by Meda Ryan
Certainly Dan Breen was not in the party, and all the evidence points to the fact that De Valera was not in the vicinity, though at the March meeting he had indicated his intention of being present at this assembly. Confusion seems to have arisen because of the similarity of the two men – both tall and slim and wearing glasses. On 9 April 1923, the day when members of the Executive were making their way towards the foot of the Knockmealdowns for the all-important meeting, De Valera wrote to P. J. Ruttledge:
To me our duty seems plain, to end the conflict without delay ... The phase begun in 1916 has run its course ... Those who would continue working for our independence must gird themselves for a long patient effort of reorganisation, and education.7
On 10 April 1923, as the Executive members had assembled at Houlihan’s for the meeting and were forced to flee to the Knockmealdowns, De Valera wrote to Austin Stack:
The decision lies between ‘a quit’ by a governmental proclamation and army order to ‘cease fire’, or a public pronouncement by the Government of the basis on which it is prepared to make peace.8
Dr Stokes, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the remains at Clonmel Union Boardroom, on 11 April. A military witness, Colonel Jerry Ryan identified the body as ‘that of Liam Lynch a native of Anglestabo, Co. Limerick, who was aged about 33 years, single. I knew he took an active part in the operations against the government forces and I believe he was Chief-of-Staff of the Irregulars.’9 (He was in fact 29 years of age.)
Captain T. Taylor stated he was ‘in charge of a column operating in Crohane Mountain and about 10 a.m. yesterday fire was opened on us by a number of Irregulars. The party returned the fire. Firing lasted about half an hour. My party proceeded under fire and the Irregulars retreated. We found a man wounded face upwards. One of my party attended to him and had his wounds dressed ... We took him down from the mountain to Newcastle where he was attended by a priest and Dr Power, Ardinane. Dr Dalton soon arrived with a Red Cross ambulance ... The wounded man had no arms on him when we found him.’10
Dr Redmond Dalton, military MO, stated he went out with an ambulance to Newcastle and found Liam Lynch in a house. ‘There were two bullet wounds in the body, one the entrance wound, being somewhat behind and to the right, between the lower border of the ribs and hip. The exit wound was at the about the same level on the left side. There was a fair amount of external and a considerable amount of internal haemorrhage, and he was suffering very severely from shock. After consultation with the doctor who was attending the patient, we decided it was best that he should be removed to Clonmel. We brought him back in the ambulance arriving about 6 o’clock in the military ward, St Joseph’s Hospital. The patient was very low all the time, and died shortly before 9 o’clock. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage following the wounds described.’
The jury, after a brief consultation, found that ‘death was due to shock and haemorrhage due to bullet wounds caused by a party of the National Army in the execution of their duty. The coroner joined with the Jury in the expression of sympathy with the relatives.’11
Free State intelligence officer Ned Murphy said one of their soldiers saw movement of men ‘and aimed at one of them, he was aware that he had hit a man; this turned out to be Lynch.’ Murphy was confident from their internal army questioning, that in a war situation an enemy had been hit, and the query that the bullet originated from any source ‘other than from a national army rifle should not arise.’
At the inquest there seemed to be no doubt but that the fatal bullet was a long-range shot fired from a national army weapon, and admitted to, by them – and to imply that a bullet came from any other source would be mere speculation.
At the inquest a juror stated that the jury would like to know if the last wish of deceased (that he be buried in Fermoy) would be carried out. The coroner responded that General Prout had ‘given an assurance as to that already.’
On the night of 10 April, news of Liam’s death was telegraphed to Willie Ryan in Mitchelstown who immediately travelled with Mrs Hyland to Liam’s mother in Barnagurraha.
Sorrow was obviously written on their faces because as soon as they arrived, she said, ‘He is dead, Willie,’ then paused momentarily. ‘Thank God he did not let down his comrades!’ Over the next few days, in the ordeal which followed, she bore her grief silently and, publicly at least, her tears remained unshed.
Liam’s brother, Jack who was in Maryboro jail said with sadness to John Flanagan that night, ‘I always felt he’d go by the bullet.’
Some former comrades (now with the opposing forces) suggested, according to newspaper reports, that Liam Lynch should be dressed in the full uniform of a volunteer officer; also amongst the thousands of people who visited the hospital and filed in ‘respectful silence past the bier were numbers of soldiers of the national army and members of the civic guard.’12
On Thursday morning Liam’s brother, Bro. Martin with Mary MacSwiney, ‘Mrs Kate O’Callaghan, T.D. widow of the former Mayor of Limerick, Count Plunkett, T.D. [and] a Mr McCarthy of Limerick … were passing through Tipperary by train on their way to Clonmel for Liam Lynch’s funeral’, the Cork Examiner reported. ‘Military boarded the train and placed the party under arrest. Mary MacSwiney refused to leave the train, and eventually the military released Liam Lynch’s brother and removed the others to the local military headquarters … Mr Lynch’s brother was not interfered with and proceeded to his destination.’13
The body of the dead leader remained in view in St Joseph’s church, Clonmel, until Friday morning when members of the family came to attend mass. ‘Brother [Martin] Lynch betrayed great emotion as he looked down on the pale features of his dead brother ... his mother bore with apparent resignation the death of her son.’14
The remains were removed from St Joseph’s church mortuary, Clonmel, to Mitchelstown. The lying-in-state continued during the day and up to the last moment hundreds of people visited the church to file past the coffin. The Irish Independent reports that three bands of gold braid were attached to the sleeves of the uniform in which the body was garbed:15
There was a heart-rending scene just before the removal, when the aged mother, sister, and brothers of the dead leader took their final farewell of their loved one. The only sound to break the stillness of the death-chamber was the loud sobbing of the bereaved ones, and many present were moved to tears.
The coffin was then draped in a huge tricolour with mourning crosses, and on the lid were placed the deceased’s belt and cap ... The remains were carried from the hospital by a number of the deceased’s comrades. Just outside the building the military guard turned out, and as the coffin bearing the remains passed by, the men presented arms at the word of command from an officer, and remained in that position until all the mourners had passed.16
Though Civil War was still dominating people’s views, all the shops and business premises suspended their activities ‘during the passage of the funeral. In practically all the houses blinds were drawn. Large crowds assembled all along the footpaths.’
As the cortege passed by the post office ‘the military guard there also turned out and presented arms. On the outskirts of the town the remains were placed in a motor hearse for conveyance to Mitchelstown.’ The Irish Independent reports:
Another touching tribute was here paid by the file of civic guards, who lined along the road, and as the hearse passed by they stood to attention and saluted.
The remains were then conveyed to Mitchelstown.
For a considerable time before the remains were removed from the Mitchelstown church, people began to assemble amidst heavy rain in the square and thoroughfares adjoining the church, and by the time that the funeral started on its journey the gathering had assumed huge proportions.
‘The coffin surrounded by the tricolour, and on which had been laid deceased’s volunteer cap and belt, was borne on the shoulders of his comrades from Mitchelstown, around the principal streets of the town before be
ing placed in a hearse and conveyed to the cemetery.’17
Despite the conflict raging in a bitter civil war, friend and foe followed the cortege along the route as the body of Liam Lynch was carried through Glanworth and Fermoy to Kilcrumper. Crowds lined the countryside and towns for the final farewell to the man, who like his friend, comrade and fellow Cork man Michael Collins, met his death in a Cork hillside in the war of brothers – the sad irony of Ireland’s history.
The church bells at Mitchelstown and Fermoy rang out simultaneously as his dying wish was fulfilled when he was laid beside his friend and comrade, Michael Fitzgerald.
Professor Stockley, TD, who delivered the oration, said, ‘Ireland should be allowed to live her own life, and it was in that hope Mr Lynch had lived and died...’ 18
The number of horse vehicles was not less than 300, and when the cortege left Mitchelstown for the cemetery, it stretched along the road a distance of about five miles. The remains had been interred and all the last rites concluded before thousands of people could have reached the cemetery.19
The surviving officers and men of the army he had led so fearlessly could not come to pay a last tribute to their dead Chief, but wherever they were scattered – whether on the hillside, in the towns or in hiding, in jails or internment camps like his brother Jack – their hearts were with him in Kilcrumper.
Among the many wreaths was one, which bore the inscription: When Emmet’s epitaph shall be written, Ireland will write yours, Liam. – Éamon de Valera.20
1 An Phoblacht, Saturday 10 April, 1922.
2 Florence O’Donoghue, No Other Law, p. 305.
3 Seán Hyde, author interview, 13/7/1974.
4 The Clonmel Nationalist, 14 April 1923.
5 The Clonmel Chronicle, 14 April 1923; Sunday Telegraph 12 April, 1923.
6 Irish Independent, 14 April 1923.
7 De Valera to P. J. Ruttledge, 11 April, 1923, quoted by Longford and O’Neill, p. 219. See also T. Ryle Dwyer, De Valera’s Darkest Hour, p. 139.
8 De Valera to Austin Stack, 10 April 1923, as quoted by Longford and O’Neill, p. 219; see also T. Ryle Dwyer, De Valera’s Darkest Hour, p. 139.
9 Inquest – Clonmel Coroners’ District, 11/4/1923, Public Records Office, Dublin.
10 Inquest – Clonmel Coroners’ District, 11/4/1923, Public Records Office, Dublin. See also the Irish Independent, 14 April 1923.
11 Ibid.
12 Irish Independent, 15 April 1923.
13 The Cork Examiner, 13 April, 1923; Irish Independent, 13 April 1923.
14 Irish Independent, 13 April 1923.
15 Ibid., 13 April 1923.
16 The Clonmel Chronicle, 14 April 1923.
17 The Weekly Examiner, 21 April 1923.
18 The Weekly Examiner, 21 April 1923.
19 Irish Independent, 14 April 1923.
20 ‘Let no man write my epitaph ... When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then and not till then, let my epitaph be written. I have done’ – Robert Emmet before he was executed on 20 September, 1803.
Appendix I
The agreement between Commandant General Hannigan and General Liam Lynch was signed at 6.30 on 4 July 1922
‘AGREED’
Commandant General Hannigan will not at any time attack the Executive forces; Executive forces will not attack Commandant General Hannigan’s forces.
The Executive forces will not occupy any posts in East Limerick Brigade area.
That both sides only occupy their normal number of posts in Limerick city.
That there be no movement of armed troops in Limerick city or in East Limerick Brigade area, except by Liaison Agreement.
That Commandant General Hannigan withdraws any of his troops drafted into Limerick City since Saturday.
Executive communications to be maintained between 1st, 2nd and 3rd Southern Divisional Headquarters and Limerick City.
This agreement to hold during the period of fighting between Executive forces and Beggars’ Bush or until both sides of the army find a solution to the problem.
We agree to these conditions in the practical certainty that national peace and unity will eventuate from our efforts, and we guarantee to use every means in our power to get this peace.
This agreement shall be put into effect by 12 o’clock tonight.
Appendix II
Striving to maintain the highest standard of efficiency in the columns, and taking account of successes and failures, Liam Lynch issued a number of memoranda. The following are samples taken from Operations Orders:
Operation Order 2 – 22/7/1922.
When resting, scouts or sentries should be posted on vantage points commanding a view of the whole country about. At night they should be posted on all roads, and should be provided with horns (or sounders) to signal the approach of the enemy.
When moving, Columns should have advanced and rear guards connected with the main body.
Columns should never move into country until it is first scouted and the O/C has satisfied himself that it is either free of the enemy, or is aware of the exact position he occupies.
Operation Order 9 – 19/8/1922.
They should keep close touch with one another. This is most necessary both from the point of view of co-operation in operations and of protecting one another from surprise or attack by the enemy ... Each unit while at rest should however provide independently for its own protection.
Each operation, no matter how simple it may appear, should be carefully planned, every detail attended to and all contingencies as far as possible provided against ...
Before going into action men should have clearly explained to them: (a) the objective to be achieved; (b) the line of retreat; (c) position of HQ and of different sections or units operating.
The strictest discipline on the part of the troops on active service must be insisted on, and any breaches of same should be promptly and sternly dealt with ... Officers should set a good example in the matter of discipline.
Appendix III
Proclamation Óglaigh na h-Éireann
WHEREAS this Junta called the ‘Government of the Irish Free State’, have suppressed the legitimate Parliament of the nation and usurped the government, and now, in the endeavour to make good their usurpation and to destroy the Republic, have resorted to the infamous practice of shooting Republican soldiers taken by them as prisoners of war, and have already put to death fifty-three Officers and Men in this manner.
AND WHEREAS, the Army of the Republic is determined that it will no longer suffer its members to be thus dealt with, and the international usage of war violated with impunity,
AND WHEREAS, the army Command of the said Junta, have issued a Proclamation announcing the ‘Punitive Action’ will be taken by them against other prisoners in their power if the hostages which we have been compelled to take are not set at liberty.
NOW, WE HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that we shall not give up our hostages, and if the threatened action be taken, we shall hold every member of the said Junta and its so-called Parliament, Senate and other House, and all their Executives responsible, and shall certainly visit them with the punishment they shall deserve.
DATED, this 1st day of February, 1923, at the hour of noon.
Liam Lynch, General,
Chief-of-Staff.
Field General H.Q., Dublin.
Appendix IV
Operation Order issued by Major-General John J. Prout, Officer Commander, Waterford Command, Emmet Barracks, Clonmel – to all units of the National Forces about to take part in this operation in the early hours of the morning of April 10, 1923.
(The O/C Clogheen garrison, received copy.)
Map Ref: Templemore and Tipperary sheet 22. Reliable information to hand. Important Irregular leaders are at present in South Tipperary or Waterford.
Objective:
It is the intention of the G.O.C. to surround that area and capture, if possible, or at least harass the enemy. All farm h
ouses, out-houses, woods, mountains and likely hiding places will be thoroughly searched. Starting points and objectives, at conclusion, giving right and left flank Units or otherwise, columns from Clonmel, Tipperary, Cahir, Mitchelstown, Clogheen, Carrick-on-Suir and Dungarvan will take part.
No. X column from Clogheen under Captain Tom Taylor and one officer, together with sixty other ranks, will proceed at 04.00 hours from Clogheen and reach the village of Newcastle, Clonmel, not later than daybreak tomorrow, April 10, 1923.
At dawn you will drive out from Newcastle in a south-easterly direction with your troops in well extended formation. Search all farmsteads and other likely places across the Knockmealdown Mountains and foothills, holding a well extended line across the mountain, Ballymacarbery, Mount Melleray right and left respectively, where you will link up with a column from Dungarvan operating in a north-westerly direction.
[N.B. This order was issued in the ‘early hours of the morning’ of 10th April, 1923, the day Liam Lynch was shot.]