We are looking for any information on Kerry Volunteers/ IRA members from possibly the Ballybunion area, they were are all brothers,six of them, they are:
Jeremiah Breen, James Breen,Daniel Breen,Michael Breen,Patrick Breen and Dennis Breen.
Any information would be greatly appreciated,
Hi, My father was Patrick[Paddy] Breen from Ballyconry, His brother Jeremiah
[Jerry] lived in Ballybunion were he had a smal jewllers shop on main street ‘still there
I belive,he died in the early 1970s, I was told he was an active IRA member, he left no
family. His brother Daniel went to Australia, I don’t know in what year.
His brother Dennis had a small holding in Ballyconry I believe he never married, he died in the late 1960s or early 70s. James and Michael I know nothing about,only that
when was young I was told I had an uncle in the US. my Grandfather was also named James. My father never talked about his time as a young man in Ireland, My uncle Jack [Mums side] told me when I was a boy my dad was shot in the leg by the brits,
but when I ask my dad about it he would allways say ‘never you mind’ or ‘bad things
happend. He did however have a nasty scar on his shin and had a slight limp.
There was also a story about an escape from a place called spike Island with his
brother,but could just be a story to tell a small boy? My dad worked in Coventry
during the war my mum [molly]ran a small shop in Ahafona. My family moved from
Ballybunion after the war to County Down, were my sister and I were born in 1946
and 48. Move to London in the early 1950s. My father took me to ballybunion in 1963
I stayed with his sister Cathy and her husband Simon,in Ballyconry for 6 months
I met Jerry and Dennis. Sorry I can’t tell you anything about the IRA , but maybe
it help back up what you know, any way good luck and good hunting.
Regards J.P.Breen.
Hi There,
I think your Dad was my Grandfather’s brother James Breen. You are right Jerry did have a shop and died without children. He married twice his first wife died fairly young and his second wife came from a family called stack (I think). The shop was know as Limerick House. Don’t know a lot about my grand fathers involvement with the volunteers but the roof was burned of the cottage in Ballyconry I have been told. If you find out any more would love to hear from you.
L Breen.
Hi
J Breen, did your family live in coventry long, what was your mam’s maiden name and who are your brother and sister, might have a link to the Breen’s in Australia and Kerry
know Daniel and Michael Breen went to Australia as they were wanted for the alleged murder of a soldier. Daniel married and had 6 children, it is thought Michael lived in and around the bush, not sure if he ever moved to USA, Australia last known destination. Daniel died in 1971