Letter from D. M. R. to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly, 20 May 1916 Letters 1916-1923 D. M. R.

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This is a letter to Mary Ellen (‘Nell’) O’Rahilly. The letter concerns the death of Mary O'Rahilly's brother, Michael, in which the author offers their condolence and praises Michael for his actions. She informs Nell that she has cut Michael's photo out of the paper as his name will 'live in History'.Michael Joseph 'The' O'Rahilly (1875–1916) was a nationalist and a journalist. In 1916 he aligned himself with Eoin MacNeill and Bulmer Hobson who opposed a preemptive rising. Although O'Rahilly played a large role in delivering MacNeill's countermanding order he felt obligated to stand with the men he recruited and trained. O'Rahilly was fatally wounded on the Thursday 27 April when the GPO was being evacuated. Nell was also involved in the Nationalist movement as a member of Cumann na mBan and was imprisoned after the Rising for her role.

 University College Dublin Archives Sighle Humphreys Papers, P106/121/4 https://letters1916.ie/item/133 English D. M. R. 1916-05-20 Mary Ellen O'Rahilly Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 20th May 1916 My dear Nell I cannot tell you how much I feel for, & sympathise with you, & dear Anna on the death of poor Michael R.I.P. Since the Post was allowed to come here I've been trying to write to you but I feel things too much to be able to speak of them, especially as my letter must be public & common property! However one thing must ever be a comfort to you, & that is that Michael is surely in Heaven. I cut (& mean to keep) his Photo out of the Paper. He died as a hero, & his name shall live in History. I am proud of being Irish. This Isle of ours is indeed worthy to be called 'the Island of Saints & Martyrs'. I must call to see you as soon as I can. Poor Dick, how I feel for him. But we can only pray. I know you'll be brave & strong during this terrible time of trial. You & Anna are far braver than I should be under the circumstances. But enough now till we meet, which I hope shall be very soon. With fondest love to you & AnnaShelia & Emmit. Yours affectionately D.M.R. D. M. R. Letter from D. M. R. to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly, 20 May 1916