The Irish Uprising: 1917 to 1919

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.

West Galway Roman Catholic Parishes

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