Patrick Hennessy Letter, 1923
Patrick Hennessy was a volunteer in the Clooney Company of the 1st Batallion, Clare IRA during the Civil War.
Convicted of damaging the railway at Ard Solus, Hennessy was executed by firing squad along with comrade Con McMahon. He wrote this letter to Con McMahon's sister Jenny and his brothers, in Limerick Gaol on the eve of his execution on 21st January, 1923.
The drawing of the "saucer of clay" comment at the end of the letter refers to an old Halloween game involving objects relating to metal, water and clay, which, randomly drawn, determined ones fate in the coming year. To draw an object of clay meant that you would die within the year.
Donated by Ellen Murphy from New York, it was found in the possessions of her deceased Aunt who lived in Kilrush until the early 1960's, and was taken to America by her father. In trying to find out more information about Patrick Hennessy on the Internet, Ellen came across the other letter written by him that was already in the possession of Clare Museum. Consequently, Ellen donated her Patrick Hennessy letter to the collection.
See also:
Last Letter of Patrick Hennessy
Patrick Hennessy
Letters, Clare Champion, Friday, November 8, 2002
Ref: 2002.52
