The file comprises the following editions: 28 June 1922 (no. 1) – 16 Mar. 1923 (no. 175). The series is missing a small number of editions but there are multiple copies of other issues extant in the file. The publication began with the attack on anti-treaty republicans in the Four Courts, and the publication focused on ways of conveying news of the changing situation to journalists, republican supporters and the general public. The first (un-numbered) edition was styled as a communiqué from Rory O’Connor, Major General, IRA. It read: ‘The boys are glorious, and will fight for their Republic to the end. How long will our misguided former comrades outside attack those who stand for Ireland alone?’ Reference is made in this first communiqué to Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. and Fr. Dominic O’Connor OFM Cap. who were ministering to the besieged republicans.
An image of a large group of Capuchin friars. A cover annotation reads: ‘Fr. Edwin and students’. Identifiable individuals include: Second row, second from the right: Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap. (1874-1938) Second row, third from the right: Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. (1877-1925) First row, second from the right: Fr. Ignatius Collins OFM Cap. (1885-1961) Third row, first from the right: Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap. (1886-1971) Third row, third from the right: Fr. Bonaventure Murphy OFM Cap. (1880-1968) Third row, fifth from the right: Fr. Dominic O’Connor OFM Cap. (1883-1935)
‘Memorandum of Ambulance work & efforts for peace’ by J.P. Homan, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin. The memorandum refers to his work with St. John’s Ambulance during the Civil War hostilities in Dublin in June and July 1922. Specific mention is made of Homan’s interactions with Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. and the friar’s efforts to secure a cessation of the fighting. Includes a short clipping of an obituary for J.P. Homan (‘Irish Independent’, 6 Aug. 1944). (Volume pages 79-87).
A clipping of an article reporting on the death of Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. in California on 14 February 1925. The newspaper title from which the clipping was taken is not given.
A clipping of an article referring to a reprint of a letter of Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. in which he describes Seán Heuston’s execution. The letter was published in ‘The Capuchin Annual’ (1935) which the ‘Irish Press’ article commends.
The fliers claim the support of Fr. Laurence Dowling OFM Cap. and Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap., Capuchin Franciscan Friary, Church Street, calling them ‘distinguished representatives of the Order which in dark and evil days held aloft the lamp of learning in Ireland’. Father Lawrence wrote ‘I am glad Mr. John Farren is seeking election as a member of the Dublin Corporation. …’. The fliers were printed by Mitchell & Co., 29 Capel Street, Dublin, and published by the candidate.
Fr. Richard Henebry (front row, seated, second from left) at Coláiste na Mumhan in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary). Fr. Albert Bibby OSFC is seated in the front row (first on the right).