Evening Mail” was and there was a row of circular steps up to it. Before we got half way up Dame St. Paddy approached the camera man and said that looks a very heavy case will I carry it for you. The man glady accepted the offer and Paddy the camera man and I walked up the steps of the office and with a very quick turnaround, Paddy ran off down Parliament St. with me following as fact I could; the camera man shouting “stop thief” but Paddy got to the Liffey wall and dumped the box into the Liffey and away with him. So the English were deprived of a picture of Royal Irish subjects watching the parade. I can’t remember what the parade was but Dame St was packed with onlookers. (15)


1 James Harpur was a brother of Johanna Harpur who married Paddy Holahan

10

In 1918 I was elected 2nd

Lieut. Of F Coy. 1st Batt and when the Anti Conscription campaign

began the Brigade opened its ranks for recruits, this meant intensive training and to meet it I carried out a seriest of week end manoeuvers under armed guards.”

11

General Election [December 1918]


At the time of the 1918 Elections I was employed at Collinstown Aerodrome and I collected £50 for the Nth City Candidates, on polling day, I commandeered all the lorries for the purpose of getting the workers to the booths to record their votes.”

12

War Of Independence [January 1919 – July 1921]

Patrick Lawson (16)

During the month of January 1919, we raided many private houses in our area for arms and ammunition. The majority of the guns taken were obsolete; some of them were merely souvenirs which were of no value to us, although of some sentimental value to the owners. In one case my Company O/C. Paddy Holohan, instructed me to return three or four of these souvenir guns to an ex-British army major from whom we had taken them. The major was delighted to get them back and, in fact, invited us into his house to partake of his hospitality. This we declined, and he said to me "I know that you are Volunteers, and if you want my assistance, I will be only too glad to give it at any time".

James Harpur (14)

Early in 1919. I was transferred to "F" Company of the 1st Battalion where I became a section leader. The 0/C. of the Company was Paddy Holohan.

Patrick J. Kelly (17)

During the period when Belfast refugees were pouring into Dublin the Dublin Brigade H/Q quartered the homeless in the Fowler Hall, Parnell Square, and supplied them with food. Some of them objected to eating porridge for breakfast. A party of them occupied the Y.M.C.A. in O'Connell St. and barricaded the door. They raided local shops and seized food supplies. The shopkeepers complained to the 1st Battalion Council. Commandant Holohan sent two officers, P. Garland and J. Kelly to tell the refugees to clear out and go to Fowler Hall. They refused to open the door and the order was given through the letterbox. On hearing this Comdt. Holohan instructed five of us to force the door and eject them.

Paddy Holahan (2)

13

IRA Dublin Brigade 1st Batallion. (18)

14

Collinstown Aerodrome Attack [March 1919]

From Paddy Holahan’s pension application: (1)

(1) “On the 19

th March, 1919 after weeks of planning and preparations, the biggest and most

successful raid and capture of arms and ammunition was made against the British, was carried out at Collinstown Aerodrom and I was the officer in charge of it.”

Joseph V. Lawless (19)

Amongst those so employed on the work at Collinstown were a number of Volunteers including Peadar Breslin, Kit O'Malley and Paddy Holohan, and these men had seen the possibility of bringing off a successful raid from their inside knowledge of the conditions and routine of the camp. Holohan arid Breslin discussed this project with their battalion commander, Tom Byrne, 0/c. 1st Battalion, and he, in turn, discussed it with the brigade commander, Dick McKee, and so the plans were made.

Michael Lynch (20)

We had several meetings with the officers concerned in the 1st Battalion Seán Flood, Paddy Holohan and, I think, Peadar Breslin. These men informed us that they were employed, working at their respective trades, in the Aerodrome, and they claimed to know everything about the routine of the British military there at the time.

Michael Lynch (20)

Paddy Holohan, dressed as an immaculate British officer, came through the gateway and walked, rather noisily, over to where the sentry should be. It had been a wet night earlier on, and the sentry, apparently feeling cold and miserable, was not at his post. The dogs were sleeping peacefully. Paddy walked around the hut twice, looking for the sentry. The plan was to walk up to the sentry and, while he was presenting arms, to hit him on the chin, but there was no sentry. Tired of walking around the hut, Paddy said, "Ah! Come on, lads!". His party. in the meantime, had crept up, silently, behind.. a coal dump. When Paddy said, "come on", they all charged in from both ends of the hut and stuck up the whole guard. The Corporal. was in bed, and the sentry was warming his toes at the stove. The raiding party soon secured seventy-five rifles, the ammunition. And approximately seventy-five sets of equipment.


Paddy Holohan says, in his description of the affair, that these dogs, or the disposal of them, gave the most trouble in arranging the plans for the raid. This was got over, however, by

15

surreptitiously feeding them with meat containing morphia early in the evening of the raid, as Holohan arid the other workers there left camp at knocking-off time.


McKee had come into the room while all this was going on end he first had a private conference in a corner of the room with Paddy Holohan and a few others who had been concerned in the preliminary arrangements and who would command the operation on the spot.


Holohan and another man dressed in British army uniforms were to approach the entrance gate alone, posing as soldiers coming in off late pass, and would silence the sentry without noise while the rest of the party rushed the guardroom.


was a bright moonlight night with a nip of frost in the air, and as Paddy Holohan says in his account of the raid, we dreaded the effect that the bright moonlight was going to have on our plans

Frank Henderson (21)

Patrick Holohan, then a Company Officer in the 1st Battalion and at a later date Commandant of that Battalion, was one of those who argued keenly that the raid be carried out. He had observed the essential points during his. Daily work at the aerodrome and reported clearly and intelligently the details. He was, as well as I can, now remember, placed in charge of the operation when it was eventually attempted.

Patrick McCrea (22)

I think the first action of importance that I took part in was the raid on Collinstown Aerodrome in March 1919. It was a 1st Battalion assignment, but I was called in on it. as being attached to the Brigade Transport, and there were a couple of 2nd Battalion men on it including Mick McDonnell; Paddy Holohan was in charge. It was personally organised by the Brigadier, Dick McKee, with the assistance of Commandant Paddy Holohan and a few other members of the 1st Battalion who were employees in Collinstown.

Daniel McDonnell (23)

I carried on in the ordinary normal way with the Company through 1918 and then came the first big moment of my career, which was to go, on an active service job. The job was the raid on Collinstown Aerodrome. This raid was carried out under the supervision of the late Dick McKee. It was actually commanded by Paddy Holohan.

Seamus Pounch (24)

Just after the Collinstown raid by Paddy Holohan,

Joseph Dolan (25)

Paddy Houlihan was in charge and Peadar Breslin was second in charge.

Article in An Phoblachy by Aengus O’Snodaigh (26)

Five Volunteers who were civilian employees at the Aerodrome, Patrick Houlihan,, Peadar Breslin, Pat Doyle, Sean Doyle and Christy O'Malley provided the intelligence information required for the operation and early in March 1919 Brigadier Dick McKee sanctioned the arms-raid. The five Volunteers working at the aerodrome were first to volunteer to take part, but Lieutenant Houlihan refused permission for Pat Doyle to take part on the grounds he was married. Under threat of resignation from the IRA and with his wife's backing Pat was included in the final make up of the raiding party. Of the 25 others involved Phil Leddy, George Fitzgerald, Brian Kelly, P. J. Ryan, Mick Magee, Barney Ryan and Tom Merrigan, C. O'Malley.

16

Eilis Bean Ui Chonaill (Eilia Ni Riain), (27)

The Dublin detectives were very active about this time and some of them were tied up and warned in Dublin. There was a raid for arms by tie Volunteers in Collinstown Aerodrome. Paddy Holohan was concerned in it.

Patrick J. O’Connor (28)

I was employed by a building contractor on building operations at Coilinatown Aerodrome. Perhaps it was on this account that I was one of the men selected by Paddy ijoulihan to carry out a raid on Collinstown Aerodrome with a view to capturing arms slid ammunition. About 7 p.m. on the 20th March, 1919, a number of men of my Company, including myself, were drilling in the fields at Ballygaul. Paddy Houlihan, the Company Commander, called me out of the ranks and instructed me to proceed home, get flu' gun, which was a .32 revolver, and ammunition, and proceed to a house he named at Parnell Square. I carried out his instructions and on arriving there I saw that a number of men from other Companies of the Battalion were there also. Paddy Houlihan addressed us and told us that the job in hand was a raid on Collinstown Aerodrome.

Sean M O’Duffy (29)

During my work as charge-hand electrician at Collinstown Aerodrome, which was being built for the R.A.F., I had access to all parts, and sent plans of positions where arms and ammunition were kept. My 0/C, the late Commandant Houlihan, and the late Peadar Breslin were also employed on the job. As my hours were long, I along with other members of the Staff had to live in huts specially provided for us. On the morning of March 20th, 1919, imagine ray surprise and pleasure when I learned that 75 rifles and 4,000 rounds of ammunition were captured. Later I knew that this was carried out by members of my Company and also F. Company. After the raid, all the building and engineering staff were discharged

Figure 2 British Troops in Dublin 1920

17

General Escape from Mountjoy [March 1919]

(30) Michael Collins had organised the escape of Eamon de Valera from Lincoln Prison in England.

Now he followed that and the Barton escape with a more ambitious plan for Mountjoy. The prisoners

chosen for escape were Pádraic Fleming, senior IRB man Piaras Beaslaí and J.J. Walsh TD.

In broad daylight, a rope ladder was thrown over the Mountjoy wall into the exercise yard, which was

filled with republican prisoners. Fleming, Beaslaí and Walsh climbed over as warders were held at

bay by five prisoners using spoons in their pockets to look like revolvers. Seventeen more prisoners

managed to climb out on the rope ladder and all got clean away.

Twenty republican prisoners escaped from Mountjoy on 29 March 1919


I was with the party detailed to cover the prisoners retreat and with me were several of my old 1916 comrades, Paddy and Carry Holohan, Joe O'Reilly (known as Bantry Joe), Sean O'Connor (Blimey), and several others.

18

Attack on goods train at Ashtown [June 1919]


think at was Paddy Holohan who had the job of dealing with the man in the signal box and when the sound of an approaching train fell on our ears, Paddy mounted the steps leading to the signal cabin and, holding up the signalman, told him what he wanted done.

Patrick J. O’Connor (28)

Twenty of us were detailed one night to go to Ashtown station for the purpose of seizing arms which áere being conveyed by train from the West to Dublin city. I think Paddy Houlihan was in charge of this party. We arrived at Ashtown station at 6 a.m. but discovered that the train had already gone by. The train was. scheduled to arrive at Ashtown at 6 am. and we were there on time, but for some reason or other it passed before its time.

Planned raid on Anglo-American Oil Co. Depot. Patrick Lawson (16)

The Anglo-American Oil Company depot at the North Wall was guarded by a. party of from 16 to 20 British soldiers. It was decided to disarm this guard and seize their rifles and ammunition. The plan was that about 18 of us under Commandant Paddy Holohan would carry out this raid. Our instructions were to steal up to the sentry at dusk on a given evening and disarm him. By taking him by surprise it was felt that it would be easy to seize the remainder of the rifles lying on the ship. This, however, was conditional on the clear understanding that no attempt was to be made should an armoured car arrive on the scene. It was customary for such an armoured vehicle to be in the vicinity of that place practically all the time. We assembled as instructed, but when we got near the depot and were getting into position we discovered that the armoured car had arrived, We considered the idea of taking control of the armoured car if the crew left it, but Paddy Holohan said that his instructions were very definite that no action should be taken if the armoured car was there. Accordingly the raid was called off.

19

Kevin Barry [September 1920]

Kevin Barry was captured on 20th September 1920 during an attack on a British army truck in Church

Street in which three British soldiers were killed. Paddy Holahan was not involved.

Paddy Holahan gave a speech (c. 1940) at an unveiling of a plaque to Kevin Barry

(31) Kevin Barry was born, of Catholic and Irish parents who instilled into his young mind, the Principles of Religion and Nationality. He grew up a bright and happy boy and became, in due course, a University Student, and an Irish Volunteer. When the hour of duty struck, he stepped forward bravely and did his duty here like a true soldier of Ireland. He risked his life in an ambush, and he might have been shot dead on this very spot. Instead, he was taken by English soldiers , endured imprisonment and was put upon his trial. During his trial he sat quite calmly before his judge, and Father Augustine who sat beside his mother during the whole time told me later that Kevin told the Military Officer, that he was quite indifferent to the proceedings, and that they didn't interest him in the least. When sentence came and he knew his fate, he bore it like a valiant man. He sent for Father Augustine who, as a priest did all he could for him on the very morning of the day before the noble Terry McSweeney was buried in Cork. Kevin spoke freely and cheerfully to the Capuchin, and told him he was praying for courage on the morning - the last day of his mortal life. Most wonderfully and abundantly his prayer was heard. He prepared the alter for the priest. He served his Mass, he received Holy Communion, and on that memorable morning, at 8 o'clock, he bravely mouted the scaffold, and smilingly went to meet his God.

20

Bloody Sunday [November, 1920]

Patrick Lawson (16)

Bloody Sunday. On the night before Bloody Sunday, 21st November 1920, Paddy Holohan, our Coy. o/c., instructed us to be present the following morning at 41 Parnell Square at ten minutes past eight He told us that we were to carry our guns. Six of us were detailed and we reported next morning at the appointed time. Paddy Holohan arrived and told us to go home as the job had been called off. The only information he gave me was that' we were to have gone to some house in Phibsboro'. He just mentioned this in casual conversation afterwards when the results of Bloody Sunday were known.

Raid on Company Headquarters and arrest.

Patrick Lawson (16)

On 23rd November 1920, I got a special mobilisation order to have my half company on parade at Lourdes House at 7.15 p.m. instead of the usual time, 8.15 p.m. I was also told to bring the company rolls, which I always held. The company rolls consisted of a copy-book containing the name of every man in the company, where he worked, what time he usually went to his dinner, or did he remain on the Job during dinner-time, and what gun and ammunition he had, if any. Holohan came to the parade at exactly 7.15 and he gave the order to all the men to get out as quickly as they could, that there could be some trouble there that night. He told the men that if they had subscriptions to pay they were to pay them and get out.

Figure 3 British troops at junction of O Connell St. and Abbey St. in 1920 (eastwallforall.ie)

21

Active Service Unit Patrick J O’Connor (28)

On St. Stephen's Day, 1920, I was instructed by Paddy Houlihan, my Company Officer, to report to Oriel Hall, Seville Place. On arrival there I found that a big number of men were present. We were addressed by Oscar Traynor, who told. us that we had been selected by our Company officers to join a new unit which was to be known as the "Active Service Unit" of the Dublin Brigade.

Dermot O’Sullivan (32)

Active Service Unit. Some time in December, 1920, four of us were paraded by the Company Commander and were instructed that it was proposed to form an Active Service Unit and that he had selected us from the Company to attend the parade for the formation of this unit at a hall in Sherrard Street. On the night in question the four of us paraded as instructed and when we got to the hall we found that there was a big number of Volunteers from other units of the Dublin Brigade Present. We were all lined up and asked by Commandant Paddy Houlihan if we had any objections to joining the unit which was to be formed that night. Of the four men of "C" Company I was the only one that joined the A.S.U. Two refused for family reasons and the other was not selected that night. When the final selections were made, approximately fifty men remained in the hall. We were addressed by Paddy Houlihan who introduced to us in a fiery speech our new Commander Paddy Flanagan. I cannot recall the gist of Paddy Houlihan's speech.

22

Promotion as Commandant 1st Battalion [Jan/Feb/Mar 1921]

Frank Henderson (21)

1st Battalion. Dublin Brigade: I was present at consultations concerning a successor to Tom Byrne, former Commandant of this Battalion. These took place shortly after Bloody Sunday. Byrne, who was a veteran of the Irish Brigade of the Boer War, 1899-1902, was getting old, and was prevailed on to resign so as to allow a younger man to command the Battalion. G.H.Q. were anxious that either Seán Flood or Paddy Holohan would become Commandant. I am not certain now whether I attended the election, or indeed whether another officer was proposed after Holohan was nominated. At any rate Holohan became Commandant

Thomas Byrne (33)

When I was appointed 0/C. of the Battalion, Piaras Beasaí was elected flee-Commandant but he was transferred later. On my arrest, Paddy Houlihan was appointed in my place. In the meantime, I was not doing anything. As a matter of fact, I left the Battalion at the request of Michael Collins. I know it is a fact that it was owing to the failure of the 1st Battalion to carry out certain operations on Bloody Sunday. In any case, he thought perhaps that Paddy Houlihan would be a better man. We held a meeting which was; attended by Brigadier Oscar Traynor. He told me that at the request of Michael Collins, Houlihan took my place. The Battalion officers did not want me to resign but I told them to obey G.H.Q.

Oscar Traynor (34)

Round about February or March, 1921, it was found necessary to replace some of the existing Commandants. Vice Commandant P. Holohan replaced Commandant T. Byrne

Oscar Traynor (1)

Harry Colley (35)

About January, 1921, Paddy Holohan became 0/C., 1st Battalion, in place of Tom Byrne

Joseph O’Connor (36)

Shortly after Oscar's appointment he removed Tom Byrne from command of the 1st Battalion and replaced him by Paddy Houlihan. The Brigade Council at this stage was: Oscar Traynor 0/C. Mooney Vice 0/C. Harry Colley Adjutant Peadar Breslin Quartermaster Kit O'Malley Assistant Adjutant Paddy Houlihan 1st Battalion Frank Henderson 2nd Battalion Myself 3rd Battalion Ted Kelly 4th Battalion (He was succeeded by Seán Dowling)

23

Liam O'Doherty 5th Battalion (Engineers)

Letter to Company 0/C. suspected trap. Patrick Lawson (16)

Lourdes House, No. 9 Buckingham St. was used as Company headquarters later on. I remember on one occasion going into the billiards room and seeing a letter addressed to Paddy Holohan, company O/C. on the rack. The handwriting on the envelope looked very suspicious to me and I decided that I would take it to Paddy Holohan's house and deliver it to him there. Curfew was on at the time and it was after curfew when I got to his house. Paddy Holohan was in bed when I knocked at his house He read the letter and said it looked suspicious. He said that he would hand it over to the proper authorities to see if they could make anything of it. The gist of the letter was that he was to meet some gentleman at a house in Lower Marlboro' Street on the following Saturday afternoon at 2.30. The writer intimated that he had some information to give, but did not sign his name. Paddy Holohan dismissed me and told me that he would see me the following evening, when he might have further instructions for me. I met Paddy on the following evening and he told me to take six men of the company with me to Marlboro' St. and that we were all to carry arms. He was going to keep the appointment at the house in Marlboro' St. At 2 o'clock on the Saturday we met outside the Pro-Cathedra Paddy Holohan was to enter the house with one armed escort, Christy O'Malley. We were waiting there when Holohan arrived, and said that the Job had been called off as it was too risky. He had been instructed to call it off. We never discovered What was really behind the appointment, but we suspected that it was a trap.

The Squad.

Patrick Lawson (16)

Early in March 1921, the Battalion 0/C., Paddy Holohan,instructed me that I was being transferred in a higher rank to the Headquarters Squad and that I was to report to Paddy Daly at No. 10 Upper Abbey St., known as the Oddfellows Hall. I met Paddy Daly as instructed, and he gave me an outline of my duties. He told me that the Squad was formed to carry out individual shootings of enemy agents and spies, and that in future I was to act under his command.

Ambush for British troops at Findlater's Church

Martin Finn (37)

About March 1921, the engineering unit of the Battalion laid an ambush for British troops at Findlater's Church during the course of which an engineering student of U.C.D. named Dwyer was killed in action. Another Volunteer named Mat Ladrigan was wounded on that occasion and he was brought to my digs. When I got home from other duties on which I had been engaged I found he had been put in my bed. Ladrigan was fairly badly wounded having received a bullet in the knee and a shrapnel wound in the left side near the heart. I went to the Mater Hospital and contacted a Doctor there whom I knew, Dr. John Geraghty, who had been out in the Rising of 1916 and who was a member of the 1st Battalion. Dr. Geraghty sent another Doctor named Anthony O'Regan a native of Trim the following morning who attended to Ladrigan. That evening the Battalion Commandant, Paddy Holohan, came in and took Ladrigan to the Mater Hospital where he was taken in and treated.

James Harpur (14)

I was still in touch with my old Company and talking one night to the Company Officer, Paddy Holohan, he told me that they had a job lined up for an ambush in North Frederick Street. He asked sue if I were not doing anything particular at that time with the A.S.U. would I go on the job with them. I said I would. The job duly came off and was carried out against the British military actually in the Frederick Street area. On this occasion I went into position at Findlaters Church and there were three of us at this particular spot Tom Sheerin who was Lieutenant of the Company, Rossa Mahon and myself. We started the job by firing grenades at a lorry.

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Others were in position at the L.S.E. garage at the corner of Hardwicke Street. I believe this job was also a big success and there were no casualties on our side. Gus Murphy, who was my Section Commander in the A.S.U., got to hear of my going on this job and gave me what is now known as a "Disciplinary choke-off", and told me that in future I would confine my activities to those ordered by him.

The Raid on Keegan's Gunshop, Inns Quay, Dublin. Sean O’Neill (38)

ON Inns Quay, Dublin, there was a gunsmith shop known as Keegan's. Over this shop there were in 1921 the offices of the Pawnbrokers' Assistants Union. I happened to go there with a member, Sean Dwyer (better known as Spivis) Who wanted to pay his Union fee. This was on Easter Sunday evening.. While going up the stairs we noticed a lot of parcels along the side of the wall, in the hall, up the stairs and on the landings. SpIvi, always inquisitive,, wanted to see what was in those parcels and tore a corner off one.. What was inside only shotgun ammunition This was a find. We then looked at a few more and they were all live cartridges.. We put the parcels we opened with the torn part back to the wall arid went and reported the matter to Comdt. P. Holohan. He got in touch with Corless, Battalion Q.


Mention must be made of other personalities who were officers f the 1st Battalion Staff. In that connection the name of our Commandant, Patrick Holohan, stands out pre-imenent and as a shining light as supreme head and leader. Already his name, his personality and some of his work has been dealt with - especially in regard to some aspects of his association with the Fianna from 1909 to 1915, his part in the Easter Week 1916 Rising and his imprisonment in 1918 or 1919 for singing "seditious songs". "Paddy" as he was more commonly called by those of us who were close and intimately associated with him had recently taken over charge of our Battalion having succeeded our former Commandant Tom Byrne. Prior to his elevation to that post he had served in 'F' Company as Captain. It could be said that from that period he was deeply engrossed, firmly attached to and immensely proud of his Battalion – nay more, he moved, lived for and had his being centred therein. His was a type of personality that was strong virile and expressive which backed by a robust physical and mental framework sought to dominate or to influence the shaping of events and of men in the colourful exciting periods of the times. Casual acquaintanceship with him produced the inevitable verdict that our Commandant was an eegoist, one who was himself always and ever. On closer intimacy and more intimate association Paddy appeared a more normal, sociable and lovable character. If perchance he was an egoist or possessed the ego spirit as some people declared the fact of his rank in the I.R.A. and perhaps outward appearances and speech rather than his nature contributed somewhat to create impressions that he was such. In a more general way his lofty appearance, his way of addressing men and his virile, straight to the chin approaches conduced in no small way to the beliefs or fancies that Paddy was anything but one of ourselves. That he was a type that went straight to the point and was direct and incisive in commanding or giving commands none could gainsay. In plain words he commanded and he commanded surely, personally and determinedly. These were his main military characteristics. To those of us whose knowledge extended for ten years or more impressions gained went far to assess that Paddy loved soldering. He had grown to love all the work in the Fianna and Volunteers - every aspect, training organisation and operational. All were dear to him as his continued service proved. He brought that love with him when he became our Commandant of which it could be said he was at home, a man reigning over men. To some Paddy was rough, robust and stern; could one forget that even these things were qualities in an officer and all of a sort that sometimes produced good soldiers. In a bigger sense he was a "go-getter" arid "up-and-get-them type that always wanted to do things and to show results wherever or however they would be attained. Few could be more an officer than he for he had many attributes in his favour as Commandant of our Battalion. In a personal or individual sense Paddy Holohan was a good friend, a loyal comrade and a true associate. As an officer he was a firm and strong disciplinarian His was not a hard nature to understand once you peirced a not too hardened exterior which was seldom invulnerable to a good deed or a kind word for he was in ordinary civilian lire gayest than the gayest. Many typical examples of these trends in his make up and general characteristics may be accounted here. In the

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Fianna (pre 1916) days Paddy could throw himself headlong into any danger, row or fracas in which politics or political feeling were contributing factors to stir up occasional outbursts of excitement. At such times he could display the utmost contempt for and utter disconcern of the consequences of his actions. In play, in sport or in revelery, Paddy could "go all out" and be "in the thick of it" even if by so doing he imperilled his limbs or his liberties. How many a time did he come off second best on the hurling field which brought him a fractured collar-bone or other injury. How many times did he engage in tearing down Imperial flags that were freely and provokingly displayed on the occasion of the English King's visit to Dublin in 1912 or some other British event or festivity; in the many clashes that occurred at British recruiting meetings held during the 1914 and 1918 World War; or the wild scenes of orgy fostered by British supporters during armistice day celebrations? Then he would display a reckless abandon which his physique and his size went far to emphasise. (Paddy was 6 ft. high and of strong well proportioned build). Easier for him to throw his weight about than to recover his balance. Not that he was always display in his physical prowess and human faculties for purposes of creating or seeking trouble. They were only incidental to a nature that was truly vigorous, fairly excitable and mainly expansive but a nature that was given to fun, frivolity and enjoyment in whatever way and by whatever means they could be sought. He could as easy be "the fun of the party" at a ceilidhe or soiree as in doing a turn on a concert platform. In either event he could be seen and heard to advantage at Fianna or Volunteer functions rendering the every famous Wexford Insurrectionary Ballad "Kelly the boy from Killan" or the more recent "Blood and Tears" song "Vengence" (which had become popular after 1916). Even on one occasion he made bold to entertain concert-goers by a violin recital; who could deny that he made a brave show even though he was only an amateur having but a few months tuition to his credit and the audience were not over cynical or severe. Then you found him as he was a big boy and one that refused or did not know how to grow up in the sense that some grow to maturity by stages or through the passage of time.


The importance of that form of warfare can be best guaged by the fact that our own G.H.Q. issued numerous orders from time to time, expressive of the desire to intensify our actions against the British. In like manner the Dublin Brigade authorities and our 1st Battalion O.C. - Paddy Holohan - stressed the importance of getting on with that phase of fighting. At weekly meetings of our Battalion, Officers of Companies were particularly prevailed on to get the men out on ambushing and we were urged, nay, appealed to, to show that our Battalion was alive and doing well in that sphere. There was always the urgent necessity to do so. Indeed it had been commented on by our Commandant, P. Holohan, that there was a feeling abroad that our Battalion was behind in the ambush warfare. We were not doing enough.

Martin Finn (39)

During the period of the Belfast boycott in the early part of 1921 a. number of us were; detailed to raid a Jewman's premises in Cecelia Street. My job was to bring the ledgers captured in the raid to 25. Upper Gardiner Street where they were later collected by the Battalion Commander,Paddy Houlihan.

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From IRA records in military archives (40)

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Burning of the Customs House [May 1921]


night or two afterwards, the brigadier, Oscar Traynor, conveyed through our First Battalion Commandant, Paddy Holohan, a special message of commendation for the part our company group had played in the action.

Other Activities in War of Independence

John Kenny (41)

Whenever operations were carried out around Bolton St. area, Paddy Houlihan, who was usually in charge,


John Kenny (41)

I think, was the Friday before the Truce of 11th July, 1921,and. that operation did not materialise. On that evening, Jim Freeney, Jack Bannon, another, Walter Williams and myself met the Comdt., Paddy Houlihan, who gave us our instructions and a very meagre supply of ammunition Our orders were to enter the La Scala Theatre, now the Capitol Theatre, at 8 p.m., which the Black and Tans patronised, and to eliminate as many as surprise would allow, collect their guns and try to escape with them. If one of our chaps came along on a bicycle with a white handkerchief in his hand, we were to call the whole thing off. At about five minutes to eight, Seamus Kavanagh appeared on a bike and he displayed a white handkerchief in his hand.


Text reads “Was recommended for appointment as Brigade O/C for Fingal Brigade, owing to truce in 1921 did not take up position”

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War of Independence Truce [11th July, 1921]

IRA activity in the last six months of the war increased. The British Government had only two choices

at this stage: total martial law or an offer of negotiations with Sinn Féin. In some ways the war was at

a stalemate. Lloyd George decided that an offer of negotiations should be made, a truce was singed

on 9th July 1921 and came into effect on 11th of July 1921. This brought about an end to the War of

Independence and paved the way for the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations three months later in

October 1921.


This is by way of preface to an affair in which the writer and his company became involved during the Truce period. It arose over the question of our camp at Portmarnock. We had been installed there for well over a month when orders were issued by our battalion O/C. Comdt. P. Holohan to "break camp and to proceed to the battalion camp venue, Mulhuddart". Sadly upset and chagrined, not so much at the issuing of this peremptory order as that its terms implied the conclusion of our company venture, we dallied in giving strict and immediate compliance to the demand imposed on our company. Acrimonious controversy accordingly ensued. The Battalion O/C. took umbrage at our unaccommodating attitude. To hold out on a matter of principle of company requirements and company independence could only he registered as dissentients to the battalion plan


Other issues were being fought or agitaged within the I.R.A sphere. One of these arose over the procedure connected with the taking over and occupation by the I.R.A. of the vacated military barracks.Thus at every meeting of our battalion council the subject was debated, and our Commandant, P. Holohan, who supported our idea and viewpoint time and again, sought to impress the "higher-ups" but without result.


Some weeks after the Truce was signed the British Headquarters complained that sniping was taking place each night. Shots were being fired into Marlboro and Arbour Hill barracks. All Companies were ordered to watch for the offender. I was detailed by Comdt. P. Holohan to have a party of men ready and contact a British officer and party in Parnell Square (Findlaters Church) at 8 o'clock p.m. one night. We were to carry out a joint patrol in the North Circular Road area.


Five days later an I/O of 1st Battalion, Vincent Gogan, reported that a man answering Marry's description had arrived by train and booked in at the Globe Hotel in Talbot St. Comdt. Holohan ordered me to take a squad and make the arrest.

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Figure 4 Excerpt Irish Press Obituary (6)

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Paddy Holahan’s handwritten report (for military pensions commissions c. 1935) on IRA 1st Battalion

Dublin Brigade (40) in July 1922 There were approx. 750 men in 1st Battalion.

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Figure 5 - An Anti Treaty IRA unit Dublin Brigade walking down Grafton Street 1922 (irishvolunteers.org)

Picture undated, but must be in period 1920-1930. Paddy & Johanna Holahan are couple standing top right.

Figure 6 - Paddy & Johanna Holahan

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Figure 7 - Pre-civil war order from P Holahan (family collection)

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Oscar Traynor addressing Dublin City Brigade According to the Irish Independent, April 3, 1922, the Dublin City Brigade I.R.A. paraded at Smithfield on the 2nd "under officers who recognise the Executive established as a result of the recent Convention", and were addressed by Oscar Traynor, Rory O'Connor and F[rank] Henderson”

From National Library of Ireland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Traynor#mediaviewer/File:Oscar_Traynor_(under_the_X)_(7541615018).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Traynor#mediaviewer/File:Oscar_Traynor_(under_the_X)_(7541615018).jpg

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CIVIL WAR [April 1922 – May 1923]

Joseph O’Connor (42)

After the Treaty had been accepted, a Brigade council of the Dublin Brigade was called to consider the action of the Brigade. The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff. The Commandants were called on, each in turn, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, to state how they and their command felt on the matter of the Treaty. Those present included:

Oscar Traynor Seán Mooney Peadar Breslin Paddy Holohan Frank Henderson Patrick Sweeney Seán Dowling Liam O'Doherty and Myself.

I remember that when I was making my statement Dick Mulcahy interrupted to say that they promised a Republican Constitution. I turned to Dick and said, "Put that in writing and I'm with you". He made no further comment and after very careful and' unimpassioned consideration the Dublin Brigade unanimously refused to accept the Treaty and promised to do all in their power to help Ireland to function as a Republic.

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Occupation of Four Courts (14th April, 1922)

Paddy Holahan led the troops that captured the Four Courts but handed it over to another group of

anti-treaty IRA.

Paddy Holahan (2)


O/C of capture of Four Courts on 14-4-’22. Repulsing attacks of F.S. Troops during Civil War

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Figure 8 - Four Courts Pass issued 4th

May 1922 (family collection)

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Battle of Dublin – the “Block” [June –July, 1922]

On 29 June, Oscar Traynor and about 500 men from the anti-Treaty Dublin Brigade occupied the

north east side of O'Connell Street. They tunnelled through the walls of the ajoining Gresham, Crown,

Granville, and Hammam Hotels and created a fortified "block." On the west side of the street they

captured the YMCA and had another outpost in the Swan Pub on Aungier street.

Free State forces surrounded the Anti-Treaty stronghold with another cordon and first cleared the

republican outposts using artillery and drove the Anti-Treaty forces out of Parnell Street and Gardiner

Street. Matters were helped by the fact that the IRA stronghold was cut off from reinforcing their

comrades in the Four Courts by the open field of fire on O'Connell Street. The republicans in the

YMCA were flushed out when Free State forces tunneled under the building and detonated

explosives. Artillery, machine guns, snipers and armoured cars covered infantry assaults on the

"block" which was soon ablaze from incendiary bombs. Oscar Traynor and scores of the men and

women from Cumann na mBan under his command managed to drift away, clad in civilian clothes

and got out of the city to fight another day. In the Hamann Hotel, Cathal Brugha held out with a small

rearguard group until 5 July. He first ordered his men to surrender and later emerged alone revolver in

hand to confront the Free State troops. Shot in the thigh he died of blood loss on 7 July.

Video from British Pathé http://www.britishpathe.com/video/dublin-war-scenes/query/dublin+firing

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/dublin-war-scenes/query/dublin+firing

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Reads: “To O/C 1 I believe your men will be able toget through to-night if they make an effort. “They other folk” (??) are also played out and may make a kind of holiday out of the surrender if so they may slip through R. I hold from the Tram Office to Findlaters on one side. Have a good rest ro-night. XXX O/C Bde”

Holahan Family Collection

Figure 9 - Letter from Dublin Brigade HQ 30/6/22

From Johanna Holahan (née Harpur) wife of Paddy Holahan

(15)The Vols. spent a good deal of time chasing car robbers. During this time I had an argument with my father who I dearly loved. He would not believe that the Staters which included my two brothers Jack and Jim would ever attack the Four Courts which had been

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taken over by our boys led by Oscar Traynor and Paddy and a garrison installed on Holy Thursday night 1922. I remember it was Holy Thursday because Paddy told me that during the night while they were sandbagging it some of the men bought Oscar and himself hot Bovril and Oscar refused saying it’s Good Friday morning. Things got very strained between Paddy and my father with the result I did not visit Cildara for some time. When the assault did take place on 28

th June 1922 Mary and Kitty were out fighting with Paddy and my father

became Republican. During the fighting Garry came to Sigurd Road and told me to go down to Avondale Avenue where his mother lived and to take Paud

2and myself down there as it

would be easier for them to get in touch and there was no use in the two women Grainne and me living on our own, so I packed all things into Paud’s pram and wheeled him down N.C Road to Avondale Avenue and when I got there Grainne told me she had been down to see Paddy in Parnell Square. So I said will you mind Paud and I’ll go I’d love to see him. But he had moved down through Parnell St. house fighting and had with his men reached Capel Street in a place called Jenkinsons a potato factors place almost falling down. I was told this in Parnell Sq. but decided to carry on as I had not seen him for a few days. I went down through shot and shell and reached the corner of Capel St. There was a barrage of shots coming up from Slattery’s Pub down near Strand Street corner and I wanted to get across the road between shots and knocked at Jenkinson’s door (it just beside where Breretons Pawn Shop is now) Kitty and Mary were there and I asked to see Paddy. After a while he came down and looked at me and said “what is God’s name are you doing here.” What would happen to Paud if the 2 of us got killed but he put his arms round me and told me to get back as soon as I could. It was an awful experience getting home because when I got to Dorset St. the street was being riddled with machine gun fire from the Fire Station but I got back safely T.G. and I had seen Paddy. I stayed in Grannies’ until the fight was over and Paddy came back to Grannie’s but could not stay so he went on the run and first stayed with Mrs Heuston who took him in. I stayed in Granny’s until one evening Jim appeared at the door and told me he had come from Cildara to bring me home to my father and mother and that was first time I had been there since the row over the Staters. My father had completely changed his mind and said “I never thought they would turn the guns on our own. I stayed there for a month or so and then Paud and I went back on our own to Sigurd Road where I stayed on my own till Paddy was released on 19/12/23, living on 22 shillings a fortnight because there were no funds.

Another version from Johanna of the same story (43)

The truce was signed in Dec. 1920 and sometime after that, I can’t remember exact date a camp was set up in Mulhuddart. I’m not sure if the whole Dublin Brigade was there, but I know 1

st Batt was there. Paddy had acquired a motor byke & side car (an A.J.D) and he used to go

out every evening Dick Mulcahy used go as Chief of Staff to inspect them. As there was no fighting the Volunteers took on police duties & went after motor car robbers. Then on Holy Thursday night of year 1922 XXX * Paddy and I don’t know what other officers took over the Four Courts & occupied it They spent that night fortifying it with sand bags etc. How I am so sure it was Holy Thursday is because Paddy told me that the lads brought Oscar & himself cups of hot Bovril in the early hours of Friday morning & they refused it because they said it was Good Friday morning. The permanent garrison was then put into Four Courts & Paddy used go down every night & occasionally Jackie Bannon (?) who was which you might call his bat man would come to me & say Mrs Holahan I want all the stuff meaning guns & ammunition you have in the house we are expecting an attack on the Four Courts. This happened several times & on the night of June 27

th 1922 Jackie called & I brought him in &

before he could say anything I said you want all the stuff because you are expecting an attack on the Four Courts. I laughed. I knew Paddy would be out late so Paud was asleep in the pram & I wheeled him in to our bedroom & I went to bed & slept. Next morning at about 7.30 K, Manigan & Brigid Gleeson knocked at the door & said Paddy asked us to call & tell you he is alright. I said what are you talking about & they said “My God did you not hear the guns The Free State attacked the Four Courts at 4 oclock this morning” – that was how I heard about the Four Courts that was 28

th June 1922 & Paud & I had slept through it all. Paddy wasn’t in

2 Paud Holahan was the first child of Paddy & Johanna (married April 1920)

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Four Courts but in the Fowler Hall in Parnell Square was his H.Q. & during the week they fought down Parnell St. House to house until they reached Capel St & they were stuck in a place called Jenkinsons a potato factory store just across the road at the end of Mary St. I went down under fire one day to see him & he told me to go home quickly & look after the child (Paud) He was not a bit pleased to see me as he thought I had run too much of a risk & if anything happened to me what about Paud? Mary & Kitty were both there under his command. I did not know they were out in the fight because I had not been visiting Cildapa Cottage for some time because my father was delighted when the Trust was signed because the prisoners including Jum who was in Kilmainham after being caught at Custom House were all released & it had been rumoured that they should be shot. So Paddy & my father had a disagreement He (my father) could not believe that the Staters would ever attack their comrades but when the Four Courts was bombarded he became a furei (?) Republican. During the week of the fighting Garry (who was in the Hamman Hotel O’Connel St from where Cathal Brugha was afterwards shot) came to me in Sigurd Road & told me to pack up & go up to his mother in Avondale Avenue as it would be easier to get message to us there & that he would get word to Pat where I was so I put Paud in pram & went up to Grannie Holahana & stayed there for the week of the fight. Auntie Brigid was in Cork with her people when fight broke out. When the week was over Paddy came up to Grannies & I saw him for an hour until we could think of somewhere for him to stay on the run. Mrs Heuston took him in for a while & one evening Uncle Jim called for me & brought me home to Cildara where I stayed for a couple of months. Paddy was on the run & I did not see him only once or twice but I used to get notes from him. Then he arranged to come to see Paud and me at Cildara & I was to make sure that no Staters would be there. He called on a Sunday & he hadn’t slept for 4 nights so mother put him up to be & who should call but Jack in full uniform. He insisted on seeing Paddy & I know Paddy would not want to see him however he insisted & I brought him up to Paddy who was fast asleep. I shook him & he opened his eyes & saw the uniform & his hand immediately went under the pillow to get his gun but I explained Jack wanted to share hands with him to show there was no ill feeling & it ended up alright Thank God.


On Tuesday night, the 27th June, 1922, the Dublin Brigade I.R.A. was urgently mobilised for immediate action "as the Staters are going to attack the Four Courts". Conforming to that order, our 1st Battalion Commandant, Paddy Holohan, issued mobilisation orders to respective Companies, the main portion to report at 44, Parnell Square, others at the Fowler Hall. and our "C" Coy. at Tara Hall in Gloucester Street.


Then another order arrived from our Commandant, P. Holohan, ordering us to take over Hughes's Hotel in Lr. Gardiner St.

Patrick Kelly (45)

The night before the Pour Courts was attacked by Free State forces "G" Company was on parade at 5 Blackhall Street. We received orders from Commandant P. Holohan to report with all available men at 44. Parnell Square, whore the 1st Battalion were parading.

Patrick Kelly (45)

When the Courts were attacked at midnight our scouts came in and reported the position of the attackers and Captain Oman sent all available information to Commandant Holohan and asked for his instructions, We were told to remain where we were and await further instructions. The following evening we again received instructions from Commanndant Holohan. We were to proceed with all men and equipment to Parnell Square at once,

Patrick Kelly (45)

The same day Commandant Holohan led a mixed party from the various Companies on a sortie. His object was to reach the Four Courts. They were attacked in Mary Street from a Free State post and a mater of "G" Company was fatally wounded. He was Thomas Markey. He died later in Jervis. Street Hospital. Commandant Holohan and his party (approximately 20 men) returned to "44". Later the same evening the Commandant decided to take possession of Jenkin's premises in Capel Street. He led the main body and ordered me to

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remain behind with fifteen men for about twenty minutes and then follow up through Parnell Street as a rearguard. I waited the prescribed period and then set out with my party. I marched in single line with half my men on each side of the street. When approaching Stafford Street we were attacked by machine-gun fire and two of my men had their hats shot off but were not wounded. I shouted to the men to take cover in the doorways and we returned the fire for about five minutes but we were not quite sure of the enemy's location.' After about ten minutes I gave the order to advance, this time making use of what cover we could find and proceeding by short rushes. In this manner we safely reached Ryder's (or Riddles) Row, a short street leading from Parnell Street to Capel Street. At this point there was a. terrific explosion and a column of smoke and flame shot several hundred feet into the air. The Four Courts had blown up. The explosion shattered windows all around us and debris of all sorts fell in the street. I halted my party under cover opposite Junkin's We had to cross Capel Street under fire from car and a party of Free State troops stationed near the corner of Mary's Lane and Parnell Street. I sent my men across the street in two's and three's at intervals of from three to five minutes. We got through with one man slightly wounded. When I entered Jenkin's store I found Commandant Hblohan and Vice-Commandant in command. The whole outfit appeared to be disorganised, with the exception of a fewmen on guard at the main door. Nobody seemed to bother whether we were attacked or not. There seemed to be disagreement between the senior officers as to what should be done as there was no hope now of assisting the Four Courts garrison. A member of Cumann na mBan who attempted to leave on orders from the Commandant, was shot at and wounded crossing Capel Street. I took one of my men, Section Commander P. Dalton, with me to examine the back of the premises. We found that our position was wide open to attack from the rere. I returned to the shop to report this to the Commandant and was as told the Commandant had left with some of the men and Vice-Commandant Irvin was in charge. The Vice-Commandant was making a decision with the Company officers to surrender to the Free State troops.


The fact that we were adjacent to the Moran garrison, produced a certain feeling of confidence. We knew that in any attack made by the Treaty forces each could play a part in support of the others. In one way or other it seemed a pity that we were both condensed in such a short space. That was, perhaps, a perplexing point, but not less. so than that which related to our status as a unit in the administrative and operational sphere in relation to Moran's garrison being under the authority of a Commandant. We were not aware of any hard and fast rules on the matter but it did seem a bit contradictory to have independent authorities exercised by both a Commandant controlling one garrison and a Captain a neighbouring one. Some form of co-operation was necessary. Hence I contacted Comdt. O'Doherty, explained our situation and that we were acting under orders of our Battalion Commandant, P. Holohan. It was obvious. that Comdt. O'Doherty was equally perplexed, thought the situation peculiar but it must be said to his credit that he did not seek to impose any undue influence in regard to our operations or our status.


So were ours when came Thursday and another order arrived from Commandant Holohan instructing us to move to Scott's in Upper O'Connell St. Such a move would bring us nearer our Battalion Headquarters and in our Battalion area. We accordingly welcomed that order for those reasons alone. We made our plans to evacuate our position, meanwhile contacting Commandant O'Doherty in the post opposite and acquainting him of the fact. He was none too pleased about us leaving the area and expressed himself in strong terms against such a course, as by so doing his command and his position would be appreciably weakened.


I dispatched two of the girls who were assisting in cooking, Marcella Crimmins and Nan Tobin, to go with a report to Brigadier Traynor in the Hammam Hotel Headquarters explaining the dilemna in which we were placed as a result of the exercise of dual authority. "Whom were we to obey"?, our own Commandant's orders: or the desires of Commandant O'Doherty. The answer was simple and terse, "place yourselves under orders of Commandant O'Doherty". immediately Commandant Holohan was informed of the Brigadier's order, the same girls bringing the dispatch

45

From Johanna Holahan’s notes (43)

In the Civil War Kitty & Mary had to load the rifles for Daddy & his Co. when fighting was very heavy in Capel St. They were in Jenkinson’s a Potato Factors place which was falling to pieces & Daddy & his men had got down from Parnell Sq house fighting & the Staters were in Slattery’s Pub at the end of Capel St near Strand St & they were keeping Jenkinsons under a barrage.

Figure 10 - Battle of Dublin (South Dublin digital archives)

46

End of Civil War fighting in Dublin [July 1922]

From Wikipedia (46)

5 July 1922 – End of the fighting in Dublin The remainder of Oscar Traynor's Anti-Treaty force in

O'Connell street either slips away or surrenders. Republican leader Cathal Brugha is killed outside the

Hamman hotel. Anti-Treaty Dublin forces re-group in Blessington.

It appears Paddy Holahan went “on the run” after the battle of Dublin but was captured some time

late. From Johanna Holahan:-

(15)I stayed in Grannies’ until the fight was over and Paddy came back to Grannie’s but could not stay so he went on the run and first stayed with Mrs Heuston who took him in. I stayed in Granny’s until one evening Jim appeared at the door and told me he had come from Cildara to bring me home to my father and mother and that was first time I had been there since the row over the Staters. My father had completely changed his mind and said “I never thought they would turn the guns on our own. I stayed there for a month or so and then Paud and I went back on our own to Sigurd Road where I stayed on my own till Paddy was released on 19/12/23, living on 22 shillings a fortnight because there were no funds.

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Civil War Internment


Kilmainham Jail


Various types and degrees formed the Prisoners" circle, among them some important notabilities in the Republican Army, the Dáil and the Republican cause: the O/C of the Dublin Brigade, Oscar Traynor, the intrepid Flying Column leader, Tom Barry of Cork, the former envoy of the Irish Republic in Paris and Rome, Seán T. O'Kelly, the former deputy of Dáil Éireann, Seán McEntee, and the Commandant of the 1st Dublin Battalion, Patrick Holohan. Other big fellows and Small boys in the I.R.A. and Fianna were jumbled together, making a complete whole; characters like Tom O'Hanrahan, Emmet Humphries (nephew of the O'Rahilly who was killed in action in Easter Week 1916), Hugh and Jack Early, Martin Hogan, Seán Saunders, Gabriel O'Brien, Tin and Tom Rohan, Stephen O'Connor, Paddy Cahill, the brothers O'Carroll, Mick Dwyer, Paddy Morrissey, Andy Clerkin, Paddy Cahill, Seán Fagan, McSherry, the men of different Battalions of the Dublin Brigade, from the Black North including the Derry Brigade), as well as I.R.A. men from the south, east and west of Ireland.

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Figure 11 - Letter from Johanna Holahan 27th July 1922

Gormanstown Co. Meath


we had to create or elect a Prison Camp Council, one of whom was to be Camp Commandant. So it came to pass that Brigadier Oscar Traynor, O.C. Dublin Brigade became our Camp Commandant with Paddy Holohan O.C. 1st Battalion as Vice Commandant, Sean McEntee as Adjutant, Seamus Brisbane of the Cork Brigade as Quartermaster, Patrick Kirk of "C" Company 1st Battalion as Police Officer, Martin Finn "C" Company 1st Battalion as Medical Officer, Sean T. O'Kelly, Mick Tannam and Simon Don Donnelly and Mick Smith were members of the Camp Council.


certainly seemed to some of us, the ideal way, and we accordingly heaped on Paddy Holohan our profound felicitations for the tip


Yet not all such as passed through the gates of Gormanston Internment Camp were actually released. Some were, but it fell to the sad lot of quite a number to be instead transferred to another incarcerating venue. That happened in the case of our Camp O.C. Oscar Traynor, P. Holohan and others who were subsequently "lodged" in Mountjoy. Mysterious moves indeed.

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Reads: Christmas Dinner Officers Mess Gormanstown Camp 1922 P Holahan Sean T O’Ceallaig Oscar Traynor Sean MacEntee XXXX Smyth Mícheal Tannam ScXXX XXXXX Gordon XXXX “

Item #36 in possession of Paddy Holahan (b. 1966)

50

End of Civil War [May 1923]

On 24th May, Frank Aiken ordered the Anti-Treaty fighters to "dump their arms" and return

home. Éamon de Valera supports the order, issuing a statement to Anti-Treaty fighters; "Further

sacrifice on your part would now be in vain and the continuance of the struggle in arms unwise in the

national interest” There are over 12,000 republican prisoners interned who were released over the

next months. Low level military activity and arrests still continue for some months.

Release [December, 1923]

According to Johanna Holahan, Paddy Holahan was released on 19th December, 1923 (15).

Figure 12 - Reunion photo of 1st Battalion Dublin Brigade. c. 1942 (needs accreditation)

51

Bibliography 1. Holahan, Paddy. Pension Application. miliataryarchives.ie. [Online]

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHH

OLOHAN/WMSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN.pdf.

2. —. Sworn Statement to Advisory Committee. Military Archives. [Online] 1935.

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHH

OLOHAN/WMSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN.pdf.

3. Reynolds, Joseph. WS 191. BMH. [Online]

4. O'Neill, Aodh. WS 1377. BMH. [Online]

5. Kenny, John. WS 1693. BMH. [Online]

6. Obituary Paddy Holahan. Irish Press. Dublin : s.n., 5th July 1946.

7. Prendergast, Sean. WS 755. BMH. [Online]

8. WS 907. Nugent, Laurence. BMH : s.n.

9. National Archives. Records created or inherited by the War Office, Armed Forces, JAG & related

bodies. National Archive. [Online] 1917.

10. O'Sheil, Kevin R. WS 1770. BMH. [Online]

11. Holohan, Garry. Memoirs of Gearóid Ua hUallacháin. c 1945.

12. Holahan, Garry. WS 328. BMH. [Online]

13. YouTube. Thomas Ashe Funeral. YouTube. [Online]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLd5E1f1Fc.

14. Irish Independent. Irish Independent. Irish News Archive. [Online] 1 Dec 1917. irishnewsarchive.

15. Harpur, James. 536. BMH. [Online]

16. Harpur, Johanna. Personal Recollections (1978 Jan 14). 1978.

17. Lawson, Patrick. WS 667. BMH. [Online]

18. Kelly, Patrick J. W.S. 781. BMH. [Online]

19. Collection, Military Service Pensions. Dublin I Brigade. military archives. [Online]

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files/PDF_Membership/8/RO1%20-%20150/MA-MSPC-

RO-1.pdf.

20. Lawless, Joseph V. W.S. 1,043. MHB. [Online]

21. Lynch, Michael. WS 511. BMH. [Online]

22. Henderson, Frank. WS 821. BMH. [Online]

23. McCrea, Patrick. WS 413. BMH. [Online]

24. McDonnell, Daniel. WS 486. BMH. [Online]

52

25. Pounch, Seamus. WS 294. BMH. [Online]

26. Dolan, Joseph. WS 663. BMH. [Online]

27. Remembering the Past: Daring arms raid. [Online] 25 March 1999.

http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/4709.

28. Eilis Bean Ui Chonaill (Eilia Ni Riain). WS 568. BMH. [Online]

29. O'Connor, Patrick J. WS 608. BMH. [Online]

30. O'Duffy, Sean M. WS 618. BMH. [Online]

31. DONNCHA, MÍCHEÁL Mac. Remembering the Past: Mass escape from Mountjoy. An Phoblacht.

[Online] http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/19875.

32. Holahan, Paddy. Speech at unveiling of plaque to Kevin Barry. #42 - Typed pages in possession

of Paddy Holahan (b. 1966). 1940 c.

33. O'Sullivan, Dermot. WS 508. BMH. [Online]

34. Byrne, Thomas. WS 564. BMH. [Online]

35. Traynor, Oscar. WS 340. BMH. [Online]

36. Colley, Harry. WS 1687. BMH. [Online]

37. O'Connor, Joseph. WS 487. BMH. [Online]

38. Finn, Martin. WS 921. BMH. [Online]

39. O'Neill, Sean. WS 1153. BMH. [Online]

40. Finn, Martin. WS 921. BMH. [Online]

41. Military Archives. Dublin I Brigade . Military Archives. [Online]

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files/PDF_Membership/8/RO1%20-%20150/MA-MSPC-

RO-1.pdf.

42. Kenny, John. WS 1693. BMH. [Online]

43. O'Connor, Joseph. WS 387. BMH. [Online]

44. Holahan, Johanna. Handwriten notes "The truce was signed in Dec 1920". s.l. : In posession of P

Holahan (b 1966).

45. Prendergast, Sean. WS 802. BMH. [Online]

46. Kelly, Patrick. WS 726. BMH. [Online]

47. Wikipedia. Timeline of the Irish Civil War. Wikipedia. [Online]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Irish_Civil_War.

48. Houlihan, Patrick. Collinstown Aerodrome Raid. Dublin's Fighting Story 1916-1921.

53

Index 1st Battalion, 4, 12, 14, 15, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31,

33, 48, 54, 57 2nd Battalion, 15, 25 4th Battalion, 25 5th Battalion, 25 Active Service Unit, 22 Aiken, Frank, 57 Anglo-American Oil Company, 19 Archer, L, 4 Armagh, 6, 8 Armistice, 9 Ashe, Thomas, 6, 7 Ashtown, 6, 19 Augustine, Father, 20 Aungier street, 44 Avondale Avenue, 47, 48 Ballygaul, 16 Bannon, Jack, 30 Bannon, Jackie, 47 Bantry Joe. See Joe O'Reilly Barry, Kevin, 20 Barry, Tom, 53 Beasaí, Piaras, 24 Beaslaí, Piaras, 18 Black and Tans, 30 Blackhall Street, 48 Blessington, 52 Blimey O'Connor. See Sean O'Connor Bloody Sunday, 21, 24 Boer War, 24 Bolton St, 30 Breslin, Peadar, 14, 15, 16, 24, 41 Brigid, Auntie, 48 Brisbane, Seamus, 54 Brugha, Cathal, 44, 48, 52 Bryan, Tommy, 4 Buckingham St, 25 Byrne, Thomas, 14, 24, 26 Camden Street, 9 Capel Street, 9, 47, 48, 49, 50 Capel Street Bridge, 9 Capitol Theatre, 30 Cassidy, Seumas, 3 Cecelia Street, 28 Cildara, 46, 47, 48, 52 Colbert, Con, 3 College Green, 9 Colley, Harry, 24 Collins, Michael, 6, 18, 24 Collinstown, 11, 14, 15, 16 Cosgrave, Phil, 9 Crimmins, Marcella, 50 Crossmaglen, 8 Crown Hotel, 44 Cumann na mBan, 44, 49 Dalton, P., 49 Daly, Paddy, 25

Dame St., 9 de Valera, Eamon, 18 de Valera, Éamon, 57 Dorset St, 47 Dowling, Seán, 25, 41 Doyle, Pat, 9, 15, 16 Doyle, Sean, 15 Dublin Brigade, 12, 13, 22, 24, 27, 33, 38, 41,

44, 46, 47, 48, 53, 54, 57 Dublin City Hall, 6 Dublin Corporation, 4 Dwyer, 25, 53 Dwyer, Sean, 26 Early, Hugh, 53 Early, Jack, 53 Findlaters, 26, 31, 45 Findlaters Church, 26, 31 Findlater's Church, 25 Fingal, 30 Finn, Martin, 25, 28, 54 Fitzgerald, George, 16 Flanagan, Paddy, 23 Fleming, Pádraic, 18 Flood, Seán, 14, 24 Four Courts, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49 Fowler Hall, 12, 42, 48 Frederick Street, 26 Freeney, Jim, 30 Frongoch, 3 Fulham, Jim, 9 Gardiner Street, 44 Geraghty, Dr. John, 25 Glasnevin, 6 Globe Hotel, 31 Gloucester Street, 48 Gogan, Vincent, 31 Gormanston, 55 Gormanstown, 54, 55 Granville Hotel, 44 Gresham Hotel, 44 Griffith, 42 Hamann Hotel, 44 Hammam Hotel, 44, 50 Hamman hotel, 52 Hardwicke Street, 26 Harpur, Jack, 46, 48 Harpur, James, 9, 12, 26 Harpur, Jim, 46 Henderson, Frank, 15, 24, 25, 40, 41 Heuston, Mrs, 47, 48, 52 Heuston, Sean, 3 Hogan, Martin, 53 Holahan, Johanna, 9, 38, 46, 50, 52, 54, 57 Holahan, Paud, 47, 48, 52 Holland, Bob, 3 Holohan, Garry, 3 Howard, Seán, 4

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Hughes's Hotel, 48 Humphries, Emmet, 53 Inns Quay, 26 Irish National Guards, 4 Irvin, Commandant, 49 J. Kelly, 12, 18, 31 Jenkin's, 49 Jenkinson’s, 47, 50 Jenkinsons, 47, 48, 50 Jervis Street Hospital, 49 Joe O'Reilly, 18 Kavanagh, Seamus, 30 Keegan's Gunshop, 26 Kelly, Brian, 16 Kelly, Ted, 25 Kenny, John, 4, 30 Kirk, Patrick, 54 Kitty, 46, 48, 50 La Scala Theatre, 30 Ladrigan, Mat, 25 Lawson, Patrick, 12, 19, 21, 25 Leddy, Phil, 16 Lemass, Seán, 43 Lincoln Prison, 18 Lourdes House, 21, 25 Lower Marlboro' Street, 25 Lr. Gardiner St., 48 Lynch, F, 8 Lyons, George, 5 Magee, Mick, 16 Mahon, Rossa, 26 Markey, Thomas, 49 Markievicz, 3 Martin, Éamon, 3 Mary, 46, 48, 49, 50 Mary Street, 49 Mary's Lane, 49 Mater Hospital, 6, 25 McDonnell, Mick, 15 McEntee, Seán, 53 McGrath, Joe, 9 McKee, Dick, 14, 15 McKelvey, Joe, 42 McLoughlin, 3 McLoughlin, Seán, 3 McSweeney, Terry, 20 Mellows, Barney, 3 Mellows, H.C., 3 Merrigan, Tom, 16 Milroy, John, 5 Milroy, Seán, 5 Mooney, 24, 41 Moran garrison, 49 Mountjoy, 18, 55 Mulcahy, Dick, 41, 47 Mulhuddart, 31, 47 Murphy, Gus, 26 North Circular Road, 31, 47 North Frederick Street, 26 North Wall, 19

O’Sheil, Kevin R., 5 O'Connell St., 12, 50 O'Connell Street, 44 O'Connor, Rory, 40 Oddfellows Hall, 25 o'Doherty, Andrew, 5 O'Doherty, Andrew, 5 O'Doherty, Comdt., 49 O'Doherty, Commandant, 50 O'Doherty, Liam, 25, 41 O'Hanrahan, Tom, 53 O'Kelly, Sean T., 54 O'Kelly, Seán T., 53 O'Malley, C., 16 O'Malley, Christy, 15, 25 O'Malley, Kit, 14, 25 Oman, Captain, 48 O'Regan, Anthony, 25 Oriel Hall, 22 P. Garland, 12 Parliament St., 9 Parliament Street, 9 Parnell Square, 5, 12, 16, 21, 31, 47, 48, 49 Parnell Street, 44, 47, 48, 49 Phibsboro, 21 Portmarnock, 31 Pounch, Seumas, 3 Robinson, Seamus, 42 Ryan, Barney, 16 Ryan, P. J., 16 Ryder's (or Riddles) Row, 49 Scott's, 50 Sean McEntee, 54 Sean O'Connor, 18 Seville Place, 22 Sheerin, Tom, 26 Sherrard Street, 22 Sigurd Road, 46, 47, 48, 52 Slattery’s Pub, 47, 50 Smith, Mick, 54 Stafford Street, 49 Stephenson, P.J., 3 Strand Street, 47 Swan Pub, 44 Sweeney, Patrick, 41 Talbot St, 31 Tannam, Mick, 54 Tara Hall, 48 Thompson, Alex, 4 Tobin, Nan, 50 Traynor, Oscar, 22, 24, 30, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46,

47, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55 Upper Abbey St, 25 Upper Gardiner Street, 28 Walsh, J.J., 18 White, A, 3 Williams, Walter, 30 Y.M.C.A., 12 YMCA, 44

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Documents

Patrick Hugh Holahan Volume 2