Letter from John O'Brien to Anna O'Rahilly, 1916 Letters 1916-1923 John O'Brien

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This letter was written by John O'Brien to Anna O'Rahilly (d.1958). In the letter O'Brien thanks Anna for sending him to Lady Albinia Broderick (1861-1955), also known as 'Gobnait Ní Bhruadair'. Lady Broderick was a republican and supporter of the 1916 Rising; she joined both Cumann na mBan and Sinn Féin. O'Brien also speaks about what an honour it was to have known Michael. O'Brien then asks Anna if she could secure some money from the National Aid Association, set up to provide aid to dependants of those connected to the Rising, on his behalf to cover some expenses. Anna was the sister of Michael 'The' O'Rahilly (1875-1916) a nationalist and a journalist. In 1916 he aligned himself with Eoin MacNeill (1867-1945) and Bulmer Hobson (1883-1969) 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 Thursday 27 April when the GPO was being evacuated.

 University College Dublin Archives Sighle Humphreys Papers, P106/239/6/3 https://letters1916.ie/item/1841 English John O'Brien 1916 Ballincoona, County Kerry, Ireland Anna O'Rahilly Male Easter Rising Ireland 1916 Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 Ballincoona Caher Daniel Co. Kerry Dear Miss O'Rahilly I don't know how to thank you for sending me not only to such a nice place && country and its homely people But also for the honour that you have bestowed on me In placing me under the care of such a splendid Lady as the Hon A Broderick I almost feel a different person since I came here and improving every day. I must not forget to tell you how much I feel the honour of knowing your Brother (R.I.P.) I know that it is hard to loose ones Brother but I am quite sure that you are the proudest sister to have such a brother as you had I hope you will excuse me for intruding on such a sacred subject but I am quite sure that you will understand me. Because I feel the honour so much that I could not help saying what I have said. Mr Gannon wishes me to also thank you he is delighted with the place and Lady Broderick. Dear Miss I am run of our money, and I do not want the Lady know, for she is really too good to us down here so if you can, get from the National Aid just a little for expenses I should be very thankful to you. Of course I should have had plenty to last me for my time here out of what you generously gave me in the offices, only I had to pay my hotel Bill in Dublin before I came away I hope you will excuse my being so forward. But somehow I would sooner ask through you than apply to the office. I think I have said as much as time permits me at present so I will conclude and I again thank you. I remain Yours sincerely John O Brien John O'Brien Letter from John O'Brien to Anna O'Rahilly, 1916 Anna O'Rahilly Letter from Bridie O'Rahilly to Anna O'Rahilly, 25 May 1916Letter from Denis Mangan to Anna O'Rahilly, 11 August 1916.Letter from Lieutenant Colonel R. L. Owens to Anna O'Rahilly, 28 May 1916Letter from Lieutenant Colonel R. L. Owens to Anna O'Rahilly, 29 May 1916Letter from Kenneth Healings to Anna O'Rahilly, c. August 1916Letter from Patrick Hayes to Anna O'Rahilly, 13 May 1916Letter from Patrick Hayes to Anna O'Rahilly, 23 August 1916Letter from Stephen Purcell to Anna O'Rahilly, 24 December 1916Letter from Maud Griffith to Anna O'Rahilly, 13 September 1916Letter from Sister M. Marcella to Anna O'Rahilly, 20 July 1916Letter from Anna O'Rahilly to Mabel FitzGerald, 25 May 1916Letter from John O'Brien to Anna O'Rahilly, 1916Letter from Ella Young to Anna O'Rahilly, 13 July 1916Letter from S. M. O'Meara to Anna O'Rahilly Ballincoona, County Kerry, Ireland Letter from John O'Brien to Anna O'Rahilly, 1916