Sinn Féin Flag Waving at Ashford by Sheila Clarke

Sinn Féin Flag displayed at Ashford on 22nd July 1917: Report by Sgt. J. O’Regan, (Ashford RIC Barracks):

“I beg to report that an excursion party of about 20 passed this barracks at 10.34 on yesterday 22nd inst. on their way to the Scalp, County Dublin. They did not give vent to any expressions of disloyalty when passing through.

We saw Thomas Cullen, assistant at Lawrence Byrne’s Public House holding in his hands a Sinn Féin flag about 3 and a half feet by 3 feet, being inscribed with the letters I.R. in black capital letters about 6 inches in length. He was beside the driver of the first wagonett, Michael Murphy, of Wicklow.  John Behan, Rathnew, drove the second wagonett and Edward Olahan drove the hackney car.

The following, I am informed, were on the excursion:

• __Clarke, Murrough Public House, Wicklow.
• Christy M Byrne, Ballykillavane, Glenealy, Sec. GAA
• Jack Short, Killoughter, Ashford.
• Hugh, Gregory and James Cunniam, Ashford.
• Kathleen Marrinan, N. School Teacher, Ballyduff, Ashford.
• Eileen Carr, N. School Teacher, Ashford.
• Miss Wickstead, N.School Teacher, Ballylusk Ashford
• May Cunniam, Ashford.
• Anne Hatton, ___ Hatton, Ashford.
• __Byrne Roundwood.
• Miss Louth, Wicklow.
• William Clarke, Jun, Rosanna, Rathnew.
• Mr.Cunniam, Jun, Ashford.
• William Cullen and his sister, Rathmore, Ashford.
• John Murphy, Church Street, Wicklow
• Thomas Byrne, Market Square, brother to Lawrence Byrne, Wicklow Hotel.
• John Olahan, Fitzwillaim Sq, Wicklow.
• O Reilly, Jun, Newtown Mt Kennedy, Poor Rate Collector
• Wm Cardiff, The Mall, Wicklow, Poor Rate Collector.”

Footnote:

From letter dated  14.8.1917 to the District Inspector, Wicklow:

The Competent Military Authority has determined that no action shall be taken under the Defence of the Realm Regulations in the case of Thomas Byrne.

(Information sourced from the Military Service & Conflict collection on www.findmypast.ie)