Irish Citizen Army/Irish Volunteers * Info Needed

[brianoleary85]

Have you seen the two files available online for Daniel Courtney's war pension applications??

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF811DanielCourtney/W34E182DanielCourtney.pdf

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF811DanielCourtney/WMSP34REF811DanielCourtney.pdf

[AlanDouglas]

Hi Chris,

Alan Douglas here again.

Charlie Douglas (Sadly deceased 24/02/14) was my Father. I believe the connection between us is Dan and Grace who used to come over to Ireland to visit May Hynes (Nee Rogers)

Kind Rgds Again,

Alan.

[AlanDouglas]

To Brian and Grizzly1,

Much obliged.

Tks,

Alan.

[chris collins]

Hi Alan

I can't believe this.
It is sometime since I have been on this site. Just looked on it tonight and saw your message. Am so very very sorry about your dad. We came to his wedding in 1954(?). My husband and I saw your mum and dad Easter2008 when we were in Ireland. I phoned In  2009 to ask if we could call to see   when we were over but your mum said he wasn't well and I got the impression she would find it hard if. we visited. I have written at Christmas but heard nothing. Your Mum and Dad were our last contacts with dad's family. Dad was so fond of your grandma (our Aunt Julia)and your dad. I can remember her coming over to Leeds to stay with us many times. Also your mum and dad brought David( who I know sadly died) and Helen when they were small.  Your Mum and Dad came to Leeds in July 1989 to Mum and Dad's Golden Wedding celebrations and we have a lovely photo of your Dad singing. Dad died in March 1989 and mum in 1994.
 We Come to Ireland most years, at Easter, for a couple of weeks in our caravan and always stay near Dublin to enable us to go to the Remembrance Ceremony at the GPO.
I would love to hear how the rest of the Douglas family are. I know Martha died some years ago. Is Danny still alive. I think your mum said he lived in Monaghan.
Dad did not talk about his childhood - either his first few years in Dublin or when he came to England with his parents. It's so sad but we always felt his childhood was not particularly happy. His parents separated when he was very young and none of us know anything about Grandad Collins. There are so many things I would have liked to know and asked Dad.

I do hope you still go on this site.  If so it would be great to hear from you.

My fingers are crossed!!

Chris

[AlanDouglas]

Hi Chris,

Sorry for the long delay in replying.

Delighted to get a response to my post as I wasn't sure if you got it.

Dad suffered from Dementia for quite a number of years and just did not recognise most people, including Helen and me for most of the time, hence Mam's reluctance to have any visitors as he found it upsetting. She hopes you understand.

Each morning he woke up in a different stage of his life. For example he could wake up one day thinking he was a young lad living at home with his mother and not understanding who Mam was and what she was doing in his house. Another day he would think he was a young married man with small children (David and Helen) and did not understand who I was.

In September 2013 we had to make the heart-breaking decision to place Dad in a nursing home as his condition was getting worse. We weren't allowed to visit for the first two weeks but when we finally got to see him he recognised us all. I can't describe that feeling. Mam got to visit him every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with either Helen or myself. Sadly though, Dad only lasted five months and passed away on February 24th, 2014 with Helen and myself at his side. He wasn't in great form on the 23rd and Helen and myself, unknown to one another, decided to visit on the 24th arriving within minutes of each other. He passed very peacefully at 5 O'clock. 

Martha died in 1989 and Danny is still alive. His wife Margaret died 3 years ago and he spends most of the year in Lanzarote (a real sun worshipper). Presently, though, he is not in great health and is back home staying with his eldest son Damien.

Bernard died a good few years ago in Australia and we don't know anything about whatever happened to Christy.

Dad always talked about Dan Courtney but never had any details about his "1916" activities. Given that the Centenary of the rising was coming up, I searched online for anything I cold find about him and came across details of his military pension and some other small bits and pieces. Then one day I came across an article written by historian Hugo McGuinness entitled "Daniel Courtney - Grandfather of the Irish Citizen Army". Looking at the photo of him in the article you would swear you were looking at Danny, they are so alike.

If you haven't had a chance yet, search this on the web for an amazing insight into his life.
 
I'll sign off now and hope to hear from you soon.

Alan.

XXX

[chris collins]

Hi Alan
Many thanks for your reply on 18th February. Great to hear from you and hear about the family.
I sent you a personal message and am hoping that you received it.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Christine

[AlanDouglas]

Hi Christine,

I sent a couple of e-mails from my private account. I hope you got them.

Alan.

[Private 1st class]

Hi The photo out side the Casino are F Coy 2nd Battalion Dublin Brigade