|
|
----------------------------------------
DEATH OF DR. JOHN
CROWLEY,
BALLYCASTLE
-------------------------------------------------
("Western
People," February 24, 1934)
-------------------------------------------------
|
T
|
HE whole of Connaught heard with profound regret the news of the death
of Dr. John Crowley, Ballycastle, which occurred on Friday morning at his
residence in the 64th year of his age. He had been in failing health for a
considerable time, and was latterly removed to a Dublin hospital for treatment.
On last Sunday week he was brought back to his home in an ambulance, it being
realised that nothing further could be done to prolong his useful life. He knew
the end was near, and was fully resigned to the Almighty will. He died as he
had lived, a devout Catholic, fortified by the rites of Holy Church.
The late Dr. Crowley, who, for 33 years was
medical officer of Ballycastle dispensary district, became associated with the
Sinn Fein movement almost from its inception, and took a prominent part in all
the activities of the organisation. During the Anglo-Irish war, he held the
rank of Battalion Commandant in the I.R.A., and as a consequence his residence
was many times raided by Crown Forces. Finally he was taken out of his bed in
the dark of the night and badly beaten by Auxiliaries. After beating him he was
put into a lorry to be taken to Ballina, but on the journey he jumped from it
and escaped after several shots were fired at him. Afterwards he was a hunted
man and could not sleep at home. He stayed, however, for a time in the locality
organising, planning and acting in furtherance of the work of the Republican
army.
He was next heard of his native County Cork,
and here again he was harassed by the enemy, and eventually arrested and
afterwards paraded through the City of Cork tied to a gun. He, however,
succeeded in again escaping, and so terrible was the treatment he received that
he had to undergo a serious operation. He subsequently returned home, and in
1918 he defeated the then sitting member for North Mayo, Alderman Boyle, M.P.,
and became a member of the first Dáil.
In 1922 he was again arrested by Free State forces, and incarcerated in Ballina
Workhouse, from which he was released by Republican forces on 12th September,
1922, when they stormed and captured Ballina. In the subsequent struggle that
ensured he took an active part, but was never again arrested. the terrible
beatings he had received, and the constitution-destroying hardships he underwent,
played havoc with his health, and from that forwards he was a sick man. He,
however, fought against the steady inroad of disease with the iron will of
which he was possessed.
The deceased, was a profoundly learned man,
and stood in the foremost ranks of his profession. He graduated in the Royal
University, Edinburgh, after receiving his earlier education in Cork City. He
was a fluent public speaker, able to hold a crowd with the eloquence and logic
of his language, and although he might have been extreme in his views, he was
always magnanimous enough to listen and respect the opinions of his opponents.
At the age of 50, he learned to speak the Irish language and became a fluent
speaker. Soldier, scholar, and gentleman, he never was known to be guilty of a
mean act either on the field or in his every-day dealings with his fellow-man.
POLITICAL CAREER
He was elected as a Sinn Féin MP or the Mayo North constituency at the 1918
General Election. In January 1919, Sinn Féin
MPs refused to recognise the parliament of the United Kingdom and instead
assembled at the Mansion House in Dublin as a revolutionary parliament called Dáil Eireann. He was elected unopposed as a Sinn Féin Teachta Dála
(TD) for the Mayo North and West constituency at the 1921 elections. He opposed
the Anglo-Irish Treaty and voted against it.
He was re-elected unopposed for the same
constituency at the 1922 general
election, this time as an anti-Treaty Sinn Féin
TD, and he did not take his seat in the Dáil.
He was elected as Republican TD for Mayo North constituency at the 1923 general
election and once again he did not take his seat. He did not contest the June
1927 general election.
He was responsible for the sale of Dáil Eireann bonds in North Mayo and from 1918 to 1925
was President of the North Mayo Sinn Fein Executive. His political activities
in later years were not so prominent owing to this state of health, but he
never wavered in his convictions in regard to the policy of Sinn Fein.
He
died at the age of 64.
From the files of the "Ballina
Herald" of 24th February, 1934, comes this report: "The funeral of
the late Dr. John Crowley, M.O., Ballycastle, ex-Sinn Fein T.D. for North Mayo,
whose death we announced last week which took place on Sunday from St. Brigid's
Church, to Dunfeeney Cemetery, was one that will be a lasting tribute in the
minds of the people of North mayo, to an unselfish, great and unbending
Irishman. From all parts of Ireland, North, South, East and West, sympathisers
streamed into the little town of Ballycastle to pay their respect to his
memory. the procession of cars and other vehicles, as well as pedestrians, was
at least three miles long, and here we had, united at least for a short time,
people of all shades of opinion, religious and political. Accompanied by Mr.
Sean O'Mahony, Sinn Fein ex-TD, Mr. J. O'Kelly (Sceilg), Rev. Fr. O'Flanagan,
Roscommon, arrived in Ballina on Saturday night, while the Minister for
Justice, Mr. P. J. Ruttledge, T.D.; Mr. M. Clery, T.D., and Mr. R. Walsh, T.D.,
were early arrivals in Ballina. Over 1,000 members of the I.R.A. were present
at Ballycastle, under the charge of Mr. Peadar Glynn, Sligo, ex-O.C., 3rd
Western Division, and Mr. Paddy Bourke, Ballycastle. The Ballina Company was in
charge of Mr. T. Kilcullen. His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Naughton, Bishop of
Killala, walked in front of the remains, the coffin, on which was draped the Tricolour,
when being removed from the church.
"Speaking at the graveside, Father O'Flanagan, who was deeply
moved, said he was confident that the people of the district would have some
means of marking Dr. Crowley's grave so that future generations would know
where to point to the example of one unbending, unflinching man of the highest
honour, one who deserved the honour, not merely of that county, but of the
whole country.
"A firing party (Messrs. P. A. Calleary, B.E., and M. Kilcawley), under Mr. Peadar O'Glynn, who discharged three
volleys over the grave, while the "Last Post" was sounded in an impressive
manner by Mr. P. Coleman, Ballina, who, in the days of
the Anglo-Irish struggle, was himself arrested at Ballycastle.
"Amongst those present were Very Rev.
Archdeacon Munnelly, P.P., Ballycastle; Rev. M. Quinn, P.P., Lacken; Rev. M.
Hegarty, P.P., Moygownagh; Rev. Fr. Murphy, C.C., Ballycastle; Rev. Fr. Davis,
P.P.; Rev. Fr. Browne, C.C.; Rev. Fr. Murphy, St. Muredach's College; Rev. Fr.
Heffernan, C.C.; Messrs. P. J. Ruttledge, Minister for Justice; M. Clery, T.D.;
Senator McEllin, Rd. Walsh, T.D.; J. J. Kelly (Sceilg); Sean O'Mahony, Dr. J.
A. Madden, M. J. McGrath, Sec. North Mayo Sinn Fein Executive; T. Campbell,
Chairman of Mayo Co. Council; Dr. Hardy, Chairman Mayo Board of Health, Mr. T.
Ruane, Chairman Ballina U.D.C., and Mr. E.A. Corr, solr., etc".
Most
Rev. Dr. Naughton, Bishop of Killala, preceded the coffin as it was borne
from St. Brigid's Church and his funeral was attended by many clergymen. Over
1,000 I.R.A. men were present with a special 100 strong detachment that marched
behind the coffin, wearing white sashes.
The Minister for Justice, Mr. P. J. Ruttledge, was also present,
as were many T.D.s. At the graveside the prayers were said by Archdeacon
Munnelly who, in his tribute, said Dr. Crowley was a devout Catholic who took a
personal interest in the erection of the new church in Ballycastle.
The people of Ballycastle area will
especially feel his loss for not alone was he their doctor, but he was also
their trusted adviser, guide, philosopher and friend. They will ever remember
his steadfast attention to duty, for he over and over again on the bleakest
nights, trudged over the mountains and through the bogs to ease their ills. No
wonder they mourn his loss which to them seems irreparable.
His unbounded charity made him a
comparatively poor man, for he was touched by the terrible privations of those
with whom his professional duties brought him in contact.
His passing marks the severance of a link
with stern times when a man should prove which he did so well. May the sod rest
lightly on his remains, and may eternal light be his glory in the hereafter.
To his stricken widow and afflicted family we
join in the universal sympathy that does out to them in the hour of their great
sorrow.
------------------------------------------------------------
"OF THE
HIGHEST HONOUR"
------------------------
|
|
"An Unbending, Unflinching Man"
------------------------
Fr. O'Flanagan at Dr. Crowley's Graveside
------------------------
An
Impressive and Largely Attended Funeral
------------------------
Minister
For Justice Attends
-----------------------------------------------------
(The "Western People," February 24, 1934)
------------------------------------------------------
|
T
|
HE largest and most impressive funeral seen for many years in Mayo was
witnessed on Sunday at Ballycastle, when the remains of the late Dr. Crowley
were conveyed to Doonfeeney Cemetery, the coffin being draped in the
tri-colour. Over 1,000 I.R.A. men were present, with a special detachment, 100
strong, under the command of Peadar Glynn, Sligo, and P. Burke, ex-captain, Old
I.R.A., Ballycastle. These marched behind the coffin, wearing white sashes.
Other detachments of
the I.R.A. were present from Kilfian, Killala and Ballina. Representatives from
the Ballina Branch Cumann na mBan were also in attendance, namely Misses Rooney, Healy and Tigue. Those in charge of the Ballina
I.R.A. were: Messrs. T. Kilcullen, J.
Rafter, M. Healy and J. Devaney. Mr.
J. Loughney, Killala, was also a member.
Most Rev. Dr. Naughton, Bishop
of Killala, preceded the coffin as it was borne from St. Brigid's church. With
him were Ven. Archdeacon Munnelly,
P.P., Ballycastle; Fr. Quinn, P.P.,
Lacken; Fr. Murphy, Ballycastle; Fr. M.
Hegarty, P.P., Moygownagh; Fr.
Durkan, Fr. Davis, P.P., Kilfian; Fr.
J. Murphy, St. Muredach's College,
Ballina; Fr. Browne, Ballycastle; Fr. J. Lavelle, C.C., Lahardane.
At the graveside the last prayers were said
by Archdeacon Munnelly, assisted by Archdeacon
Healy, Fr. Lavelle, Fr. Heffernan,
Cooneal, and Fr. Murphy,
Ballycastle.
The coffin was placed in the grave in which
Dr. Crowley's young son, Finbar, who died at the age of 3½, is buried.
FR. O'FLANAGAN'S ORATION
Fr. O'Flanagan, Dublin Branch
Sinn Fein, then delivered a short, but powerful oration over the grave.
Speaking first in Irish, he paid a tribute to the sterling qualities of the
dead I.R.A. leader.
"I think," said Fr. O'Flanagan,
speaking in English, "that it would not be right for us to leave this
grave to-day without somebody saying a word, however inadequately, in
remembrance of the man whose remains we have placed in the grave.."
"From the very first of their ancestors
who came into Ireland many thousands of years ago, continued the speaker, it
was always the custom amongst them to do honour to the illustrious dead. these
ancestors of their when they came here first had no spades with which to dig
the clay. they had nothing but their bare hands and the stones of the fields,
and they erected monuments to their dead.
"It was this that brought them across
Ireland that day, to do honour to Dr. Crowley. They were keeping up this good
custom, doing honour to those who stood out amongst them as deserving of
honour. In speaking praise of Dr. Crowley's fidelity to his country, the
speaker could not claim to speak in the name of the majority of the Irish
people, but he could speak in the name of those who were the majority of the
Irish people less than a dozen years ago. and he spoke of Dr. Crowley, merely
as a man of unbending loyalty to his principles, as an Irishman, and a man who
never allowed himself to be terrorised by danger.
"The doctor remained with the Sinn Fein
organisation, and was an active member of it in its greatest time of
prosperity. He remained with it even when the great majority of the Irish
people thought they had discovered a smooth, safe way by which they could
achieve independence for their country. The doctor was a man who resisted all
pressure, risked unpopularity and even imprisonment to attain his objective.
"Every movement that we have had in the
past in Ireland have had some few men who were like Dr. Crowley,"
continued Fr. O'Flanagan.
"THE EASY PART"
"When the great wave of enthusiasm swept
Ireland in the days of Wolfe Tone some men broke down and followed the easy
path, while some lived on unbending to the grave. In the same way, in the days
of the Fenians, it was easy to be a Fenian, but the day came when they left it;
there were some few who came to the end down to the present. they had the
privilege of standing that day at the grave of an unbending Sinn Feiner. There
was not anything that he knew of in Ireland that gave him, for one, such
confidence in the future of Ireland as that they had in Ireland men of the type
of Dr. Crowley. He was confident that the people of that district would have
some means of marking Dr. Crowley's grave, so that in future generations would
know where to point to the example of one unbending, unflinching man of the
highest honour; one whom they could hold forth as an example to be followed,
and one who deserved the honour not merely of that county, where he spent so
much of his life, the county that he made more sacred by having his remains
placed for ever in its soil, but the honour of the length and breadth of
Ireland, as one of the few who, in their own time, added his name to those past
generations of unflinching and unyielding devoted sons of Ireland.
"Therefore, I am confident," said
Fr. O'Flanagan, "that those few who have come to honour him at his
funeral, and although the crowd is large, is seems to me to only few, when I
remember all that Dr. Crowley deserves of the people of this part of the
country, that we will carry away in our memories a picture of the character of
this unflinching man and the determination that we will strive, if we are not
able to walk in his footsteps, that at least we will try to do our best to go
after him and to encourage the rising generation to set up men like him as
their model."
"A
moment like the present was not one in which he would like to say anything that
would cause embarrassment to anyone, but he thought that every day that passed
was proving to the majority of the Irish people that Dr. Crowley and those who
sided unflinchingly with him were right. (applause). And when the Irish people
have added one more lesson to the many they learned in the past, it should be
that Dr. Crowley and men like him were not mistaken".
The oration concluded with a Pater Noster and
the Ave Maria recited in Irish.
VOLLEYS FIRED OVER GRAVE
Mr. P. Coleman (North Mayo Old
I.R.A.) sounded the "Last Post" and three volleys were then fired
over the grave, which was strewn with the white sashes worn by the dead
leader's former comrades.
Wreaths were placed on the grave from the
bereaved family, the local company of the Old I.R.A., and the Healy-Tolan North Mayo Brigade (Ballina).
The chief mourners were:-- Mrs. Julia Catherine Crowley (nee
Larkin) (widow); Misses Sheila, Nuala,
Ethna and Maura (daughters).
ARCHDEACON'S TRIBUTE
Speaking of the late Dr. Crowley after 8.30
Mass on Sunday, Archdeacon Munnelly
paid a deep tribute to one who, in addition, to being a man of unbounded
charity, was a devout Catholic, and took a personal interest in the erection of
the new church. the late Dr. Crowley contributed over £50 to the church fund,
and while the edifice was in the course of erection, visited it many times to
offer suggestions and improvements towards its satisfactory completion.
CONDOLENCE OF HEALTH BOARD
Dr. Hardy, presiding at Mayo Board of Health, said before they
commenced the proceedings he wished to express regret for the death of Dr.
Crowley. "He was an officer of this Board, and I am sorry the poor man is
no more, and I propose that the condolence of the Board be tendered to his
bereaved wife and family. His death is a loss, not alone to the medical
profession, but to the county, and Ireland has lost one good Irishman. He gave
the best years of his life to work for the Irish cause, and Ireland and the Co.
Mayo will be the poorer of this great Irishman, who was a good doctor, and a
charitable man."
Mr. M. B. Durcan seconded, and said he knew Dr. Crowley for a
number of years as a sterling Irishman and a man of exceeding charity. He very
much regretted there was occasion for such a resolution.
Messrs. Joyce, Daly, Lavelle, Moclair and the Secretary associated themselves with the resolution, which was
passed in silence.
---------------------------------------------
After Dr. Crowley's death in 1934, a song was
written in his tribute:
Oh
mourn you true Irishmen an Irish patriot brave,
A
fearless champion of the cause today rests in his grave;
Brave
Dr. Crowley is no more; a true son of Inishfail,
And
many hears in dear Mayo his loss will long bewail.
A
gloom o'erspread the district when Dr. Crowley died,
He
loved and much respected was within the country wide;
From
Achill's cliffs to Clew Bay shore; from the Moy to Lacken Strand,
On
every side the cry is heard, brave Crowley is no more.
A
noble son of Rebel Cork where he first saw the light,
And
trod the path of early youth of truth and virtue bright;
When
Ireland's trumpet call rang out by hill and town and sea,
He
marched proud with strength held high the banner of Sinn Fein.
In
twenty and in twenty-one, sad, but glorious years,
When
Ireland's brooins call rang out he led the Volunteers;
A pure
forth patriot kind and true he loved his country well,
In
Potter's cease he long endured the dreary prison cell.
So
dear to all who knew him his loved and honoured comrades,
His
deeds will be remembered round till Ireland's one again.
He
learned his native language; brilliantly spoke the native tongue,
He
read and wrote it fluently, the respect of all was won.
Our
Parliament was stifled, a leader they did need,
He
joined with other members to the first Dáil freed;
In the
medical profession his equals they were few,
O
mind, Mayo peasantry, he laboured hard for you.
By his
friends in Ballycastle he will long remembered be,
And by
his boyhood comrades down by the River Lee;
That
place he left when but a boy so many years ago,
He
made his home here by the sea where the glen's great waters flow.
Within
Doonfeeny churchyard his body laid to rest,
Above
his tomb are evergreens and yonder yew tree waves,
We
pray his soul in heaven rests among God's holy angels blest.
(There
are words in some lines that I do not understand, especially--"When
Ireland's brooins call" and "Potter's cease", but they will have
to be included until I try and find out who wrote them). PJC.
---------------------------------------------
·
(Dáil Éireann--Volume 50-01 March, 1934. Ceisteanna-Question.
Oral Answers.--Gárda and
Graveyard Incident.
Mr. Bennett (for Mr.
Gilligan) asked the Minster for Justice if he will state if he has received
any Garda or other report, or is otherwise aware, that volleys were fired over
the grave of Dr. Crowley at Dunfeeney Cemetery about 18th February, 1934; if
any Dáil Deputies or Senators were present when this breach
of the law occurred and if they have since reported such breach; and if any
arrests are expected in this connection.
Minister for
Justice (Mr. Ruttledge): I am aware
that three volleys were fired over the grave of the late Doctor Crowley on the
occasion of his burial at Dunfeeney, Ballycastle, on Sunday, 18th February,
1934. the two rifles used were used by two men who hold certificates entitling
them to carry and use the said rifles with permission to fire volleys on the
occasion had been obtained. This permission was granted in pursuance of
instructions given to the police authorities in May, 1933.
Mr. Kent: Can the Minister state how long it has been
considered treasonable to fire--volleys over the grave of an Irish soldier and
patriot?
Mr. Ruttledge: It is not treasonable if people are
lawfully authorised to fire them. (PJC).
No comments:
Post a Comment