James Connolly Michael Kerr photo Information required

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Aidan Kerr. I am seeking some help about the attached photo, which is a colourised digital version of the original uncoloured paper photo.

I am confident that James Connolly is at the back lhs as you look at it and my grandfather Michael Kerr on back rhs.

It was uncovered in 1984 by my cousin behind a religious picture in a derelict farmhouse that our family once owned near Beragh, Tyrone. The original photo had a stamp on its back by Charles and Russell photographers in Belfast, before 1916. As far as I know that company and it’s archives no longer exist.

We suspect that at least some, if not all, of the other people were involved in the 1916 rising, or in nationalist activities e.g. the Irish Volunteers and or Gaelic League around then.

Some historians have confirmed Connolly’s identity and suggested those of the others. However, I’d prefer to let you decide for yourselves to avoid bias!

Michael c40yo was an insurance agent about then and later a farmer. We’ve no knowledge of any strong links for him to nationalist movements then or since, nor trade union activities etc. Nor do we have any idea of why or where he met these people then. Nevertheless, it seems to have been an important gathering for such a photo to be taken. Also, nobody I’ve spoken to yet has seen it before so it could be rare!

Grateful for your help in confirming identities and the nature of the group, if possible. If not, please suggest others I could contact.