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Honan Hostel Cork 25 May 1916 Dear Nell I would have written to you long
ago
or at least to Anna, but I did not like intruding on you and besides I
presume all letters to you & her are carefully perused by English spies. I will
say nothing about Michael. He was a hero & is respected
& honoured even by his enemies. This is not the time for speaking.
But his blood will not have been shed in vain. We are all Irish
now! I am going to try to be an Irishman in future. I am glad that you are feeling
none the worse after your
ill-treatment. I hope Dick will keep strong until he gets out. You understand
that we can't do or say much these times.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy. Could we wish for a
noble & better death for anyone? I hope Anna & others will be able to collect evidence
concerning the Huns' atrocities. Even though it cannot be
published now, a day is coming. Love to Anna & yourself Yours affectionately
Alfred Rahilly Don't bother answering this
This is a letter from Alfred O'Rahilly to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly concerning the death
of Mary's brother Michael. Alfred begins hi letter with an apology for his delay in
writing to her but he did not want to intrude as their letters would be examined by
English spies. The letter speaks of Mary's imprisonment and hopes that her son Dick
will stay strong until he too is released. Alfred also writes of his hope that evidence
will be collected regarding 'the Huns' (British) atrocities as a day will come when
it can be published.Alfred O'Rahilly (1884–1969) was a priest, university scholar
and first cousin to Micheal O'Rahilly. 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.