Letter from Sister M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) to Nancy O'Rahilly, 7 May 1916. Letters 1916-1923 Sister M. Good Counsel (Mangan)

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A letter from Sister Mangan to Nancy O'Rahilly (1875-1961). The writer is a cousin of The O'Rahilly (1875-1916) and offers deep sympathy on his death to the O'Rahilly family, and also to his sisters, Nell and Anna. The writer understands that Michael didn't die immediately and she hopes that Mrs. O'Rahilly and he had some time together to share his last moments. Prayers and Mass have been offered.Nancy O'Rahilly was a member of the Provisional Council of Cumann na mBan at the founding in 1914 and the wife of Michael Joseph O'Rahilly, self-described as 'The' O'Rahilly. The O'Rahilly fought in the Easter Rising and was shot in Parnell/Moore Street on 28 April 1916 and died some time later. Nancy was pregnant at the time of her husband's death – the child was born three months later.

 University College Dublin Archives Humphreys Papers, P106/120/6 https://letters1916.ie/item/1497 English Sister M. Good Counsel (Mangan) 1916-05-07 Good Shepherd Convent, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland Nancy O'Rahilly Female Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 S.G.M. Good Shepherd Convent, Belfast. May 7th 1916 My dearest Nan, I cannot tell you how deeply grieved I was to learn of the very bad end of my dear Cousin, Michael, and now come to offer you my heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow. I feel intensely for you, and his four young children as it is a great trial to lose a good husband and father, but what must dear Nell & Anna also be feeling at such a tragic end to their loved brother. I ask you please to convey to them my feelings of condolence under the weight of this heavy cross: I will ask Our Lord to console & comfort you all in this hour of trial. He knows what is best for us all and perhaps much good may arise, where now we cannot see anything but sadness & trials. I would have written when I first saw the sad announcement in the papers but enquired first from Father Dominic if such were really true, only today I heard the funeral took place on Friday last & that Michael had a happy death. I conclude from this he didn't die immediately, & I trust you had the consolation of relieving his last moments by every kind attention & that he was fully conscious. Rev. Mothers had a general Communion offered by all here for the happy repose of his soul and Father Con offered Mass on Friday for same intention. R.I.P. Con is giving a retreat at present in Belfast & he too is deeply grieved at this sore trial. All the Sisters are praying for dear Michael & greatly sympathise with you. How are you all feeling dear Nan? I hope not fretting too much, he died for his country & nobly did it. We must hope he may soon enjoy the everlasting bliss of heaven, where you and he will be again united for ever. Get many Masses offered for his soul, & tell Nell & Anna to do likewise. Praying the sacred Heart to help you to bear this great loss and with fondest love to self, & children, Nell, Anna, I remain my dearest Nan Your affectionate cousin in O. Lord Sr.M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) P.S. I would write to Nell & Anna but don't know their address. I got Michael's from Tom a few years ago as I intended writing to him there on a little business matter which dropped after wards. What age are your children now? I hear they are great Irish speakers. Sister M. Good Counsel (Mangan) Letter from Sister M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) to Nancy O'Rahilly, 7 May 1916. Nancy O'Rahilly Letter from Neans bean í Rathgaille (Nancy O'Rahilly) to Mabel FitzGerald, circa 26 May 1916.Letter from Nancy O'Rahilly to Mabel FitzGerald, May 1916.Letter from S.M. Martina to Nancy O'Rahilly, 25 May 1916.Letter from Herbert Pim to Nancy O'Rahilly, 26 May, 1916.Letter from Kathleen Hogan to Nancy O'Rahilly, 29 May 1916.Letter from Amelia Jephson to Nancy O'Rahilly, 14 June 1916.Letter from M. Curry to Nancy O'Rahilly, 15 June, 1916.Letter from the Office of the Chief Commissioner of Police to Nancy O'Rahilly, 19 June 1916Letter from Eóin B. Mac Giolla Chomghaill to Nancy O'Rahilly, 28 July 1916.Postcard from Eóin B. Mac Giolla Chomghaill (Coyle) to Nancy O'Rahilly, c. May 1916.Letter from Kathleen Hogan to Nancy O'Rahilly, 31 July 1916.Letter from J.J. Dunne to Nancy O'Rahilly, 3 August 1916.Letter from Mrs. E.N. Gilbert to Nancy O'Rahilly, 30 August 1916. Letter from Kathleen Lynn to Nancy O'Rahilly, 23 November 1916.Letter from Celia to Nancy O'Rahilly, c. May 1916.Letter from Eiblín Ní Sheaghda to Nancy O'Rahilly, c. May 1916Letter from Denis to Nancy O'Rahilly, 5 May 1916.Letter from Sister M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) to Nancy O'Rahilly, 7 May 1916.Letter from N. de Buitléir to Nancy O'Rahilly, 7 May 1916.Letter from Máire de Buitléir to Nancy O'Rahilly, 24 May 1916.Letter from Áine Ní S. to Nancy O'Rahilly, 9 May 1916.Letter from Annie Curran to Nancy O'Rahilly, 10 May 1916.Letter from Eithne A. Kelly to Nancy O'Rahilly, 14 May 1916.Letter from Nancy Campbell to Mrs. O'Rahilly, 17 May 1916.Letter from M. Malone to Nancy O'Rahilly, 17 May 1916.Letter from Emily Weddall (Emhin Ní Uadall) to Nancy O'Rahilly, c. May 1916. Letter from Pronnséas Ó Súilleabháin to Nancy O'Rahilly, 18 May 1916.Letter from Mary to Mrs. O'Rahilly, 19 May 1916.Letter from Mrs E.N. Gilbert to Nancy O'Rahilly, 21 May 1916.Letter from Laurence Ginnell to Nancy O'Rahilly, 28 May 1916.Letter from Julia Evans to Nancy O'Rahilly, 1 June 1916.Letter from M. Costello C.C. to Nancy O'Rahilly, 23 May 1916.Letter from Agnes MacNeill to Madam O'Rahilly, 17 August, 1916.Letter to Nancy O'Rahilly, 18 May 1916. Good Shepherd Convent, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland Letter from Sister M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) to Nancy O'Rahilly, 7 May 1916.