Breakout from Kilkenny Jail

[TLB]

It is known in my family that 2 uncles, Michael Byrne and Paul Sweeney, broke out of the above jail during the Civil War. I have found an extract in the New York Times stating that 47 prisoners tunnelled out, round about 22/11/ 1921. Does anyone know where I can find a list of who actually broke out as the article is not complete and I understand only a small portion of it still exist.
I know there could be a problem tracing them,as during the troubles , I know the family were using a lot of alias's, but i do know what some of these where.

[tomahurra]

Fr PH Delahunty of Callan was involved in the escape. He in fact was the first person out of the tunnel. Non of the escapees were captured.  Sorry other than that I dont know anything.

[TLB]

Thanks Tomahurra, thats a start, where did you glean that bit of info. from.
Tony

[jud72]

In the past few months a book has been published which gives an account of some of the prison breaks of the War of Independence and Civil War - it was first published in the 1960's I think. I am quite certain that it includes a chapter on the November 1921 escape from Kilkenny. However, it gives very few names of the escapees. I remember that it described how progress in the tunnel was held up for a while by someone who had brought a suitcase with him and got stuck. Some of the prisoners made it to Kilmanagh where there was a safehouse.
Unfortunately I can't remember the name or author of the book. I may have recorded it somewhere, so will let you know if I can find it.

[tomahurra]

Prior to his imprisionment in Kilkenny Fr Delahunty was in Waterford Jail with my Grandfather who awaitng trail for his involvement in the Sathmills Explosion. They remained friends even when Fr Delahunty moved to Kansas. I think there may have been articile written about Fr Delehunty in the Callan Historical Journal unfornuately I don't  know what the publication is called. Also have you looked at the bureau of military history witness statements they can be seen in the national archives. The newspapers of the time for Kilkenny might worth a look

[TLB]

Thanks for the info. I'll do some more digging

[rathmore]

have you tried Michael Collins site,
http://generalmichaelcollins.com
when you go on the site you will be able to e-mail them, they should be able to help you,
or you could try:  The National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin2, Ireland. e-mail: info(at)nli.ie
replace the (at) with @

Have you been in touch with any of the Newspapers in Kilkenny.

[tomahurra]

http://www.military.ie/dfhq/archives/arch.htm

might be worth a try - they are quiet busy but they are very helpful

[rathmore]

New York Times 24.11.1921 - 44 Sinn Fein prisoners who escaped last night from Kilkenny Prison,  Yes Father Delahunty was first out, and Laurence Condon who was in command of the Party.
Father Delahunty remained outside the prison until all the others were free, and Condon was making arrangements to help the fugitives leave the district.  It does not mention any other names.

of course Sinn Fein has it's own magazine called An Phoblacht, 58 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
Sean Bradt is the editor.  e-mail address: editor(at)anphoblacht.com  replace the (at) with a (@)

Don't forget these men, they might not be still around are wanted men.