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Annual reports of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade, Dublin. The reports mainly refer to the history and work of the organisation, the numbers of enrolments and to the on-going need for subscriptions from benefactors. The annual report for the year ending 1899 noted that ‘with regret we have had to refuse situations to well-deserving members, who through poverty or neglect, never enjoyed the advantage of being taught their letters. This terrible drawback … set us thinking as to how we might devise a plan, which would enable us to do something for these poor illiterate lads, and afford them an opportunity of at least a sound rudimentary education. It was with great therefore, that we saw our long-cherished wishes realised on the 10th October when we were able to open a much-needed "Night School" in connection with the Catholic Boys’ Brigade’.

Circular letter from the Catholic Boys’ Brigade Committee, Capuchin Friary, Church Street. The circular refers to the enrollment of over two thousand young boys and the need for subscriptions for the organisation. It reads: ‘The work is Catholic and essentially non-political … The premises at 156 Church Street have been purchased in fee, and are undergoing the necessary alterations. Good Brass and Fife and Drum Bands are in course of organisation; uniforms have to be provided for the boys, many initial expenses are incurred’. The file contains three copies of the document.

Account book of ‘monies received towards the new [Friary] building during the year 1895’. An index is given on the title page by Fr. Fidelis Neary OSFC, guardian and definitor: I. List of guarantors on three-year system. II. List of special benefactors with amounts subscribed. III. Amounts received from Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. IV. Expenditure account on new building (mostly with Stephen Lalor [var. Lawlor], builder and contractor).

Expenditure accounts in connection with the building of a new Friary on Walkin Street. The accounts provide details of expenditure including Stephen Lalor, builder (£1,337 12s 7d); Samuel Hynes, architect (£100); alms house purchase (£315 2s 0d). A noted is appended to the accounts: ‘The above items were paid by cheque from bank. Some other items in connection with demolition of old house, repairing of new Alms House &c come under the ordinary expenses of the house’. Includes statement of ‘total amount of contract for addition &c to church and convent, Kilkenny, £3,430 13s 3d’. Endorsed on verso ‘statement of accounts given by Fr. Fidelis on the state of his house’.

The clippings relate mainly to notifications of public meetings, events, entertainments, and parades associated with the Boys’ Brigade, Church Street. Some of the clippings also provide lists of subscribers and details of fund-raising efforts. Includes clippings from the 'Freeman’s Journal', 'Daily Nation', 'Daily Express', and 'Evening Telegraph'. Some of the annotated clippings were loosely inserted into a hard-covered volume (21 cm x 14 cm) which was ink-stamped on the inside cover ‘Catholic Boys’ Brigade, Church Street, Dublin’.

Letters from John Earley, stained glass artist and church decorator, Upper Camden Street, Dublin, regarding the design and installation of windows and door panels at the Capuchin Church and Friary, Walkin Street, Kilkenny. The file includes letters to Fr. Jarlath Hynes OSFC, Fr. Berchmans Cantillon OSFC and Messrs Ashlin & Coleman, architects. Other works referred to include the erection of a tabernacle and canopy over the altar and a pulpit ‘made of the best selected Sicilian marble …’.

Report on religious instruction in the Presentation Convent School in Doneraile, County Cork. The volume provides lists of student names (mostly first communicants) and notes regarding the quality, character, and content of religious instruction in the school. References are made to bible studies, catechism, and prayer recitation. The entries are made by Canon Patrick Sheehan. Manuscript title to front cover reads ‘Religious Report Book Doneraile C[onvent]’.

Letters mainly from patrons forwarding subscriptions in favour of the Brigade. The file includes letters from Richard O’Shaughnessy, barrister, 3 Wilton Place, Dublin, to Fr. Mark McDonnell OSFC, Church Street, passing on his good wishes to the Boys’ Brigade. He claims that ‘the richer Catholics, and a large, a very large number of Protestants would be among its subscribers … if they only know the work it is effecting’.

Notices of meetings of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade Committee, Church Street. The file includes invitations requesting attendance at annual meetings which were held in the Brigade Hall, Church Street. The notices and resolutions are mainly signed by James J. Darragh, Honorary Secretary, and refer to routine administrative matters including the election of officers, expenditure and accounts, the arrangement of rooms and premises, the repair of the Hall, and various rules and constitutional matters. The file also includes the correspondence of Fr. Fiacre Brophy OSFC and James J. Darragh regarding a dispute within the committee regarding an amendment to rule 10 of the constitution which noted that the ‘Brigade shall be governed by the President assisted by a Capuchin Father as Vice President who shall be appointed by the President. … The President alone shall have authority in spiritual matters – the lay members being responsible for the financial affairs’.

Constitution of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade authorised under the patronage of the Most Rev. William J. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin. One copy is endorsed on the front cover ‘Founded by Fr. Benvenutus Guy OFM Cap.’. The file contains eight copies of the document.