Letter from A. Guinell to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly, 9 June 1916. Letters 1916-1923 A. Guinell

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This is a letter to Mary Ellen (‘Nell’) O’Rahilly concerning the death of her brother Michael. The author of this letter expresses her sympathy for Nell and Michael's family but notes that this is what he would have wanted. While expressing sympathy for the plight of Ireland's men the writer acknowledges that it is the wives, mothers and sister of those men who suffer most. The author then requests that Nell send on 'relics' of Michael and any other photographs, that she can lay her hands on, of the leaders of the Rising. 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, P106/121/004/6 https://letters1916.ie/item/136 English A. Guinell 1916-06-09 51 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey, England Mary Ellen O'Rahilly Female Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 51, Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey. 9th June '16 Dear Mrs. Humphreys, My husband asks me to acknowledge & thank you for your letter of 5th June. Needless to say we were delighted to hear your good news. Long may he live! Your sister-in-law must try to be as brave as she can & to remember that he would not have had it otherwise & that if Ireland exacts much from her men, she often expects more from the wives, mothers & sisters of her dearest & best. Enclosed are some questions. He has not got a copy of the questions about the watch, chain & ring. Would Madame please let him know if the articles have been returned. You will not forget, I hope, to get any 'relics' you can for us - & also we want a photograph of you know whom & also, if possible of P.H.P. & any others you can lay your hands on. If we are in Dublin we shall certainly call. With all good wishes to Madame & the final piece of this letter is contained in the top right corner of the first page and is transcribed here yourself from us both. I remain, Yours sincerely A. Guinell A. Guinell Letter from A. Guinell to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly, 9 June 1916. 51 Queen's Road, Richmond, Surrey, England Letter from A. Guinell to Mary Ellen O'Rahilly, 9 June 1916.