‘Few Families…Suffered As We Did:’ War of Independence Pension Files Associated with Midleton

The Military Archives have released another tranche of material relating to the Easter Rising, War of Independence and Civil War. Included among them are some more pension files that connect to service during the War of Independence around the Midleton area. There will be further releases in the coming months and years, but already there is much to interest us locally among what is available. The pension files in particular can contain great insights into the War of Independence in East Cork. Take for example the statement included in the pension application of Christina Ahern, of Cumman na mBan, charting her experiences during the conflict:

From the inception of the volunteers in East Cork, our house, situated midway between Carrigtwohill and Midleton, was a recognised clearing house for all Volunteers activities. We also had a business in Cobh and maintained daily communication for volunteer purposes there. As stated in my claim our house was burned and my eldest brother brutally killed and things got so bad that we could not engage a farm labourer as they would not stay any time with us. Actually some members of the A.S.U. [Active Service Unit] were sent to us from time to time to assist in the farm work and to provide protection. Both my mother and an invalid sister died shortly after the Truce and their deaths can be attributable to a certain extent to the strain they had undergone. My younger brother who was a very active volunteer officer and a member of the A.S.U. died in 1923. As a result of all our activities our farm property had eventually to be sold and our prosperous market gardening business at Cobh had to close up. I think I can honestly say that few families in the South of Ireland suffered as we did. I am not claiming from a sympathetic point of view but for my service as O/C [Officer Commanding] of the Cumann na mBan and the statements made in my claim can be fully verified.

The burnt cottage at Clonmult, where 12 members of the local Flying Column were killed (a further two were executed later).

All of these files are free to access and we would encourage you to explore them. Those currently available with direct links to Midleton are as follows (click on the hyperlinks to access the file):

• Pension application of Daniel Dennehy of Bilberry, Midleton, relating to the service of his son Daniel, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Bridget Desmond of 17 Commissioners Buildings, Midleton, relating to the service of her brother Michael, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of William Glavin of 103 French’s Avenue, Cobh, relating to the service of his son James, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Mary Ellen Desmond (later Curtin) of Commissioners Buildings, Midleton, relating to the service of her brother David, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of John Hallahan of 12 Commissioners Buildings, Midleton, relating to the service of his son Michael Finbar, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Elizabeth Dunne, Whitegate, Midleton, relating to her service in the Aghada Branch of Cumann na mBan.

• Pension application of Christina Ahern, Killydonoghue, White’s Cross, relating to her service in the Midleton Branch of Cumann na mBan.

• Pension application of Ellen Hurley, of Baurleigh, Bandon, relating to the service of her brother Jeremiah, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Patrick Ahern, of College View, Midleton, relating to the service of his son Patrick, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Margaret Ahern of 12 Orelia Terrace, Cobh, relating to the service of her son James Peter Ahern, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of John O’Sullivan of 9 Thomas Street, Cobh, relating to the service of son Patrick, executed at Detention Barracks, Cork on 28 April 1921 (captured at Clonmult).

• Pension application of Michael Moore of Ticknock, Cobh, relating to the service of his son Maurice, executed at Detention Barracks, Cork on 28 April 1921 (captured at Clonmult).

• Pension application of Mary O’Sullivan of Cork Road, Midleton, relating to the service of her son Timothy Christopher O’Sullivan, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Thomas Morrissey of Castlemaine Street, Athlone, relating to the service of his son Joseph, killed in action at Clonmult on 20 February 1920.

• Pension application of Maurice and Margaret Ring of Killindooling, Midleton, relating to the service of their son, Denis, killed by the accidental discharge of a firearm on 9 or 11 November 1920.

• Pension application of Thomas O’Higgins of Ballytibbet, Whitegate, relating to his service in operations such as the attack on British forces in Aghada and the attack on the RIC Barracks in Midleton.