Typed report on Sinn Fein (IRA) and Fianna Uladh (Saor Uladh). When the Treaty was signed (1922) Sinn Fein (SF) split. Between 1922 –1926 it was directed by de Valera, and when he founded Fianna Fail another split occurred. Frank Ryan took over its leadership. SF gives its allegiance only to the Second Dail, elected in 1920. The IRA was under the control of the First and Second Dail. The title ‘Resistance Movement’ is now used by the ‘Official’ IRA. They have denied seizing explosives in recent raids. The raid carried out at Mooretown was carried out by a splinter group, while that at Nenagh was carried out by members of the Official IRA acting contrary to orders from GHQ. In December 1956 the premises of the United Irishmen was raided. It was carried out by McCrystal, who, with his friends, were expelled from ‘Official’ IRA. They tried to blame ‘S’ Branch. This group blew up huts along the Border. At the Christian Rex Congress at Easter, 1956, Dr. McKevitt stated that men from the Connolly Association were sent to do some popular action in order to steal the thunder of the IRA. This is incorrect as the IRA, Official or Unofficial, have no contact with the Connolly Association. Splinter groups of the IRA carried out the activities referred to. Students at UCD, the College of Art and members of the National Students’ Council were involved in the attack on Nelson’s Pillar and the seizure of Lane pictures from the Tate Gallery. Saor Uladh and Fianna Uladh are now one group so too the Official IRA and Sinn Fein. The latter argue that if the Hungarians can revolt why not Catholics in Northern Ireland? The Dail has no right to interfere with the Resistance Movement in Northern Ireland. Saor Eire was founded by Peadar O’Donnell. He left the Workers’ Republic Movement which was condemned by the Hierarchy in 1930. Frank Ryan and George Gilmore were also members. They remained in collaboration with the IRA until 1936 when they were expelled over their policy on the Spanish Civil War. The IRA organised attacks in England in 1937. Their Chief-of-Staff was Sean Russell Mrs Buckley was the President of Sinn Fein. When the IRA carried out a raid on the Magazine Fort in 1939 de Valera interned 500 of their members. Sean Russell died on his way from Germany in 1940 and Stephen Hayes was appointed Chief-of-Staff. The Northern Section of the IRA seized control of the Army Council and arrested Hayes. He escaped from the house of Roger McHugh and was accused of betraying the IRA to the Government. The IRA wanted Hitler to invade Ireland but he refused. Goerz, a Nazi spy, was arrested by the Army Council of the IRA. He later committed suicide in Dublin Castle. Seven IRA men were executed by the Government during the war, and one died on hunger strike. In 1942 Neil Gould and another had themselves interned in the Curragh in order to stir up trouble among the internees. In the post-war period the Six County section of the IRA waged a war against the Northern Government. They carried out the attacks on Armagh (1953) and Omagh (1955). Their targets were British Army installations. Orders were given not to attack members of the RUC or ‘B’ Specials. This policy varied in more recent times. The attack on Lisnaskea by Fianna Uladh was condemned by the IRA James Soraghan and a group of his friends were expelled from the IRA. At the moment there are two main groups – the IRA and the splinter group under Kelly and McCriostal. This latter group insists on police barracks being attacked. The deaths of O’Hanlon and South have evoked sympathy and their deaths have not affected intake of new members. At present there are 300 active members in Dublin, 200 in the country and about 500 supporters.

Typed report of ‘V’ Committee meeting. The following items are mentioned in the report: Conor Farrington was refused visa to study in USA. Justin Keating also refused. Anthony Morrison was married to Maria Timmons in 1957 and is unemployed at present. Mrs. O’Connell’s report is awaited. Mrs McAuley’s husband makes vestments. She was appointed to the Adoption Board at the instance of Maureen Keane. Is a source of trouble to Fr. Barrett and the Government. She is a Socialist of the Welfare State type tends to be anti-clerical and anti-nun. Frank Edwards and his wife are soured and bitter. Their son and daughter practice their religion. Eamonn Lyons was an activist in the Connolly Association in England. Spoke at a Public Meeting in Abbey Street. His mother is a practicing Catholic and Lyons did not undertake propaganda work in the area in which his family resides. Regarding the motor trade and the Iron Curtain Countries, George and Pirek, two Czechs, are trying to push trade in the motor business. Imminent merge of the CIU and the TUC. Fr. Kent spoke of certain aspects of the proposed union of these congresses of Trade Unions.

Copy of a typed confidential report from the Detective Branch, S.D. Unit, Dublin Castle, on the Connolly Youth Movement. Declan Bree, Sligo, informed Liam Mulready that fifteen youths in Sligo are interested in the Connolly Youth Movement. On his return he brought copies of Connolly and Marxist writings. Delegates will meet interested youths at a later date. A Connolly Youth Movement meeting is to be held in Limerick. Ballyfermot group is causing concern for the executive committee. Want duplicating machine and paper, and aim to infiltrate as many committees in the Ballyfermot area as possible. Committee to investigate activities of this group.

Typed letter to Dr. Lucey, Bishop of Cork, from + McQuaid seeking information on Tony Coughlan, a graduate of UCC. He was an organiser for the Connolly Association and is now lecturing in Trinity College.

Handwritten report saying Prescott’s letter and newspaper article from The Tablet enclosed. Saga Films Ltd may offer free films on travel. Book review in The Plough quotes priest praising Connolly Club. Police did not expect Saturday night’s row. Castle group dispersed. Government thinks Communism too remote. A man from Russell Avenue became a Protestant and got a good job at Telecommunications.

Includes; Certified copy of Marriage settlement, William Cray, Pierce Nagle, Sarah Nagle, Patrick Sarsfield, John Galway (19 May 1770); Certified copy Deed, John, James, and Thomas Prendergast (19 April 1882); Statement of Claim, copy Writ of Summons, Rearden versus Murphy (4 March 1890); Certified copy Memorial to Deed of Conveyance, Thomas and James Prendergast to South Presentation Sisters (1 May 1894); Writ of Possession, Thomas Byrne and Mary Connolly (13 January 1902); Deed of Assignment, Mary Connolly to Thomas Byrne (14 May 1902); building receipts (1937); rent receipts (1938 - 1955).

Newspaper cutting entitled ‘Rule of terror’ by Cyril Connolly which looks at a joint biography of the Petrovs. Standard

Copy of ‘Hibernia’ dealing with censorship. Includes a response by Fr. Peter R. Connolly, Maynooth on Lennon’s ‘Turbulent priests’ article.

File relating to the Canon Connolly Trust.