Chief Secretary’s Office, Crime Branch: Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Movement of Extremists July 1915
The series is comprised of daily reports produced by the DMP Detective Department on the movements and associations of pro-independence suspects between 29 May 1915 and 20 April 1916.
The DMP reports were compiled by Superintendent Owen Brien and submitted to the Under Secretary for Ireland, Sir Matthew Nathan, at Dublin Castle. The reports describe Republican activity in Dublin during the 11 months preceding the Easter Rising. The final report in the series was written on 20 April 1916, just 4 days before the beginning of the Rising.
The reports detail intelligence gathered at a number of key city centre locations, including the shop of Thomas J Clarke at 75 Parnell Street, the Irish Volunteers Office at 2 Dawson Street, the Irish National Forester’s Hall at 41 Parnell Square, and the headquarters of the Gaelic League at 25 Parnell Square. The reports record the interaction of suspects at these locations and attendance at meetings, as well as drilling and marching of Irish Volunteers. The movements of suspects in and out of Dublin were also recorded at the five main Dublin train stations: Kingsbridge [Heuston], Amiens Street [Connolly], Westland Row [Pearse Station], Broadstone and Harcourt Street, and at Dublin Port.
Major events which took place in 1915 and 1916 are recorded in the reports, including the funeral of the Fenian leader Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa (1 August 1915) and the Annual Convention of Irish Volunteers (31 October 1915). They also record the travel of suspects to events outside of Dublin, such as the ‘annual pilgrimage’ to Bodenstown, County Kildare, for commemorations at the grave of Theobald Wolfe Tone (19 June 1915). Other activities recorded in the reports include anti-recruitment and conscription rallies, meetings of the Irish Women’s Franchise League, and protests against the imprisonment of revolutionaries under the Defence of the Realm Act.
There are over 230 individuals referred to in the reports, principally members of the Irish Volunteers, the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Sinn Féin. The primary person of interest is Thomas J Clarke, who is mentioned in almost every report, while the other most frequently mentioned individuals include Pierce Beasley, Thomas Byrne, Con Colbert, Bulmer Hobson, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Seán Mac Diarmada, John McGarry, Joseph McGuinness, Herbert Mellows, Michael O’Hanrahan, William O’Leary Curtis, Michael Joseph O’Rahilly and James Joseph Walsh.
The reports also contain copies of Nationalist newspapers, with attention drawn to ‘anti-British’ content, as well as pamphlets and election material. Publications include The Workers’ Republic, Ná Bac Leis, Nationality, The Hibernian, The Irish Volunteer, The Spark, Honesty and New Ireland.
For more information on the individuals frequently mentioned in the reports, please see Who were the Extremists?
For more information about the work of the Chief Secretary, please see Office of Chief Secretary for Ireland.
For more information about how the documents were conserved please see How we conserve the Movement of Extremist reports.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/23)
The report of 1 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Thomas Byrne, followed at various stages by Joseph McGuinness, Con Colbert, Frank Fahy, James J Buggy, Edward Daly, William O’Leary Curtis and Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh.
Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows is reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, and it is noted that Eoin MacNeill has returned from Dungannon and is later seen meeting with John Fitzgibbon, [James] O’Connor and Éamonn Ceannt at the same office.
The movements of JJ Walsh are briefly noted and 50 members of the ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers without rifes’ are seen marching towards Fairview under the command of Piaras Béaslaí.
Copies of the latest issues of The Irish Volunteer, Nationality and The Hibernian are included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report of the movement of Dublin extremists on 30 June 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/24)
The report of 2 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness, followed at various stages by James Murray, Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows, William O’Leary Curtis, Arthur Griffith, Charles J. Kickham, James Dodd and Patrick H Pearse.
It is noted that Charles Shannon, a speaker at a Labour meeting in Beresford Place, has returned to Belfast.
Around 48 members of the ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’ without rifles marched towards Clonliffe under the command of Frank Fahy.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 1 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/25)
The report of 3 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, followed at various stages by Thomas Byrne, James Murray, William Shortall, JJ Farrelly and William O’Leary Curtis.
Thomas J Dolan and Hugh O’Hehir are seen together in Sackville Street. A meeting is noted of Éamonn Ceannt, TJ Sheehan, Michael O’Hanrahan, Frank Fahy, George Irvine and James Murray in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
Patrick Ryan, a ‘Socialist’, and BJ Fagan addressed a gathering of ‘about 200 persons’ at Beresford Place on the subject of Irish history.
It is noted that Francis and Hanna Sheehy Skeffington have ‘left Dublin for North Wales’.
A copy of the The Workers Republic is included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 2 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/26)
The report of 5 July 1915 records meetings throughout Saturday 3 July between Thomas J Clarke, 25 Parnell Square, and Frank Fahy, William Shortall, William O’Leary Curtis and James Murray.
Bulmer Hobson is seen entering the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, and Thomas J Dolan is observed with Frank Fahy in Parnell Street. The arrival of Alderman James Nowlan by train from Kilkenny is noted, as is the arrival of James Leddan from Limerick and Austin Stack from Tralee.
On Sunday 4 July 1915, a meeting is held ‘for over three hours’ in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, which is attended by Eoin MacNeill, Patrick H Pearse, Bulmer Hobson, Thomas MacDonagh, Piaras Béaslaí, Con Colbert, Éamonn Ceannt, Michael J O’Rahilly, Edward Daly, James Leddan, Patrick Hughes, F Lawless, Austin Stack and [James] O’Connor. Items discussed at the meeting are noted.
Thirty five members of the ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’ without rifles marched towards Glasnevin under the command of Joseph McGuinness. The report concludes with details of a meeting of the Irish Women’s Franchise League in the Phoenix Park and notes the departure of James Nowlan to Newbridge.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 3 and 4 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/27)
The report of 6 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness, followed, at various stages, by JJ Walsh, Thomas Kenny, TS Cuffe, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Thomas Byrne, Diarmuid Lynch, William O’Leary Curtis and Arthur Griffith.
The departure by train of Eoin MacNeill to Duleek and Thomas Kenny to Athenry is noted. Bulmer Hobson is reported leaving the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
A copy of the Irish language newspaper Ná Bac Leis is included, with translations of the leading paragraphs for the authorities in Dublin Castle.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 5 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/28)
The report of 7 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by James Murray, followed, at various stages, by Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Éamonn Ceannt, Diarmuid Lynch, Thomas Byrne, Joseph McGuinness, William O’Leary Curtis and Arthur Griffith.
Bulmer Hobson and Michael O’Hanrahan are reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
The departure of Patrick Ryan by train to Balbriggan is noted, as is the presence of Charles J Kickham at the office of Sinn Fein, 6 Harcourt Street.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 6 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/29)
The report of 8 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by William O’Leary Curtis, followed at various stages, by Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Joseph McGuinness, Diarmuid Lynch, James J Buggy and Arthur Griffith.
The return of Eoin MacNeill by train to Dublin from Duleek is noted, along with the arrival of Joseph Melinn from Tralee. JJ Walsh is observed in his shop at 26 Blessington Street.
A meeting is reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, which was attended by Eoin MacNeill, Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, TJ Sheehan, John Fitzgibbon, Con Colbert, Bulmer Hobson, Piaras Béaslaí, J O’Connor and Michael O’Hanrahan.
Annotations on the report ask about the ‘history of Joseph McGuinness who has recently made his appearance in these reports’.
Copies of The Irish Volunteer, Nationality and The Hibernian are included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 7 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/30)
The report of 9 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by William Shortall, followed, at various stages by, Thomas Byrne, Patrick Ryan, William O’Leary Curtis, Diarmuid Lynch, Patrick H Pearse, Piaras Béaslaí, James Murray, Charles Wyse Power and Arthur Griffith.
Thomas S Cuffe and Patrick O’Keeffe are observed in Camden Street.
Forty members of the ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers without rifles’ marched towards Clonliffe under the command of Edward Daly and Frank Lawless.
A copy of The Workers’ Republic is included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 8 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/31)
The report of 10 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness, followed, at various stages, by JJ Farrelly, Con Colbert, William O’Leary Curtis, and Miss Hayes.
Miss Hayes ‘who is said to be going to America to marry Laurence De Lacey’ is reported to have left Kingstown by Mail Boat for Holyhead en route to Liverpool.
The departure of Diarmuid Lynch by train to Limerick is noted and JJ Walsh is observed in his shop at 26 Blessington Street.
Bulmer Hobson, Michael O’Hanrahan, John Fitzgibbon, Piaras Béaslaí and M Crofts met in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, where it is reported arrangements for a general parade of Sinn Féin Volunteers was discussed.
Thomas J Clarke, James O’Connor, Patrick H Pearse, William O’Leary Curtis, Joseph McGuinness, James Murray, Ben Parsons, Con Colbert, William O’Brien, Richard O’Carroll and Edward Daly are observed meeting at 41 Parnell Square to discuss the appointment of a committee to oversee the funeral arrangements of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, whose remains are due to arrive in ‘Dublin towards the end of next week’.
A copy of the newspaper The Spark is included ‘which as usual contains some notes of an Anti-British character’.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 9 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/32)
The report of 12 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Thomas Byrne and William Shortall, followed, at various stages, by William O’Leary Curtis, Patrick Ryan, Arthur Griffith, Edward Daly, Charles J Kickham and James Murray.
The movements of William J Langley are noted following his arrival from Tuam, including his journey to Leinster Road where he stayed in the residence of Countess Markievicz.
A report is presented of the Annual Congress of the Sinn Féin Boy Scouts, which was held in the Mansion House and attended by Countess Markievicz, Bulmer Hobson, Patrick Ryan, Con Colbert, Liam Mellows, William J Langley and 75 boy scouts in uniform.
Details are provided of the parade of approximately 1026 members of the North and South Dublin Battalions of the Irish Volunteers, who marched from their respective headquarters to Great Brunswick Street [Pearse Street] where they united and continued en masse through Irishtown, Sandymount, Merrion, Blackrock and Stillorgan before returning to the City Centre at 10pm. Around 656 members are observed carrying rifles and revolvers. An annotation states the ‘Police estimate that there are in Dublin 2155 Irish Volunteers with 800 rifles’. A note is made of those taking active part in the proceedings.
The report concludes with details of a meeting of the Irish Women’s Franchise League, which took place in the Phoenix Park and was addressed by Mrs Connery and Miss Maxwell.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 10 and 11 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/35)
The report of 14 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Ernest Blythe and Thomas Ryan.
An account is provided of Ryan, who it is noted returned from the United States three years previously and supports himself from income derived from his American property interests. It is reported that although he is known to ‘give expression to pro-German views…he has not up to now been seen to associate with the local extremists’.
Ernest Blythe, Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows and Bulmer Hobson are reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street. Joseph Melinn is observed in Parnell Street, and James Whelan is observed with Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows in Dame Street.
The return of James Connolly from Belfast is noted, along with the departure of Patrick Hughes to Dundalk and the arrival of Liam Mellows from Athenry.
Arthur Griffith, James Connolly, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Liam Mellows, William O’Brien and PF O’Loughlin are observed meeting at 41 Parnell Square.
Copies are included of the newspaper The Irish Volunteer, the Sinn Féin journal Nationality and the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ journal The Hibernian.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 13 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/36)
The report of 15 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Dr P McCartan and Herbert M Pim, followed by Joseph McGuinness, Con Colbert and JJ Farrelly, and later by Dr P McCartan a second time with Denis McCullough, William O’Leary Curtis and Arthur Griffith.
Thomas J Clarke, Ernest Blythe, James Whelan and JJ Walsh are observed meeting in 12 D’Olier Street. The arrival of Frank B Healy from Queenstown [Cobh] is noted.
A meeting by Bulmer Hobson, Eoin MacNeill, Con Colbert, Michael J O’Rahilly, TJ Sheehan, Patrick Ryan junior, Thomas MacDonagh, Éamonn Ceannt, John Fitzgibbon, James O’Connor, Liam Mellows, Dr P McCartan, Denis McCullough, Herbert M Pim and Joseph Melinn is reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street. It is noted the meeting lasted over two hours, after which McCartan left for Clarke’s shop on Parnell Street and Clarke’s residence in Fairview where he stayed for the night. Annotations on the report highlight the presence of members of the ‘General Council Irish Volunteers’.
A group of around 36 ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’ are observed marching ‘without rifles’ towards Fairview before returning to 25 Parnell Square.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 14 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/37)
The report of 16 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Con Colbert, followed at various stages by JJ Farrelly, James Connolly, Thomas Byrne, James J Buggy, James Murray, William O’Leary Curtis and Arthur Griffith.
The departure of Dr P McCartan by train to Dungannon and Denis McCullough to Belfast is noted.
A meeting is reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, by Michael J O’Rahilly, Thomas MacDonagh, Herbert Pim, Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows, Bulmer Hobson and Michael O’Hanrahan. The subsequent departure of Pim to Belfast is recorded.
A group of around 64 ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’ are observed marching ‘without rifles’ towards Clonliffe under the command of Joseph McGuinness.
A copy of the socialist newspaper The Workers’ Republic is included ‘which as usual contains some paragraphs of an anti-British character’.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 15 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/38)
The report of 17 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness, Thomas Byrne and PJ O’Farrell, followed at various stages by Con Colbert, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh and Ben Parsons.
Michael J O’Rahilly is observed cycling along North Frederick Street and the departure of PJ O’Farrell by train to Limerick and Frank B Healy to Mallow is noted.
A meeting is reported at 41 Parnell Square by James Whelan, William O’Leary Curtis, Con Colbert, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, J [James] O’Connor, Ben Parsons and James Murray.
A copy of the latest issue of The Spark is included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 16 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/39)
The report of 19 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by James Murray followed, at various stages on Saturday 17 July, by Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, James J Buggy, William O’Leary Curtis, Arthur Griffith and Charles Wyse Power. On Sunday 18 July, Clarke was visited by Thomas Byrne and James J Buggy.
Liam and Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows are reported in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, followed later in the day by Thomas MacDonagh, Con Colbert and Michael O’Hanrahan.
Joseph Melinn is observed at 41 Parnell Square and JJ Walsh is reported in his shop at 26 Blessington Street. The departure of Bulmer Hobson by train to Belfast is noted.
Details are provided of a gathering at Beresford Place at which Patrick Ryan is reported to have said to the crowd that he ‘wished to bid them goodbye’ because of their refusal to join the Citizen Army or the Irish Volunteers. An account is also provided of a meeting of suffragettes, held in the Phoenix Park and addressed by Miss Maxwell.
The report concludes with details of a scheduled meeting at City Hall to discuss conscription. ‘It is expected to be attended by delegates from the Trade Council, Sinn Fein Volunteers and other kindred extreme societies’.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 17 and 18 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/40)
The report of 21 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness, followed, at various stages, by Éamonn Ceannt, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, William O’Leary Curtis, Arthur Griffith and Mrs and Miss Eileen O’Donovan Rossa.
The arrival of James M Sullivan of New York and his onward journey to Limerick is noted, as is the departure of Charles Wyse Power, BL [Barrister at Law], and J [James] O’Connor, Solicitor, by train to Belfast. An annotation states they are ‘to defend Pim’ [Herbert M Pim].
Bulmer Hobson is observed in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, and JJ Walsh is observed in his shop at 26 Blessington Street.
An account is provided of a meeting against conscription, which was held at City Hall, including a description of those in attendance.
The report concludes with details of a gathering of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the election of named officers to various positions.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 20 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/41)
The report of 22 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Thomas Byrne and Con Colbert followed, at various stages, by Diarmuid Lynch, Arthur Griffith, William O’Leary Curtis, James Stritch and Charles J Kickham.
Michael J O’Rahilly, Joseph Melinn, Thomas Ashe, Bulmer Hobson and Michael O’Hanrahan are observed in the office of the ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’, and the subsequent departure of Melinn by train to Tralee is noted.
A further meeting at 2 Dawson Street is reported between Eoin MacNeill, Michael J O’Rahilly, John McGarry, Patrick Ryan, TJ Sheehan, John Fitzgibbon, Con Colbert, James Whelan, Edward Daly and J O’Connor. It is noted that McGarry ‘has only recently been seen to identify himself with the Sinn Fein Volunteers’.
The report concludes with details of the march towards Glasnevin of 47 ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers without rifles’ under the command of M Dodd.
Copies of The Irish Volunteer, Nationality and The Hibernian are included.
For the full report please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 21 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/42)
The report of 23 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Thomas Byrne and Countess Markievicz, followed at various stages by Thomas Dolan, Con Colbert, Patrick H Pearse, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Edward Daly, James Murray, Diarmuid Lynch, Charles J Kickham, William O’Leary Curtis and Arthur Griffith.
Bulmer Hobson, Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows and Michael O’Hanrahan are observed in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
The arrest of Liam Mellows at Courtown Harbour, County Wexford, and his subsequent transfer to Mountjoy Prison is noted.
Thomas J Clarke, Patrick H Pearse, Diarmuid Lynch and Edward Daly are observed meeting at 41 Parnell Square and details are provided of the march of ‘about 45 members of the Sinn Fein Volunteers’ without rifles towards Clonliffe under the command of Joseph McGuinness.
Countess Markievicz is noted to have paid a visit to Mrs O’Donovan Rossa at the Gresham Hotel.
A detailed account is given of attempts to uncover intelligence about the proposed demonstration and march from Howth to Bachelor’s Walk to mark the first anniversary of the Howth gunrunning. With reference to the funeral of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, planned for the following week, it is noted in annotations that ‘it looks as if the O’Donovan Rossa rather than the Bachelor’s Walk demonstration was to be the troublesome one’. A request by the Chief Secretary to be kept informed of any developments is also shown in the annotations.
The report concludes with details of a planned memorial meeting under the auspices of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union where it is expected the Citizen Army ‘with full equipment’ will attend.
A copy of the socialist newspaper The Workers’ Republic is included.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 22 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/43)
The report of 24 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Con Colbert, followed at various stages by James Murray and Ben Parsons.
Michael O’Hanrahan, TJ Sheehan, Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows and Éamonn Ceannt are observed in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, followed by Patrick H Pearse and Michael J O’Rahilly.
A report is given of a meeting, held at 41 Parnell Square, to discuss the arrangements for the funeral of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. Those in attendence include Thomas J Clarke, James J Buggy, Con Colbert, Edward Daly, Éamonn Ceannt, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Diarmuid Lynch, Joseph McGuinness, John McGarry, Michael J O’Rahilly, Patrick H Pearse, James Whelan and Countess Markievicz.
It is reported that no further intelligence has been gathered concerning plans to mark the first anniversary of the Howth gunrunning. It is noted ‘the rank and file have not up to this received any intimation as to what they are to do on the 25th inst.’. It is further noted that ‘all the efforts of the extremists are at present being directed to organising the O’Donovan Rossa Funeral…and this no doubt has been mainly the cause of the Howth Sunday demonstration being somewhat obscured’.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 23 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/44)
The report of 26 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, on Saturday 24 July by James Murray, followed at various stages by Joseph W Kenny, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Thomas Byrne, John O’Hurley, James J Buggy and Charles J Kickham. On Sunday 25 July, Clarke was visited by James J Buggy, Edward Daly, John O’Mahony and Michael McGinn.
The departure of Patrick H Pearse by train to Galway is noted.
Michael J O’Rahilly, Joseph McGuinness, Thomas MacDonagh, Diarmuid Lynch, John McGarry, James Whelan, Thomas McCarthy and Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows are observed in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
A special train carrying passengers to the Oireachtas in Dundalk left Amiens Street. Those travelling included Michael J O’Rahilly, Eoin MacNeill, Diarmuid Lynch, John O’Hurley, Con Collins, Patrick O’Keeffe, Hugh O’Hehir, Michael Lynch, Joseph McGuinness, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Charles Wyse Power and William Shortall.
A report is given of the demonstration held to mark the first anniversary of the Howth gun running. Around 150 Sinn Féin Boy Scouts under the command of Countess Markievicz, Patrick Ryan and Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows marched from Camden Street to Bachelor’s Walk where a wreath was erected on a pole. It is noted that ‘no attempt was made during the day to lay down the Memorial Tablet’, which was mentioned in previous reports.
The report concludes with a description of a meeting at Croydon Park attended by about 200 people, including James Connolly and 40 members of the Citizen Army, the majority of whom were carrying rifles.
A copy of the Irish language newspaper Ná Bac Leis is included with translations of the leading paragraphs for the authorities in Dublin Castle.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 24 and 25 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/45)
The report of 27 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Joseph McGuinness and Diarmuid Lynch, followed by Darrel Figgis and Patrick O’Malley.
The arrival of Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Diarmuid Lynch and Charles Wyse Power by train from Dundalk is noted, followed by their return to Dundalk later in the afternoon.
Details are provided of the arrival of Jeremiah Joseph O’Connell by train from Carrickmore and his subsequent meeting with Bulmer Hobson and Patrick Ryan.
The return of Denis O’Neill from America is reported, along with his onward journey by train to Mallow.
JJ Walsh is observed in his shop at 26 Blessington Street. The report concludes with mention of the arrival of Terence J McSwiney by train from Cork and his retirement to the Clarence Hotel.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 26 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/46)
The report of 28 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by John O’Mahony and Joseph McGuinness, followed at various stages by James J Buggy, James Murray, Thomas MacDonagh, William O’Leary Curtis, TJ Sheehan, Ben Parsons, Arthur Griffith and Charles J Kickham.
The departure of Arthur Griffith by train to Belfast is noted, along with his return later the same evening.
An account is provided of a meeting at 41 Parnell Square that was attended by James Murray, John O’Mahony, Charles J Kickham, Joseph McGuinness, Edward Daly, Éamonn Ceannt, George Irvine, James Stritch, Thomas McCarthy, Richard O’Carroll, James Connolly and William O’Brien. It is reported the meeting discussed final preparations for the funeral of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, which is due to take place the following weekend. An annotation states the ‘Citizen Army as well as the Irish Volunteers will probably take part in Sunday’s demonstration’. It is also reported that around 400 ‘Sinn Fein Volunteers’ took part in an exercise in the hall at the back of the building while the meeting was in progress.
The report concludes by stating that although no final details of the funeral procession are available, the body of O’Donovan Rossa will remain at City Hall until ‘2pm on Sunday, when the internment takes place in Glasnevin Cemetery’.
A copy of the latest issue of The Hibernian, the journal of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, is included.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 27 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/47)
The report of 29 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by James O’Connor, Terence J McSwiney, Thomas MacDonagh and James Murray, followed by William O’Leary Curtis, Ben Parsons and Arthur Griffith.
The departure of Jeremiah Joseph O’Connell by train to Limerick is noted, along with the departure of Joseph McGuinness and Hugh O’Hehir to Dundalk.
An account is provided of the removal of the remains of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa from the Pro-Cathedral to City Hall, including the names of those in charge of the arrangements.
The report concludes with details of a meeting in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street, by Con Colbert, Thomas MacDonagh, Patrick Ryan, James O’Connor and Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows.
Copies of the republican newspaper The Irish Volunteer and the Sinn Féin journal Nationality are included.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 28 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/48)
The report of 30 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by John McGarry, followed at various stages by John O’Mahony and James Murray, William O’Leary Curtis, James J Buggy, Arthur Griffith, Michael Mullen and Joseph McGuinness.
Bulmer Hobson and Patrick Ryan are observed calling on Mrs O’Donovan Rossa at the Gresham Hotel.
The departure of Eoin MacNeill by train to Dundalk and Terence McSwiney to Cork is noted.
A copy of the socialist newspaper The Workers’ Republic is included.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 29 July 1915.
Report of 30 July 1915 – O’Donovan Rossa Funeral Procession
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/49)
The second report of 30 July 1915 provides extensive detail about the planned funeral procession of the Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa from City Hall to Glasnevin Cemetary.
It includes a description of the planned route, the groups expected to take part and the management of groups and individuals arriving from around the country.
The report states that ‘nothing is being left undone to make the affair as impressive as possible’ and although ‘nothing of an unseemly nature is anticipated…no one can foretell what may occur, particularly when persons of different views are brought so closely together’.
An annotation states ‘There will of course be no interference by the police unless a breach of the peace is committed which is unlikely’.
The report concludes with unconfirmed intelligence that the Transport Workers and Citizen Army may attempt to hold a demonstration at Bachelor’s Walk or a meeting at Beresford Place after the funeral procession has concluded.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the O’Donovan Rossa funeral procession 30 July 1915.
(NAI, CSO/JD/2/50)
The report of 31 July 1915 records visits to the shop of Thomas J Clarke, 75 Parnell Street, by Thomas Byrne, Thomas Dolan, Michael McGinn and John McGarry.
The sentencing of Liam Mellows to three months imprisonment under the Defence of the Realm Act is reported.
Bulmer Hobson, MJ Pender, Michael O’Hanrahan and Herbert ‘Barney’ Mellows are observed in the office of the Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street.
Details are provided of a meeting at 41 Parnell Square by Major John MacBride, James Whelan, Thomas J Clarke, Patrick H Pearse, Éamonn Ceannt, Con Colbert, James Murray, Ben Parsons, Michael McGinn, Diarmuid Lynch, TJ Sheehan, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, Charles Wyse Power, James J Buggy, James Stritch, John O’Mahony and Thomas MacDonagh.
The report concludes by stating nothing further can be added to the detailed report submitted previously about the O’Donovan Rossa funeral procession.
For the full report, please see Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Department report on the movement of Dublin extremists on 30 July 1915.
