Tom Barry by Meda Ryan Read Free Book Online

Donegan and Florence Begley – can have very little or no knowledge on the four points they have been called to give evidence on. Maurice Donegan was a member of the Bantry battalion staff in the early part of Tan War and was arrested early on. ‘He was not released until after the Treaty’. Barry’s activities were around the Bandon battalion area which was about thirty-five miles from Donegan’s area so he could give no information about Barry’s activity during that period and he could hardly swear what Barry’s rank was in July 1921 considering that he (Donegan) was in jail about nine months at that time and for about six months afterwards. Again, Flor Begley was a very minor officer attached to the Brigade Quartermasters and Adjutants staff and he cannot have any idea of Barry’s Rank and very little of his Service.
    Why has Barry been treated like this? That is the question that every officer who is aware of Barry’s humiliation is asking. There is the further humiliation to all of us senior officers who testified in writing and on oath as to Barry’s Rank and Service. We now see the Board calling very junior officers, who could not possibly testify in such a manner as we were able to do, as witnesses as to whether Barry and all of us were swearing falsely or not.
    You will I am sure be the first to admit that Barry’s case has been handled in a totally different manner to that of any other prominent officer. I would like to know if there is any truth in the suggestion that because Frank Aiken and Tom Barry are and have been bad friends in the recent past, certain members of the Board have taken up a hostile and unfair attitude in Barry’s case.
    We know that you personally are anxious that Tom like all others should get his due and a square deal. I recall your statement in a conversation with me in Cork last Easter Sunday twelve months, when you told me that you were extremely anxious to see Tom fairly treated regarding his pension. Therefore you will understand that there is nothing personal meant when I state that Barry and all of us who knew him are determined to see his case to the bitter end if certain members of the Board persist in their hostile attitude and do not give him the award he is entitled to on this appeal.
    He has had a rotten deal and his claim is open and above Board if there was ever was one. Will you please examine his file and if you do I am sure that you will at once take the proper steps to see he gets a fair deal.
    I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as possible. I hope that you are keeping quite well.
    Mise le meas,
    ____________
    Tom Crofts

    (The following appears to be a letter from Mrs O’Driscoll to Mr Cornelius O’Driscoll, who forwarded it to Tom Barry. It is handwritten, with Number 34.S.P./55115 scribbled across it.)
    c/o D Keohane
    Gurtacrue
    Midleton
    August 25th [1943]
    Dear Mr Barry,
    I am in West Cork at present, but expect to see you when I return to the City.
    The above address is permanent while in Ireland. This is a copy of the letter which was forwarded to [me] early January 14th 1943.
    I am directed to inform you that in accordance with the terms of the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, the Minister for Defence has granted you a Pension of £15, Fifteen Pounds – Per annum, which is Payable as from the 1st October 1934 and which will be subject to deduction under section 20 (1) of the Act in respect of receipts by you from Public Moneys.
    I have also to state that it is your duty to inform the Minister at once of any receipts by you of any Public Moneys as defined by sections 2000 of the act.
    To Mr Cornelius O’Driscoll
    43.09 – 53 Street,
    Woodside,
    New York
    Sincerely
    Mrs O’Driscoll

APPENDIX VII: Ballads
    THE BOYS OF KILMICHAEL
    (Original words written by John F. Hourihane)
    While we honour in song and in story
    The memory of Pearse and MacBride;
    Whose names are illumined in