Old IRA Dublin Brigade

[gkenny]

Hello,

I am finding the thread very interesting (along with the Customs house one & the Squad one as well) as I am trying to research a collection of documents, letters and a scrapbook that belonged to Vincent Byrne of E company, II batallion Dublin Brigade Old IRA. So I was wondering if anyone here may be able to help with identifying anyone from this picture ?

The writing on the back simply says 'Officers 26th Batt' (manned from Old IRA) and then beneath that 'N.A'

http://www.militaria-archive.com/temp/Irl-Research/Vinny-Byrne-Photo-61.jpg

[gkenny]

I believe the man on the far right of the above picture might be Bryan MacSweeney who during the War of Independence was attached to B Company 2nd Battalion Dublin Brigade IRA (wounded in the head during an ambush in Ballybough 1921), became a lieutenant in the Aircorps and resigned 1928. During the emergency was a lieutenant in 26th Battalion.

[nneligan]

Second from the right might be my grandfather Patrick D'Alton - but I'm not sure. You would have to compare it with these photos.

[gkenny]

Thanks for that.

[nneligan]

Here is a photo of the 26th Infantry Battalion (Old IRA)

[Ms. Smokestoomuch]

Hi gkenny

My Granda is in the Photo
He's the only one wear the soft hat. (sorry, don't know what those hats are called)
2nd from left back row is Michael Smyth

I don't have a clear photo of him during that period to compare but It's him alright.
Here he is again in the 1966 commemorations

[gkenny]

Thanks for that Ms. Smokestoomuch, I think you mentioned on another thread he was involved in the Ernie O Malley & Simon Donnelly escape which is a coincidence as Simon Donnelly is a relative of mine (a Grandmothers' cousin).

[Ms. Smokestoomuch]

I have the escape story told by Oscar Traynor (minster of defence at the time it was written)
I don't know where it originated but it is an 8 page account that turned up in the attic.
If your interested I'll pass it your way.

I also have part of another account from some book. Maybe you are familiar with it and can tell me what book it came from.
It seems to be the beginning of a chapter named -And Inside Kilmainham by Simon Donnellyon Page 27
As I said I've only one page of Donnelly's account and was hoping to track down what book it came from.

[gkenny]

Hi Ms. Smokestoomuch - I'd definitely be interested in that escape account. Re the book I have no idea what book that is from and to be honest know very little about Simon Donnelly (only recently finding out about the Irish Republican Police & Clann Na poblachta etc).  My Grandfather was also a republican and I would know a lot more about his activities than Simon Donnelly who is more distantly related.  I would be very interested in finding out more though. If I find any other reference to your grandfather in the Vinny Byrne photos and scrapbook/documents that I am researching I will be sure to let you know. I also plan to put them all online once they are in some sort of order.