Letter from E. Russell to Anne O'Rahilly, September 1916 Letters 1916-1923 E. Russell

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This is a letter to Anne O'Rahilly, the sister of Michael Joseph O'Rahilly (1875-1916). The letter refers to a missed opportunity to meet in Dublin and goes on to discuss a demonstration of flying machines that had a great impression on the writer, an acquaintance doing penal servitude and 'Dick', who is attending college.Michael Joseph O'Rahilly, self-described as 'The' O'Rahilly, was involved in the procurement of arms in the lead-up to the Rising and was involved in the Howth gun-running incident. He fought in the G.P.O. During the Rising and was shot in Parnell/Moore Street on 28 April 1916 and died some time later.

 University College Dublin Archives Sighle Humphreys Papers, P106/182/1/1 https://letters1916.ie/item/164 English E. Russell Central Hotel, Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland Anne O'Rahilly Country and City Life

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 I have written this letter in the public room under difficulty Central Hotel, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. Sunday Sept My dear Miss Rahilly I thought I could write you a long letter but I find the thing can't be done at pleasure. I was in Dublin at the Aviation — I had a letter from you just in time to tell me that you would not be in Dublin until I had left. Fr. O'Dwyer was with me. I gave him your address. He promised he would call & explain how I had to come back on Wednesday. I was really sorry I missed the chance of an evening. The first day of the flying was a complete success. The papers represented pretty accurately what took place. The flying of the Monoplane in Dingel was an unexpected treat I would not have missed it for the world. I changed my mind on the subject at once. The flying machine has come to stay. The number of people, motors, carriages, was unique — never such a sight in holy Ireland before. The sight has left an impression on my mind that will remain. T. O'Dea is still, much against his will, in Parteen. He expects at all events to be timed this time as a P.P. died & another is in via. The poor man is undergoing penal servitude here though I should be glad to release him if If I could — I was not in Lisdoonvarna this year & probably shall not. The strike in West Clare railway makes the journey to & from uncertain & hazardous — you know I don't go in for risks - I am glad Dick is going to College - altoNo amount of knowledge could nd finish a man's education without the fellowship & association to be found only in college life. I am leaving here tomorro for the western part of this Kingdom very likely Dingle. Must be back in Parteen next Sunday. Hoping you & Mrs. H and all are well. Best wishes E. Russell Central Hotel, Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland Letter from E. Russell to Anne O'Rahilly, September 1916 E. Russell Letter from E. Russell to Anne O'Rahilly, September 1916