Letter from Cait Ó Ceallaigh to Hagan

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View/Open: HAG1-1923-551.pdf (38.MB) Bookview

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DigitalGeorgetown

Pontifical Irish College

Contributor

Ó Ceallaigh, Cait

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

Description

Holograph letter from Cáit Bean Seán T. (Ó Ceallaigh), 91 St. Stephen's Green (Dublin), to Hagan. Seán is now in Gormanstown but saw Hagan's letter; she [found a way to send mail there]. When out, he was there for his mother's death; of his brothers Michael was released but Matt is said to be sentenced. An extension of the parole was procured by Fr. Flanagan of the Pro-Cathedral. Many called on Seán while he was out, though nothing in the way of a peace offensive was started; some Free State officials were at the funeral. Many prisoners are being released; wondering if there is a system behind it. The general hunger strike called in Mountjoy includes even Ernie O'Malley despite his bad health. The funeral for the 'ill fated' Noel Lemass was the largest since the treaty, not counting Griffith's and Collins's. Its coincidence with the Sinn Fein ardfheis meant that the press testified generally to the virulence of the anti-treaty, antigovernment element. Then observing that those prisoners that are released face very difficult conditions, scarce employment and shortages; a committee is set up to look after them. Doubting Hagan's surmise that the authorities begin to see their own fallibility- 'they all look sleek and prosperous (and) we are thin (and) haggard'. They bluff even to each other. Mother Stan found the bishops she met quite frivolous in their conversation; teasing her as to her rebel leanings. Only one man in Gormanstown goes to do what is required in confession under protest –'could anything be queerer'. The Irish are waiting for the moment to be 'extremely Republican' again; maybe the Mountjoy trouble will finish the fight, however.