This article is from page 10 of the 2012-02-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A PHOTOGRAPH that captures one of the most dramatic moments in Clare’s political history has been discovered in a Dublin attic. It shows Eamon de Valera addressing a huge rally at O’Connell Square in Ennis in 1923, shortly before shots were fired at the future President of Ireland.
De Valera survived the attempt on his life and was rushed from the podium. Ms Barrett, the woman with the coat, pictured to De Valera’s right, took the bullets meant for him. She survived and married in the town.
The photograph was part of a case of material taken by the Duffy family when they left Ennis in the late 1950s. Rónán Ó Dubhthaigh discovered the case at Christmas when he went to Dublin to visit his mother. The photograph subsequently found its way back to Ennis, where it was identified by local historian Pat Brennan. Pat and members of the Steele’s Terrace Centenary Committee, including Simon O’Donnell (Chairman) and Anthony Lynch (Secretary) had issued an appeal for photographs for a new publication on one of Ennis’ oldest residential areas. The fruits of their labour Steele’s Ter ra ce: More Tha n A Centur y of Histor y, Pictures a nd Memor ies will be launched in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, on March 15 at 8pm. The new De Valera photograph is not included in the collection but many more memorable images are. Simon O’Donnell explained that work began on the project last August. He said there had been a great response to the committee’s appeal, with responses coming from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Simon also thanked the work of committee members and local researchers. He said, “Pat Brennan did a lot of the groundwork. Without him, it wouldn’t have have happened. The Clare Roots Society were a great help in getting the names of the original tenants.” The terrace is named after ‘Honest’ Tom Steele, a Protestant landowner who became a prominent member of the Catholic Association and a close friend and supporter of Daniel O’Connell. Rónán Ó Dubhthaigh would like if any readers would contact him if they have any information on the Duffy family who lived at No. 9, Steele’s Terrace. He can be contacted at anfhiontarlannteo@gma