A hand-coloured sketch of the emblem of the Catholic Boys’ Brigade, founded at the Capuchin Friary, Church Street, in March 1894. The legend or motto reads: ‘Valour and Innocence’. Two saintly figures (on the left St. Michael the Archangel, and on the right possibly St. Joseph, the patron saint of the organisation) stand between a Boys’ Brigade member. The Brigade member is identified by the standard uniform: a simple rosette and sash with a pillbox cap (a popular military cap of the day) worn over everyday clothing. Two drafts of the emblem are extant. The drafts vary slightly in composition. With a photographic print of the finished emblem. The photographic print (on card) was produced by W.F. O’Connor, 1 Wellington Quay, corner of Parliament Street, Dublin.
A series of eight photographic prints of boys probably initiated into the Catholic Boys’ Brigade on Church Street in Dublin. The prints were found in an annotated envelope: ‘Mr. Peter Tierney’s Photos’. Tierney was an early organiser of the Boys’ Brigade. All the boys are barefoot and are dressed in worn rags and torn clothing. Two of the prints depict a pair of boys, possibly brothers. One of these prints is annotated on the reverse: ‘two recruits’. Two of the prints were produced by W.F. O’Connor, 1 Wellington Quay, corner of Parliament Street, Dublin.
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’.
