In 1917 and 1918,
William Quinn wrote that he served with Kinvara Company Irish Volunteers in
Kinvara, Craughwell, Ballindereen, Ardrahan, and Gort. His
commanding officers were Padraic Kilkelly and John Burke. He drilled
with the company and participated in military training, collecting arms, and
political organizing.
From the period from
April 1918 through all of 1919, William Quinn was active in canvassing and
organizing for both the IRA and Sinn Fein. He canvassed for Sinn Fein
candidates during election periods and served as an escort for meeting speakers
and Sinn Fein candidates. On Election Day, he served as an official.
William Quinn continued military training and met released prisoners.
He served in Kinvara, Gort, Loughrea, Athenry, and Ardrahan; all in
County Galway and in Ballyvaughen, County Clare.
William Quinn married
Susan Murray in 1926 in New York City. Susan was from New Quay in County Clare;
near the areas where William lived and served. Michael Fahey, in a 1981
interview, stated that "Willie and Susie were friendly" before
coming to the U.S. Does anyone know how or when they met? Was William
acquainted with Susan’s brothers Patrick or Tom or other family members? Did
the Murray brothers serve in the old IRA or Irish Volunteers?
Helpful Links:
East Galway Roman Catholic Parishes - See
the location of Kinvara and other Parishes that William Quinn wrote about in
his pension record.
Clare Roman Catholic Parishes - Susan Murray's family lived in New Quay. William Quinn served in
Ballyvaughen.
Next – The Irish
Uprising: 1920
Diana
© 2011, copyright Diana Quinn
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