January Document of the Month

(NAI, TSCH/3/S15838)

The January Document of the Month is an account, written by Anne and Mary Reynolds, of their poor circumstances as a result of the death of their brother, George Reynolds, during the 1916 Rising. The account forms part of a file from the Department of Taoiseach (NAI, TSCH/3/S15838).

Reynolds, who served as an officer under the command of Éamon de Valera, was killed during fighting at Mount Street Bridge. The account, which dates from 1944, provides an insight into the events as they unfolded, including details of the death of Reynolds who was shot and wounded in the thigh and it ‘is surmised burned to death’ .

An insight is also given into the fallout for families left behind. As a result of his participation in the Rising, Reynold’s business in Abbey Street was burned and destroyed by the British military. The sisters’ business in Redmond’s Hill also fell into hardship as a result of falling trade, and their premises was eventually purchased though compulsory order by Dublin Corporation as part of a street widening scheme. Goods supplied by them to the Irish Volunteers in Jacob’s factory during the rebellion were not paid for.

Following submissions to Taoiseach Éamon de Valera for help, a grant of £100 was provided by de Valera to the Misses Reynolds to be administered by Reverend MF Egan SJ [Society of Jesus], 35 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin. De Valera cautions Fr Egan that the money has come from an ‘old fund which is all but exhausted’ and will be of little use ‘unless it is carefully husbanded to meet extreme needs only’.

Eventually, Miss Anne Reynolds was appointed as a temporary clerk in Dublin Castle. The final correspondence in the file relates to her plea to be allowed to continue to work. She has been told her employment will be terminated as she is now 72 years old.

To view a transcription please see January Document of the Month.

To view the entire file please see TSCH/3/S/15838.