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Subject: Tracing Mr. Edward Brett Co Tipperary

I am enquiring about an Edward Brett (Eddie Brett) Shangarry, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary who was in the Old IRA and like many of his day never spoke of his involvement which is understandable, the times they lived in.

I also know the British after the RIC Barracks were got rid of increased their strength in the Kilkenny/Tipperary area.

My Mother was told of the many times that the Black & Tans called to their house uninvited and her parents being forced to give them food.

 

Edward Brett was married to my Mother’s sister Ellen (Eileen Maher) and the details I have are: Edward Brett, Born 23rd May 1902, Recorded in Callan ID: 7137843 Mother’s Name Ryan (Knockenitta)

1911 Census: Residents of House 4 in Shangarry, Ballingarry, Co Tipperary 9 years old

 

The Free Gravestone Records, Co. Tipperary – the date of death to be 01-01-1992 aged 92 which would change is DOB to 1900, which could also be correct, but differs from what I found and stated above.

 

We attended Edward’s funeral and that is when we saw the Irish Flag draped over his coffin. So, any help at all would be appreciated.

 

My contact details:

Email: johnabergin@gmail.com

 

I have been trying to trace any information on my great grandfather; Michael Wilson born in May 1881 in Tipperary.

 

Michael enlisted in the Army some time between 1901 and 1911. At the time of the census submission in 1911 he was service with the 2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment. He was medically discharged on 30 April 1919 due to being medically unfit.

 

There is not obtainable service record for Michael as it was destroyed during the war.

 

I know that following his discharge he married Mary Ellen Looby. He was living in Clonmel and at some point became a volunteer.

 

I have searched witness statements, medal records, pension records and newspaper archived but cannot find anything about his time with the volunteers.

 

The family did not speak of this time but the family story is that he did go on the run sometime between 1921-1922 and was meant to board a boat destined for America but stayed in liverpool with a friend. Eventually settling in Manchester. His wife and children later joining him.

 

They ran a guest house throughout the 1930’s when they lived at 17 Union Street in Hulme, Manchester. Then throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s taking in lodgers at their home at 71 Sloane Street in Moss Side. Many of these visitors were friends and family from the Tipperary area seeking work and a place to lay low.

 

Michael was a farrier by trade and a labourer when work was short.

 

I am at a loss as to where to look next and was wondering whether there is anywhere else i could look for information during his short time with the volunteers?

 

Kind Regards

 

Catherine Robson.

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I am hoping that you might be able to help with a little bit of family history.

 

Our understanding is that a grand uncle of mine, Eugene O’Neill was a senior engineer with the 1st Cork Brigade, most likely a city battalion and that he did spend some time in Cork gaol. We know little more than that, could you help with how we how we learn more?

 

Thank you,

 

John O’Connell

Hello,

 

I have been generally researching for information regarding the 4th Battalion of the Dublin Brigade and came across your website.

 

My maternal grandfather, Richard Morrissey (1896-1953) of Inchicore, served with the 4th Battalion in 1920. He was arrested in 1921 and incarcerated first in Mountjoy, and then transferred to The Curragh. He was released in 1923.

 

I am hopeful that you may be able to either provide me with some definitive record of his service? Or perhaps point me in the right direction to learn more?

 

Although there have been few actual stories spoken of within the family, there was a carving that my grandfather made from a cow hip bone, in which he carved the names of the volunteers executed while he was at Mountjoy. It remained in a cupboard in my grandmother’s home in Drimnagh until just a few years ago when it was loaned to a museum at Mountjoy. There was also at least one of my grandfather’s medals. Plus a photo of my grandfather and his brother Joe together with four other men, all in plain clothes but each wearing holstered pistols,  I don’t know the origin of the photograph. It was given to me some years ago by one of Uncle Joe’s daughters.

 

I look forward to any information or advice you may (or may not) be able to offer about my grandfather and his volunteer service. I will be most grateful for even the smallest lead I can continue to follow.

 

Meanwhile, Christmas wishes to you and your team. It has been a difficult year and, like Ireland, Melbourne has been through two lockdowns. Hopefully there will be better news for us all in 2021.

 

Stay safe, be well.

 

Regards,

Siobhan O’Neill

Melbourne, Australia

Hello: My name is Joseph Alphonsus Smith and I am trying to trace information about my cousin Christopher Smyth 14 Dec 1892-23 Jan 1923.

He was a soldier of the Limerick Brigade and died as a result of gunshot wound to his lungs at St Johns Hospital, Limerick, Ireland.

I hope you can give me more information.

Thank you for your efforts.