Pat Keane of Ballymongaun, Kilnamona

Summary
Born on April 6 1894, Pat Keane was the third child of Johnny (Matthew) Keane (second child by his second wife) (see parents).  From an early age he joined the volunteers in the struggle for the freedom of Ireland in  which he took a leading role.  Intending to take up a military career on the formation of the new state when independence was achieved, and although originally intended to take over the home farm at Ballyashea, Pat relinquished title and invited his brother Andrew to return home from the U.S.A.  Later, he took the republican side in the Civil War that followed independence and declined to join the army of the newly formed State.  Pat received the Gold Fáinne while interred for post-treaty republican activities in the Gormanstown camp which entitled him to teach Irish to adults at night school.  This he did subsequently in Kilnamona, Dysart and Toonagh.

Pat married Bridget O'Dea, Ahasla, Kilnamona "whom he had been courting for years" (Br Thomas memoirs, 1987) marrying into her small farm in June 1925 (see marriage photograph).  Bridget had studied dressmaking in Ennis for four years (see O'Dea) and a small income from same helped to supplement the family resources. All were excellent workers and applied themselves to extreme to their work as conditions were extremely tough.

They had ten in family, two girls followed by eight boys but the second last child died at birth (thus leaving a family of nine).  Six of the family were born in Ahasla, the remaining four at Ballymongaun, where Pat had acquired a number of small farm holdings (more on Pat's farm).  In 1934 Pat "took his courage in his hands" and completed a new two-storied house at Ballymongaun, almost entirely on his own, being very gifted at that type of work "so that his children would be near secondary education in Ennis" (Br Thomas).  He was also of a very academic nature, being well noted for his literary abilities.

Pat died on 18th January 1952, at 57 years and Bridget (see O'Dea) survived him by thirty years, being 86 years when she died on 27 October 1982.  Both are buried in the family plot in the old graveyard, Kilnamona (RIP).

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Appreciation 

Making a Stand... Military Career.... Anti Treaty Activities.... Internment Camp.... Academic Side of Pat.... Lighter Side of Life in the Volunteers.... Supervisor with Department of Agriculture.... The Penultimate Years.... Reader of News and Historic Events.... Life's Review....Rambling House Story.... War of Independence and Civil War: Pat's Testimonial Statement.... Truce Period.... Appreciation (Clare Champion).
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Pat (Patrick) Keane: 1894 - 1952

Ballyashea/Ballymongaun, Kilnamona

Revolutionary and Nationalist!

Making a Stand

Pat's public life might said to start with his attendance at the inaugural meeting of the (original) Sinn Féin organization in County Clare held at O'Callaghan Mills in 1915. It seems only some dozen delegates from the county were in attendance, including 'Fagan' McNamara, Crusheen - both he and Pat represented the same extensive division of (mid) Clare (information kindly provided by Sean McNamara, son of Fagan; also see for instance reference to Clare Battalion Division (2) Crusheen, Inch, Ennis and District – S. Mac Conmara in charge).  Following this the Clare Sinn Féin organization blossomed with its first political success in the parliamentary bye election in East Clare of 1917 and general election of 1918. Pat was already a member of the Irish Volunteers (I.V.) which existed in most parishes before the summer of 1913 (see Witness Statement, WS 1324, by Joe Barrett in the National Archives, Dublin). Due to confusing orders from Dublin, Pat was not called upon to fight in the 1916 Easter rising, but was ready, 'attended meetings and standing to' (see Testimonial Statement below).

The First World War was entering its final phase and the British offensive in Europe was underway in 1917 (probably  1918!) when Pat 'received notice' to join the British army.  Pat's mother was very upset one day because a peeler (police officer) had called to the home giving advance notice that her son Pat would be conscripted.  Owing to concerted opposition from Church and Sinn Féin (De Valera), conscription of the Irish never took place (Br Thomas remembers).

Clare was declared a Special Military Area in February 1918 due to agrarian disorder. In the spring of 1918, several men with their horses and ploughs could be seen tilling the land of the Landlord Crowe at Ballymongaun, Kilnamona.  They were asserting the right of the Irish people to own their land.  Next morning four men from the parish were arrested. Two participants (Mick Brody and Pat Keane) refusing to recognise the court were sentenced to three months in Mountjoy Jail (Mick Guerin and Tom O'Brien were released on promise of good behaviour).  Br Thomas (1987) recalls that 'the rumour at the time (was) that the men in Mountjoy were going to be sent to the front but it didn't happen.'  Later, Sinn Fein discouraged further agrarian action especially cattle rustling, 'in order not to distract from the war effort and took up the campaign against conscription' (e.g. The War in Clare 1911-1921, Michael Brennan, Four Courts Press, 1980). Clare was divided into three brigade areas in December 1918 (Brennan) while David Fitzpatrick (see ref. later) states that Mid-Clare Brigade was established on March 1st 1919!   

Military Career

Pat Keane was attached to the Mid-Clare Brigade of the Volunteers and in turn was Kilnamona Coy (Company) Section Commander (1919), Adjutant (1920) and Officer in Command (1921) with over 60 men under his charge (cf Pat's Application for a Service Certificate in Dept of Defence, 1935). While in the latter posting Pat was also a member of the A.S.U. (Active Service Unit), 3rd Battalion, Mid-Clare Company, IRA operating all over the Mid Clare Brigade area.

Some of the more important engagements in which Pat took part included the disarming of seven soldiers who daily paraded through the streets of Ennis on the evening of June 23rd, 1920; the capture of guns from the Barracks in the neighbouring parish of Ruan in October 1920, under Joe Barrett, Adjutant, Mid-Clare Brigade (see WS 1324 and WS 1326, National Archives (NA), and Andrew O'Donoghue (AO'D) report 1 on web), and the highly dangerous transport of a consignment of guns from Ennis for the Monreel ambush near Miltown Malbay, December 18th, 1920 (WS1326; AO'D report 2), and a number of ambushes which were abandoned due the enemy not appearing. 

The Ennis assault is interesting in that volunteers were specially selected for a task which required considerable co-ordination - any one volunteer failing in his assigned task could have had disastrous consequences for all.  Intensive rehearsals were held over the previous 12 nights 'using a party of twenty one men with seven set aside representing the soldiers until each (was) thoroughly proficient in his particular duty' (WS 1324).  A signal whistle blast was given (WS 1135) and 'each member of the guard was attacked individually and simultaneously, so complete surprise, and overpowered at once... it lasted about two minutes' (WS, 1324).  Success was achieved without loss of life on either side.  

If one scrutinises closely Pat's own testimony (reproduced below) where he states that 'on the 23^rd June 1920, I was posted with gun at O’Connell St Ennis to hold up a British soldier with rifle and bayonet on the occasion of the successful disarming of the British Patrol', it seems he may have had quite a central role in this ambush, perhaps one of the seven volunteers assigned each to overpower and disarm a designated soldier. 

For the capture of the Ruan Barrack, Joe Barrett states that 'men, picked for coolness, dash and courage, and drawn from all areas of the Brigade area, were set aside for the immediate work of storming the barracks' (WS 1324, National Archives).  Br Thomas in his memoirs writes: "He (Pat) took part in some way in the disarming of soldiers in Ennis and he also took some part in the taking of Ruan barracks."  Br. Thomas also remembers that Pat "was accused whether guilty or not of breaking peelers bicycles and throwing them into the stream that runs (near Kilnamona church) between Hegartys and Galvins", and that he "brought the rifles from the Monreal ambush from Kilnamona to Cloonagh, hidden under hay." For Pat's own account of his role in these engagements, see his Testimonial Statement appended below.

Pat's seems not to have been one of the 50-60 men (they were mostly from the 5th Batt, however) of the newly formed (November 1920) Battalion Flying Column under Joe Barrett although he was usually 'on the run' from the authorities.  Apparently his O.C. responsibilities seems to have precluded this, e.g. he was also responsible for the security of the many Brigade Council meeting held in his area, e.g. that recounted in WS 1326 (AO'D report 3) of a meeting held in Patsie Hegarty's house, Kilnamona, in May 1921 where a representative of GHQ Dublin sought increased harassment of crown forces by Mid-Clare Brigade (to take the heat off Cork!).

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Over:- Mid-Clare Unit IRA activists, circa. 1921.

Back row from left: Pakie Kerin, Darragh; Pat Keane, Kilnamona; next unknown; Centre row: Jack Irwin!!(see Feedback, msg 40!), unknown; Front row: Vincent Barrett (in uniform); Thomas Callaghan*, Cloonanaha (with gun); Patrick McGough, Inagh.  

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*Thomas Callaghan took part in the Rineen ambush, but when the IRA combatants were withdrawing from the scene he inadvertently left a signed prayer book at the scene, and  had to crawl back to the ambush site in order to retrieve it before it was discovered by the Tan forces. This had a lifelong adverse affect to his nerves. John's sister married Pat's brother Andrew in the mid-1920's (see Andrew).

Anti Treaty Activities

When the Treaty was signed on 6 December 1921, Pat decided on a military career and although the home farm was intended for him, he wrote to Andrew (recently emigrated to America) offering it to him.  While Pat was on the republican side on the question of the treaty, local volunteer commanders whether they be Republican or Free-State assumed control from the departing British.  After successfully attending army cadet training courses, Pat commanded the taking over of the Barracks in Lisdoonvarna from the evacuating British forces early in 1922 and subsequently he joined with Cmt. Joe Barrett (Kilrush) and Seán O'Grady (later Fíanna Fáil T.D., Clare member of Irish Parliament) at the Ennistymon Barracks.  He was rigged out in full military uniform with Sam Brown belt and appointed Quarter Master of the barracks and later O/C with rank of Captain and over 60 men under his charge (cf Pat's Application for a Service Certificate in Dept of Defence, 1935).  

Above:- Pat seen in the military uniform of the period.

Br Thomas (1989) writes: "On the day of the departure of the British all Parliament Street and Main Street was lined up with lorries full of R.I.C. men, Tans, Auxiliaries and soldiers. When we were coming out of school a group of us stood opposite the R.I.C. barracks watching the departure but as we stood there the last act of the British before moving off was to fire a hand grenade (Mills bomb!) into our midst wounding several of my companions. Those of us unhurt ran for our lives down side streets and waited until the last of the army was gone." Is this the same incident recounted in 'Politics and Irish Life 1913 -1921' (David Fitzpatrick, 1977,1998), which states that the Ennistymon barracks was given over on February 1st 1922 after Head Constable had publically denounced 2 constables for throwing Mill bombs at school children screaming 'Up Rinneen, Up the IRA' ?

Many alluring offers were made to Pat to entice him to join with the Free-State cause including a number of offers of a commission in the Free-State army, a large farm in County Meath, and the post of rate collector in Co Clare, which he declined.

Pat was in Ennistymon Barracks up to the end of June 1922 when the Free State soldiers, which far outnumbered them, gave notice that they were to attack the barracks.  The Republicans withdrew setting fire to the barracks and from then were on the run. Subsequently he was missing and it was rumoured that he had been killed at an ambush near Dromoland. However, after 6 weeks everyone was surprised to see him return home (for more information see Pat's Testimonial below).

Pat remained on the run from the Free State authorities and for a time went into hiding at the O'Dea farm in Ahasla, which was remote from the main thoroughfare. This was subsequent to Cornie O'Dea's tragic death on 22nd August, 1922 (see O'Dea).  He and fellow republicans used to meet clandestinely on those boggy wetlands.  According to Willie Hegarty, Ahasla (2007, then aged 87 years) it seems that the Civic Guards (from the Maurice's Mills Barracks) arrived one day at the neighbouring Hegarty house on routine surveillance. On enquiring about the family further in the roadway, the Guards were told of the recent O'Dea sad bereavement leaving a widow with two young daughters. The upshot of this was that the police refrained from visiting the O'Dea house on that occasion.

The Republicans decided to retake the new Barracks at Ennistymon and Pat was asked to undertake the task.  Br Thomas goes on to write (my brackets): "Pat then contacted Mylie Keane (cousin) who had joined the Free State army (known then as the National troops) as a soldier and was stationed at Ennistymon temporary  barracks now the Ennistymon hospital.  The plan was that on the night (during August 1922) Mylie while on sentry duty would allow the republicans access to the barracks.  However a dispatch containing the information was found hidden in the sole of the shoe of Pat Morgan (Lavareen, Ennistymon, a cousin of Pat's on Morgan side) who was  carrying the document."  Pat arrived at Morgans of Knocknagraga (cousins) to prepare for the takeover  of the barracks but owing to the information getting out (believed to be loose talk by Mylie to comrades in drink!) the house was surrounded by Free State soldiers in the early hours of the morning.  Pat who had a revolver under his pillow, had time to push the revolver down into a sack of flour.  However one of the soldiers found the gun and put it in his own pocket 'probably to sell'.  If the revolver was found by one of the officers Pat would have been executed because of an official ruling to execute anyone carrying firearms."

[Shown below is the actual Old IRA medal issued to Pat in 1941 by the Government of Ireland as a member of the Irish Volunteers who were engaged in the War of Independence and who had given valuable service.  Depicted on the medal is a Volunteer in uniform with gun standing to attention surrounded by crests of each of the four provinces with prominent ÉIRE (Ireland) and inscribed at the bottom with the words cogadh na saoirse (war of independence). The word cómhrac (struggle, combat) is inscribed on a bar attached to the pennant and this bar was issued to those only who had actually given active and armed service (visit Irish medals)].

Internment Camp
A report in the 'Clare Champion' of August 12th 1922 listed among the 21 arrests of irregulars in the Mid-Clare Brigade area were Pat Keane, Kilnamona and his cousin Pat Morgan, Lavereen, Ennistymon. (Ed.: The dating of this newspaper report (courtesy of Br Willie Morgan) seems to be at variance with that recounted by Pat in his Testimonial Statement reproduced below and with that of Willie Hegarty  above - the newspaper publication date needs further checking out!)  A Clare Champion report on September 2nd told of a large number of republican prisoners rounded up and captured in the South Western Command area who had been transferred from Limerick prison to their destination of internment via steamer down the Shannon (land transfer must have been considered too risky). Pat was thus sent to Gormanstown Internment Camp, Co. Meath on 8 September 1922 ( "Location of prisoners Book"  GC 8/9/22, Military Archives, Cathal Brugh Barracks; GC, Gormanstown Camp). Although no record of date of release is available, Pat's own Testimonial Statement (see below) states this to be December 1923, which is supported in part by the date on his Gormanstown Education Certificate reproduced below (October 10th 1923). Thus the length of his prison camp incarceration is reckoned as fifteen months. To put his release date in context:  The republican ceasefire and dump of arms order occurred on May 24th 1923, and prisoners were gradually released (3,000 per month), those prisoners considered the greater danger to the State released later up to December 1923 or the general amnesty early 1924 (see in McGuffin (1973) his ref. 10). 

One day, on a day release, Pat  visited his brother Thomas, who had recently joined the Irish Christian Brothers (14 August 1923) and was a postulant at the Order's Baldoyle Novitiate, a village northeast of Dublin city.  Brother Thomas recalled that his trench coat contained the remains of clay from the digging of a dugout or escape tunnel. 

When completing (in the mid-1930's) his LIFE CERTIFICATE form, a requirement for military pension purposes, Pat dated his retirement from the Defence Forces (note: not the National Army) rather surprisingly as 1925 having Rank of Captain (Dept of Defence archives).

Academic Side of Pat
Pat was an educated person for that period.  He attended the Christian Brothers Secondary School in Ennis for a period.  Although he lived a distance of 5 miles from Ennis, he is said to have walked daily to school.  It is not known how far he progressed in the secondary school cycle but in the 1911 census (National Archives, Dublin) he  was described as a farmer's son (aged 17 y.) rather than as a scholar as his younger school going siblings were so described.

Apart from digging escape tunnels, Pat also productively occupied his time in the Gormanstown Interment Camp to become proficient in the teaching of the Irish (Gaelic) language. The certificate he received from there using the Gaelic form of Pat's name states as follows:

                * Seán Ó Ceallaigh (S.T. O'Kelly) became the 2^nd and 3^rd President of Ireland, 1945-59.
                                    (Click on inset to enlarge original certificate)

After release from Gormanstown Internment Camp, Pat taught Irish locally in Kilnamona, Dysart and Toonagh but he found that there was "no future in it" (Br Thomas, 1989).  Later, in the mid-twenties, he was offered entry to the Teacher Training College to train as a national teacher.  This would require a further year away from home.  Being lately married and having the first signs of coronary thrombosis (at the age of 33 believed to be the result of outdoor hardship while 'on the run' from the authorities), he did not pursue it further.

Breaking away from the futile militant Republicanism, and turning to constitutional politics, he participated in the founding in Clare of the national political party of Fíanna Fáil  (Soldiers of Destiny) under Éamon de Valera in 1926.  This party came to power first in 1932 and still continues to be a major force in Irish politics.  It is interesting to note that at the time of his untimely death in 1952, he was vice Chairman of the Clare Cumann (branch) of Fíanna Fáil and also Chairman of the local (Kilnamona) branch.


Lighter Side of Life in the Volunteers

Life in the volunteers was not always serious.  A story is told that at an all-night vigil for a local deceased person, a young man from outside the parish was very vocal about his commitment to the cause of the volunteers expressing a wish to join the local column.  At the wake, the matter was brought to the attention of Pat, the local Commanding Officer, and it was 'agreed' that he must first prove his valour.   That very night, the task was set for him to wrestle a shotgun from a local land owner.  However, if he failed,  he was to be court-martialled and shot immediately by a firing party.

In the meantime Pat dispatched a local 'volunteer' to forewarn and assist the gun owner.  It was little wonder the young aspirant failed in his mission and sentenced to be executed.  The man was told to make his peace, while the firing party debated as to the appropriate firing distance from target. The poor soul was quietly advised to run away while the firing squad argued.  He was never seen in the parish again.


Later Initiatives

Pat participated in the life of the Kilnamona parish.  He was for instance Secretary to the St Joseph's Church, Kilnamona, restoration project in 1933.  Apart from re-roofing, the walls were raised by two feet and a gallery installed (this gallery was removed in a later renovation project in the 1970's, the numbers attending services being smaller due to the introduction of  an extra week-end Mass after Vatican 2 and more mobile parisheners having occasion to attend Church Services in Ennis).  An original raffle ticket, shown over, to raise funds for the restoration demonstrates wide support for the undertaking. (Historical note:- interestingly the return address on the counterfoil gives the state as I.F.S. i.e. Irish Free State). Until his death, Pat with neighbour Paddy Brody, assisted the parish priest in the seasonal collection of church dues (stipends) levied on parishioners at Christmas, Easter and harvest times*.
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*Apart from their abilities (Paddy Brody was the district Rate Collector for the Local Authority), one might also speculate that this particular pairing may have been an astute move by the then parish priest as each represented opposite sides in regard to the Treaty and politics. The sympathy of the parish had broadly divided into two-thirds pro-Republican and one-third Free State. As a counterpoint interestingly Pat's own testament from 1935, it seems some 65% of Kilnamona volunteers remained neutral during Civil War, less than 25% were active on republican side and some 10% joined National Army or Civic Guards (see Clare Library).
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Supervisor with Department of Agriculture
Pat sat a national examination for Temporary Meat Inspectors during the so-called Economic War between Ireland and Britian in the mid-1930's, when the market for Irish meat produce to England was shut off in a dispute over the unilateral ending by Ireland of payment of land annuities to the UK. This caused much depression in farming in Ireland over several  years and led to the institution by the Government of a Free Beef Sheme to needy people, which required supervision and monitoring. 

The particular exam for entry to the post was of a high standard, competition was strong, even university graduates applying  - his daughter Philomena recalls seeing the examination papers after Pat's death (which he had retained over the years), and although by then herself a trained National Teacher, deemed the maths and the English essay on mounting 'an agricultural show in your own locality' as particularly difficult (for the time). 

There were 4,200 applicants for 120 places. Research with the Civil Service Commission has shown that following the written examination 285 were placed in the order of merit for call to interview. From this Pat secured 65th placing. Ultimately 141 names were sent  to the Dept of Agriculture between 12/1934 and 12/1935 (File reference CS21/86/34).  Pat as Temporary Supervisor (Cattle and Meat) over the next three years was posted to Cliften from January 1935 (where he lodged in the Ardbear Hotel), and later transferred to Tuam, County Galway (attempts to discover his personnel file among the many in the Department of Agriculture have been so far unsuccessful). During that time Pat's weekly wage was £5. 10s, a very good remuneration for the time (extracted from form which Pat filled for his Service Certificate, see below)!

During his period as Inspector, Pat acquired a Ford motor car, an unusual spectacle in the 1930's  - probably two others existed in the parish at the time, the priest and the school teacher. In fact he seems to have graduated to a second car, one a two seater and the other a model T-Ford, probably both acquired second hand in which he regularly came home.  He was also one of the first in the parish to acquire (in 1937) a battery-operated radio, or a wireless as it was known (This he had to relinquish for a time during Second World War years due shortage of batteries). Locals often gathered on summer Sunday afternoons to listen to live commentaries (by the up and coming famous gaelic games and racing broadcaster, Micháel O'Hehir) on the major hurling and gaelic football matches of the day - occasionally batteries were known to expire before the game ended which did not go down well with the frustrated listeners!


The Penultimate Years
Pat joined the Local Defence Forces (LDF, now known as An Forsa Cosanta Áitiúil), a volunteer reserve force founded at the onset of the 'emergency' years of the 2^nd World War, 1939-1945. It was organized on 'a regional basis and designed to support the regular army by point defense and guerilla activities, surveilllance, intelligence reports, road obstructions, etc'.  It is not known what rank he held but probably local commanding officer as his children remember army supplies for the unit (kaki army wear and other paraphernalia, e.g. carrier bags) stored for distribution in his home during the period, and also recall bicycle runners delivering dispatches to him as part surveillance and communication excercises. Unfortunately any medal issued to him in this service period is not available although numerous such medals were issued (visit Irish medals).

Pat supplemented his income to improve living conditions from the modestly small farm.  He was one of the first producers in the district to supply milk to the newly built local branch of the North Clare community creamery in the mid-1930's (e.g. his milk supply Register at the creamery was numbered 1). He erected a substantial two-storied house in the early 1930's almost entirely with the assistance of a government grant (costs £150 less Government grant £80) and in the 1940's, he availed of farm improvement grants for e.g. the building of farmyard outhouses and double clad dry stone walled paddock enclosures. 

During the 'emergency' years of World War 2, compulsory tillage quotas were mandatory for farmers irrespective of land suitability for cultivation.  Pat took on extra off-farm tillage (i.e. fulfilling a neighbour's quota) to supplement  his crop production - it was hard work for his young family manually snagging (thinning) turnips and fodder beet or to keeping those weeds and nettles at bay (one such cereal weed was known locally as praiseach (destructive) weed)!

Periodic income was earned from the Clare County Council, for limestone quarried on his land (based on a volume or cubic yard basis) used in road maintenance.  In 1942/43, he supplied fresh milk (more profitable than creamery returns) to an institution in Ennis;  ceasing this operation after a season he returned in 1949 to twice-daily shop and house-to-house milk rounds in Ennis (the latter initiative being continued up to the mid-1990's).  He set up a farm supply store at Ballymongaun providing animal feed provisions, fertilizer and limited hardware for sale to the local farming community.  The purchase in 1950's of a horse drawn potato sprayer (using a mixture of bluestone and washing soda), then new to the market, for hire to farmers and manned by his young family, was another source of seasonal income.  At the onset of the economic upturn of the 1950's, sadly, Pat died in 1952.

Reader of News and Historical Events
Pat was a regular reader of the national daily newspaper, The Irish Press, which was available in Ennis some 4 miles away. If on any day a family member was not travelling to Ennis, a passing neighbour would be asked to oblige.  He also liked to read the current books on the Irish war of independence that were being published for the first time in the late 1940's.  He read aloud by the fireside to his family and gathered neighbours, one chapter per night, such books as 'My fight for Irish Freedom' by Dan Breen, T.D. (Teachta Dála, Member of Parliament) for Tipperary and 'Guerrilla Days in Ireland' by Tom Barry (Cork), etc.

Not wanting to pass on extreme republican attitudes to his children, Pat rarely spoke of his military activities. However, in reaction to some ambush incident recounted in one of the books, probably Tom Barry's, Pat recalled to the listeners a similar engagement mid-May, 1921 in which he had taken part. This was an ambush laid for a group of Auxiliaries recently transferred from Cork who regularly travelled on tender between Ennis and Corofin. It seems that the then IRA  commanding officer (as it happened it must have been under (mid-Clare) Brigade O.C., Frank Barrett (see report 4)) had placed his armed men on either side of the road behind ditch walls across from each other.  Pat reflected that thankfully the Tans did not pass the way on the day as otherwise the IRA company would have shot each other in the crossfire. It seems this may have been the last engagement before the truce.

Above: Bridget and Pat, newspaper in hand, 1948

Life's Review
Pat was not an extreme republican.  Thankfully the divide in County Clare between republicans and Free State forces, was not as marked as in some counties.  For example,  during the civil war Pat made a successful plea to the Free-State forces (perhaps via Mick Hegarty*) to spare from court martial Mylie Keane, a local 'Free-State' soldier who as stated previously had agreed to assist in the retaking of Ennistymon barracks by republicans.
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*Mick Hegarty was Captain, 2^nd in Command, 28 Batt., National Army, Gort 1923/4.  His father Patsy was pay officer, but 'wouldn't wear uniform' (information supplied to the writer in 2005 by (the then one of only two still surviving from old IRA active times) Lt Colonel Seán Clancy, originally from Clonlara, SE Clare, then in his 105^th year; Seán died September 2006).
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Locally, as a young man, Pat was thought of by the older generation as somewhat opinionated (at a time when young people should be seen and not heard by their elders)!  Later in life, Pat was always on hand to help neighbours with the filling out of difficult official forms, e.g. grants or old IRA pensions, which required to be done from time to time.  His advice was much sought after on various mediation matters, with great success but sometimes incurring some knock-on embroilment*.
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*the lingering after effects of the civil war; the inevitable land disputes (Shallee, Ballymongaun distributions);  a petty contretemps (including being the object of gunshot warnings by hothead protagonists) that spilled over into the wider parish in the late 1930's between the local principal national school teacher (with whom Pat was friendly) and the said teacher's neighbours. 
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   Pat's signature to a loan document, November 1928

Rambling House Story
Before dance halls came into vogue, as was the custom of the time, wren-boy dances and soirées at Christmas time, and occasional dances at other times, were in their turn held in Pat's house (often agreed to after token resistance!). His house was also a focal point or  'rambling house' for the local youth for their nightly social gatherings, card playing, ring board games (perhaps an added attraction was the oft-times presence of two daughters!). 

Pat did not always participate in the card games. Instead, he more likely continued to read his daily newspaper by the warm fireside. Now on either side of the fire were cushioned concrete hob seats where the children sat at night-time.  One evening when a more youthful would-be card player arrived late, and no vacant chair to sit on, he was 'advised' by his elders to approach Pat for his chair inviting him to take to the hob. They awaited for what the knew would be a chastening retort ('go away you faiker!') to the naive aspirant. 

The Final years
As well as the heart related condition, Pat suffered from sciatica in later years and annually holidayed for a week in Lisdoonvarna at autumn time to sample the curative waters of the sulphur baths, as well as other liquids one presumes! (photo of Pat taken in Lisdoonvarna in 1948). He died from coronary thrombosis after a short illness at Ennis general hospital at the relatively young age of 57 years on January 18th, 1952. His coffin was borne shoulder high from the hospital mortuary by his comrades and neighbours for over a half-mile before continuing onwards by hearse to Kilnamona Church. Pat's death occurred six weeks after his brother Andrew died, November 30th, 1951, aged 51 years.  Another brother Martin had predeceased them in U.S.A. by two years, both  brothers having succumbed to tuberculosis - the scourge of that era.

 Pat was buried in January 1952 in the old cemetery, Kilnamona (see first section) with military honours provided by Old IRA comrades and firing party under the command of Paddy Con McMahon, Ennis (former I.R.A. Mid Clare Brigade, 1st Batt. O.C.).  Shown over is the spent bullet casing of one of the volley's fired on that occasion.
                                   
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War of Independenceand Civil War: Testimonial Statement

by P. Keane

ex O/C Kilnamona Coy, 3^rd Batt, Mid Clare

This statement was made by Pat accompanying his application for a Service Certificate, a necessary requirement for the award of a Military Service Pension, dated 13^th May 1935.
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I joined the Kilnamona Coy. Clare Bgde. I.V. (Irish Volunteers) in 1913 and took the side of the I.V. at the division in 1914.  The Coy was reorganised on the 31^st October 1915 when I again joined.  The original roll of members dated 31^st October 1915 is still available – the Coy was then 29 strong (J. Keating O/C).  I took part in all Coy parades and carried out all orders of my superior officers.
In Easter week 1916, I did no actual fighting but attended meetings and standing to.  Five of the senior members of the Coy turned out with arms etc. awaiting further orders. They cut wires and did other minor things (names: Ml Brody (deceased); John Brody; John Keating; Ml Hegarty and T. O’Brien). After Easter week I helped to raise funds for the Volunteer force and dependents of Volunteers.  There was very little activity in Coy area from May 1916 to May 1917 when the Coy was reorganised on a large scale.  Reorganisation was helped by the general enthusiasm before and after the East Clare election campaign. The Coy in October 1917 was about 70 strong - all those who took the side of the Redmond Volunteers in 1914 having again joined the I.V.
      I took a very active part in the East Clare election – did guard duty at several places including Ennis, Clooney, Ruan and Kilnamona.  I did guard duty for two days, the day of polling and day of counting of votes at Ennis Courthouse and on the streets of Ennis under Frank Barrett and Major General Brennan. We were then armed with sticks. On the 11^th Sept 1917 I took part in an attack on two R.I.C. at Kilnamona with stones and other missiles on the occasion of visit by the late Peader Clancy to Coy area.
      I took part in open drilling and organising in presence of the R.I.C. in the autumn of 1917.  Our arrangement being to drill in turns as each man was arrested, casting lots for places. Only one man was arrested (T. Marrinan).  When general release took place in February 1918 I marched with Coy to the Crowe estate and did guard duty for the day.  I was arrested with three others on the 18^th March 1918 and charged with unlawful assembly on the estate.  Up to 60 persons assembled on the lands, but only four were arrested and charged.  I was picked out for arrest as a result of the attack on the R.I.C. the previous September - I had information that I would be arrested at the first opportunity.  I served three months hard labour at Limerick and Mountjoy jails in company with Major T. McGrath, Pierce Beasley (member of the Dáil for Kerry East) and several others.  After release I again joined my Coy and continued training and securing arms when the opportunity occurred.
      In July 1919 I was visited by the R.I.C. after the attack on the Inch and Connolly R.I.C. Barracks.  During that year I took part in all the activities of the Coy.
      On the 23^rd June 1920, I was posted with gun at O’Connell St Ennis to hold up a British soldier with rifle and bayonet on the occasion of the successful disarming of the British Patrol (O/C J. Barrett).  On the occasion of the successful capture of Ruan Barracks on the 18^th October 1920 I was on outpost duty at Toonagh on the Ennis-Corofin, Ruan roads.  Five other members of the Coy were with me (P. Brody, J. Barrett, J. Griffey, T. Cahir and T. Brody). About 9^th Dec 1920, accompanied by P. Brody and T. Cahir from Coy, I received war material near Mental Hospital Ennis from Chief Supt Con Halloran and Guard Stephen McInerney and conveyed some 20 miles by night to equip column for Monreal ambush the following day.  I took part in the capture of mails for four Post Offices on every occasion that they were taken prior to the truce of July 11^th 1921.
     I was appointed Coy O/C on the 9^th of February 1921 over the 1^st and 2^nd Lieutenants – I was Coy Adjutant previously. About 18^th February 1921 with P. Brody and T. Callaghan, Dysart I visited P. Kelly Rate Collector and demanded his Rates Books, which were not in his house.  We compelled him to come with us in his own car 4 miles to Ennis and got his books at the Abbey Club 35 yards from the R.I.C. Barracks, and then compelled him to drive to the other side of the town.  Kelly was under R.I.C. protection for several years previous to that and was known to be well armed.
     On the 24^th March 1921 I marched with the column 10 miles to attack R.I.C. on Black and Tan patrol at Corofin.  We remained in ambush several hours, the enemy failing to appear.  Others with me on the occasion: Sean Casey O/C, Commdt P. Kierse, Jas Kierse, P. Brody, M. Hogan, D. O’Loughlen, Peadar O’Breen and two others. 
     I was solely responsible for the capture of a suspect named Quirke, May 1^st 1921 who was wanted by the Brigade.  I kept him prisoner for a week until taken over by Brigade Council. 
On May 17^th 1921 I with five others from my Coy fully armed marched with Brigade Column to place of proposed attack on enemy lorries on the Ennis Corofin Road (at Toonagh) (F. Barrett O/C).  The entire Brigade column, over 100 men were mobilised in my area for the proposed attack, I being responsible for providing food and other things for the Column the previous night.  Practically all members of my Coy were engaged in a network of blockades for proposed ambush. 
     Two volunteers from my Coy were dangerously wounded in an encounter with Black and Tans on the streets of Ennis on the 26^th June 1921 (see Frank Keane).  I visited them at the Hospital, Ennis a few hours later getting through the guard to make arrangements for their removal.  On Dr McClancy’s advice they were not removed for two weeks.
      Heavy duties as Coy O/C and member of the 3^rd Batt  A.S.U. (Active Service Unit), I was responsible for guarding Brigade Council meetings as they were nearly all held in my Coy area.
  In November 1921 I was responsible for making arrangements for the review of three Battalions by President De Valera in my Coy area.  

Truce and Civil War Period
I was the only officer with the Battalion Adjutant J. Minahan selected by the Brigade Council to attend for training as officers of the future army at the Survey College Ennis in January 1922 under Major General Brennan.  At the end of training period I was one of 33 out of more than 100 officers from the 1^st Western Division who passed the exam for Commissions.  I was sent in Charge of Lisdoonvarna Barracks in March 1922 with about 16 men. After the division in April 1922 I was approached on three occasions by Free State Officers and offered the rank of Captain with charge of Ennistymon Free State army H. Qrs. if I gave up my command of Lisdoonvarna Barracks.
      I was continuously active during the Truce period attending camps, Battalion meetings and perfecting my Coy in drill and the use of arms.
I was appointed Group Q.M. (Quarter Master) at Ennistymon (Q.M. for 5 Barracks) about May 1922 in succession to J. Minahan then transferred to the Divisional Head Qrs.  S. O’Grady T.D. was then O/C Group. I was appointed O/C Group about the middle of June 1922 at Ennistymon in succession to Sean O’Grady T.D. who was transferred to the Divisional Staff. I held the latter post until the Barracks were destroyed by us on the 1^st of July 1922.
      I then went to Corofin Barracks, the Divisional Head Qrs, and was taken from there to go out with a Column of about 16 men under Capt J. Barrett.  When destroying a Bridge near Ennis we were ambushed by Free State army forces.  On that occasion (July 1922) I was in charge of 6 men and also in charge of a small number of men on outpost duty when our Head Qrs at Edenvale was attacked by Free State forces in July 1922.  I was in charge of an advanced guard of 7 or 8 men when proceeding to destroy Latoon Bridge on the Ennis-Limerick road about August 1922 (July 16?).  We were ambushed by 7 or 8 forces who were lying wait for us, one man wounded. Capt J. Barrett was in Supreme Command on that occasion.
     In August 1922 I was two weeks at Brigade Officers training Camp at Kilfenora under F. Barrett; two weeks at Battalion Officers Camp at Kilkeedy and Dysart, Sean Casey O/C. About the end of August 1922 I was sent by my commander Capt J. Barrett to plan an attack on Ennistymon National army Head Qrs.  I was captured when making a map of the grounds and Barracks and other arrangements (see account in earlier text above). I was subsequently imprisoned at Ennis, Limerick Prison Ship at Dun Laoghaire and Gormanstown Camp to December 1923.  Oscar Traynor  was O/C at Gormanstown Camp.
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Official Assessment Board Note: After a rigorous scrutiny by a National Panel of Referees (at least four in number), Pat was graded as of Rank D, which was appropriate to a captain of not less than 60 men in strength ('First Critical Period'), and similarly as Barracks O/C ('Second Critical Period').  (Rankings  A, B and C were reserved for higher grades at regional and national level).  The sequence of Units in which Pat operated were summarised in the Referee's report as follows: (1) Kilnamona Coy, 3rd Batt., Mid-Clare Bde; (2) 3rd Batt., Mid-Clare Bde, A.S.U.; (3) Ennistymon Bks.; (4) 2nd Batt., Mid-Clare Bde. A.S.U.  It is also interesting to note that the Referees referred back a query to Captain Joe Barrett, Courthouse, Kilrush as to Pat's A.S.U. work (cf Pat's Application for a Service Certificate in Dept of Defence, 1935/36).  Surprisingly, Pat was not credited with any service he had given up to the year 1920/21, but the Referees made up for matters somewhat when he was awarded an equivalent of two years credit for the nine month period July 1922 to March 1923 inclusive.  On the basis of this criteria he was judged to have given an equivalent of 5 and 1/12th years of 'Active' Military Service (of the 8 years submitted), and was awarded a pension of £50.16s.8p per annum, i.e. a rate of £10 (Irish pounds then at parity with sterling) per year credited service.  

* Catholic Curate, Inagh; Fr Patrick Baker, Parish Priest of Kilnamona, was terminally ill from cancer at the time, dying some three weeks later.

Last updated:- December 19, 2007                         return