Background

Daniel Dennehy (DOB 10/01/1888 – DOD 16/07/1976) was born in Clounts, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, Ireland, the son of Philip Dennehy & Julia Keefe, both of Clounts, Rathmore.

3 of his brothers served with him in the Irish Volunteers by the time of Easter 1916, Patrick , Michael & John Dennehy. His other siblings were Hanna, Mary (Minnie), Ellie, Jermiah, Denis & Philip.

Letter from Piaras Béaslaí to Daniel Dennehy

The following is a transcription of the original from the National Library of Ireland

Collection List 44 – Piaras Béaslaí Papers

Ms. 33,918 (3)  Correspondence between Daniel Dennehy (Domhnall O Duinnecha) and Piaras Beaslai regarding the situation in Kerry during the Irish Civil War early 1923

(Transcribed by Noel J.Donnellon)

(Original is draft copy typed on reverse of GHQ Headed paper)

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OFFICE OF THE QUATERMASTER GENERAL.

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS,

PORTOBELLO BARRACKS,

Dublin.

26^th. March 1923.

TO;-

Domhnall O Duinrecha, (sic)

Rathmore,

Co. KERRY.

A Chara,

I have received your letter of the 20^th.ultc., concerning conditions in your part of Kerry, on my return to Dublin.

I have sent copies of it to the Army Council and have spoken to the Chief of Staff and other members, impressing upon them the importance of the matter.

Beir buadh agus beannacht.

Mise.

Piaras Béaslaí

COMMANDANT GENERAL.

Letter from Daniel Dennehy to Piaras Béaslaí

The following is a transcription of the original from the National Library of Ireland

Collection List 44 – Piaras Béaslaí Papers

Ms. 33,918 (3)  Correspondence between Daniel Dennehy (Domhnall O Duinnecha) and Piaras Beaslai regarding the situation in Kerry during the Irish Civil War early 1923

(Transcribed by Noel J.Donnellon)

(Original is handwritten on white writing paper)

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RATHMORE.

KERRY.

20/2/23.

P. Beasley Esq.,

Portobello Barracks.

DUBLIN.

A Chara,

Excuse me talking the liberty of writing to you as regards this part of the Country, but I cannot look on any longer and see the unfortunate people of East Kerry persecuted by the Irregulars.

No matter what you hear to the contrary the Irregulars have it all their own way and the people see no hope of release from them. There are four villages in particular namely Knocknagree, Greeveguilla, Kingwilliamstown, Scartaglin, that the so called Republicans call very often to loot as they please. Several shopkeepers in those villages have repeatedly asked for protection and can get none, it is a shame to see our supporters who have incurred the wrath of the Irregualrs suffer so. I have offered time and again to lead men over this area but cannot get them, the few occasions I  got them to go I got good results, for instance, a week ago I succeeded in getting men to go with me to Shrone which is up on the mountain side near the Paps knowing every foot of the country and also members of the Irregular Army, on account of my connection with them all through the Anglo-Irish War. I had no difficulty in outwitting their Sentries under cover of darkness, result, 1 killed and six very much wanted men captured. This could be done almost every night, but instead, we have Officers in the Cork command, a good few Anti-Irish in sentiment who are more concerned in getting Commissions for friends even ex-Tans, than doing something to protect the people. Ever since that meeting in Dublin, as soon as I came back here, I have done my best to get the men to act and get the Kerry No.2. Robbers under J.J.Rice, this could easily be done in a few months with 100 men well equipped, who would be free to travel as a flying Column, having nothing to do with existing Garrisons.

The whole area Scartaglin to Barraduff, Kly to Kanturk, Rathmore to Brosna Farranfore to Millstreet is swarming with Irregs. And if an honest effort is made the people will assist, as there is not an outrage committed, but I have the names of the perpetrators almost immediately. Please excuse me troubling you and try to get something done for your Constituents. Also put the ex-Tans in their proper place or you can expect another revolt. Discontent is increasing in the Army. Cork Command is the worst in this respect.

WITNESS STATEMENT NO. 60 (EXCERPT)

WITNESS STATEMENT NO. 60  (EXCERPT)

JOINT STATEMENT OF DENIS O’BRIEN, BALLYDALY, MILLSTREET, CO.CORK & DENIS O’KEEFFE, KNOCKNAGULLANE, RATHMORE, CO. KERRY

PERIOD: NOVEMBER, 1915 TO MAY, 1916. UNIT: RATHDUANE COMPANY, I.V.

The Rathduane Company of the Irish Volunteers was started on 1st November, 1915.

We had no knowledge of a parade of Volunteers at Carriganima. If the Battalion O/C. knew, he did not tell us. We knew nothing of an intended Rising or of a landing of arms. The whole Battalion marched back to the town and was dismissed on the Square about 6 o’clock. We marched back to our area and dismissed. Denis O’Brien was very much puzzled by this parade and the fact that nothing had happened on Sunday, because he had information about ten days before from Dan Dennehy, Adjutant of the Rathmore Company, that an important job was timed for Easter Sunday and to be in readiness. When he got that information special efforts were made in the Company to have everything in the best order possible for Easter Sunday. Cartridges were loaded with slugs, and all the shot guns it was possible to get were secured. Con Murphy may have had that information also; he worked as if he knew something was on. We do not know where Dan Dennehy would have got the information, unless it was from Pat O’Connor who was in Rathmore on holidays at the time and who returned to Dublin that week and was killed in the Rising.

SIGNED: Denis O’Brien

SIGNED: Denis O’Keeffe

DATE: 3 rd  November, 1947.

WITNESS: Florence O’Donoghue

WITNESS STATEMENT NO.76 (EXCERPT)

WITNESS STATEMENT NO.76 (EXCERPT)

STATEMENT OF SEAMUS HICKEY, MAIN STREET, MILLSTREET, CO. CORK PERIOD: 1913 TO MAY, 1916. UNIT: MILLSTREET COMPANY, I.V.

We had purchased the single shot .303 rifles in 1914 for 50/- each from Dan Dennehy, Rathmore. He had got 14 of them for sale. I had made a mould for manufacturing slugs in 1915. This had gone round to four Companies; a number of slugs were made and some cartridges loaded with them.

SIGNED: SEAMUS O h-IOCADHE

DATE: 10-12-47

WITNESS: FLORENCE O’DONOGHUE

Army Leave Pass 1923

Army Leave Pass 25th Jun 1923

Daniel Dennehy Army Pay Book

Daniel Dennehy's Army Pay Book

Daniel Dennehy's Army Pay Book

Daniel Dennehy's Army Pay Book

Daniel Dennehy's Army Pay Book

Irish Volunteers dues receipt 25th Apr 1914

Irish Volunteers dues receipt to Daniel Dennehy 25th Apr 1914

Irish Volunteers dues receipt 25th Apr 1914