Released: 1961

Released: 1999 - present

Recorded: 6th July 1969 Jimmy Steele (1907-1970), an IRA man since age 13, he joined Fianna Éireann in 1920 and was involved in the Irish nationalist struggle until his death in 1970. He was one of the leaders of the 1969 IRA split when the nationalists split from the communist red filth who were trying to subvert the movement throughout the 60s. Speech transcript: "Today, in many places, pure and raw patriotism is frowned upon. As is adherence to the policy of non-compromise and force. Indeed, one is now expected to be more conversant with the teachings of Chairman Mao than with those of our dead patriots. Barnes and McCormack were not intellectuals, they were just ordinary working class lads who looked upon it as their duty to right Ireland’s wrong. Can we assume that most of you who are assembled here today consider their cause and their methods just and necessary? Or will you assemble afterwards, in small groups, the more progressive, as some of you like to be called, and speak of these poor misguided men and then propagate your ideas as to how Ireland’s freedom can be attained without fighting, without suffering, without martyrdom. From the graves of patriot men and women spring living nations, said Pearse. My real hope, is that from these graves of Barnes and McCormack, will emanate a combination of the old and new spirit, a spirit that will inspire men and women with the noble idealism of Pearse, the social and economic philosophy and aims of Connolly, and the fighting and courageous heart of Cathal Brugha. A spirit that will ensure the final completion of the task which our martyrs were compelled to leave unfinished. That is how Barnes and McCormack had best be honoured, that is how they would wish to be honoured, because that is why they lie in a martyred grave today."

Video compiled from audio clips & images. The images in the video and the info in this description were copied from a document supplied with the audio clips. Pretty much all of the images had to be expanded to fit the video size so apologies for the poor resolution. Pictured - Left to Right: Patrick Duffy, Mary Dawson, no image of Brigid Davis provided in documentation Subject: Davis, Brigid and Duffy, Patrick (Interviewee’s mother and father) Interviewee: Mary Dawson (née Duffy) (b. 1926) Interview location: Skerries, Co. Dublin Recorded by: Maurice O’Keeffe – Irish Life and Lore Recording date: 2012 0:00 Track 1 7:04 Track 2 18:46 Track 3 32:12 Track 4 36:57 Track 5 47:14 Track 6 57:47 Track 7 (This is an exact copy from the documentation, apologies for any inconsistencies in the track numbering/description) Track 1: Mary Dawson describes her mother’s Davis family background. Brigid Davis was a nurse who worked with Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a member of the Irish Citizen Army and their Chief Medical Officer during the 1916 Rising. Dr. Lynn founded St. Ultan’s Hospital for Infants in Dublin in 1919. (The Irish Citizen Army was founded by James Connolly and James Larkin during the Dublin Lockout of 1913, to protect workers from attacks by the Dublin Metropolitan Police.) Brigid Davis’s early involvement in the Lockout in 1913 and her subsequent involvement in the Rising are examined. Her friendship with socialist and Citizen Army member, Rosie Hackett, is also described. Track 2: The background to the Davis family in Portrane, Co. Dublin, is explored and Mary Dawson’s grandparents, schoolteachers in St. Margaret’s, who later made their home in a building opposite the Four Courts in Dublin, are recalled. The meeting of Brigid Davis and her future husband, Patrick Duffy, who fought under the command of Michael Mallin in 1916, is described. Brigid Davis witnessed the shooting of Seán Connolly, Commander of the City Hall garrison in 1916, and this event is discussed. Track 3: Rosie Hackett is fondly remembered as a small woman who ran a tobacconist shop attached to Liberty Hall. The character and religious beliefs of Brigid Davis are described by her daughter, who was told that the Citizen Army were very well prepared by James Connolly, and by the women, with medical equipment and supplies. Her mother’s clear recollection of the night she spent in Liberty Hall, prior to the start of the Rising, is described. Track 4: Provides a description of the prevailing mood in Dublin following the Rising. Brigid Davis’s disillusionment about the events of the Civil War is described, as is her husband’s army captaincy while he was stationed at the Curragh. Track 5: The great conversations about old times enjoyed by Brigid Davis and Rosie Hackett later in their lives are described. Brigid Davis took part in just one 1916 commemoration, in 1942, when she marched proudly with her green and gold band in an event clearly recalled by her daughter. Also recalled is the fact that Brigid Davis occupied the cell below P. H. Pearse and others in Kilmainham Jail following the Rising, and the effect of this experience on her later life is explained. Track 6: Mary Dawson recalls her father, Patrick Duffy, and his working life. Track 7: Dr. Kathleen Lynn’s personality and her close friendship with Brigid Davis is discussed. Mary Dawson’s meeting with Nurse Elizabeth O’Farrell, who came to visit Brigid Davis at her home in later years, is recalled. This recording is part of the Irish Life and Lore Series - The 1916 Rising Oral History Collection, Catalogue of 111 Recordings. Recordings compiled by: Maurice O’Keeffe Catalogue editors: Jane O’Keeffe Word processing/database management by: Margaret Lantry, Cork Recordings mastered by: Barra Vernon, Cork Privately published by: Maurice and Jane O’Keeffe, Tralee Copyright © Maurice and Jane O’Keeffe 2013