Leavy Papers
Leavy Papers (concerning the Farrell family)
Reference code: P4
Title: Papers of the Farrell family, Lanesborough
Dates: 1920-1955
Level of description: Fonds
Extent: 1 box, 2 textile items
Historical Statement
Patrick Farrell, Tullyvrane, Lanesborough was active in the nationalist movement from 1917, when he joined the Irish Volunteers. He served with ‘A’ company, 3rd battalion, Longford Brigade of the I.R.A., and later with anti-treaty forces during the Civil War. Farrell also served as the clerk of the Rathcline parish Dáil or Sinn Féin court from 1920. The establishment of a court system was part of the Sinn Féin strategy in 1919-1921 to end British administration in Ireland. Parish courts dealt with minor crimes and civil claims under £10. District courts dealt with civil appeals from the parish courts, and with civil claims under £100. The Supreme Court heard appeals from district courts and from the Land Settlement Commission. The Dáil courts were wound-up in 1922.
Farrell remained active in local politics after the Civil War, and he served as local branch secretary of the Old Republican Soldiers of Ireland Rights Association.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was deposited by Mr Patrick Leavy, nephew of Patrick Farrell, in 2004, and named the Leavy Papers in gratitude to Mr Leavy and his family.
Scope, Structure and Content
Most of the collection relates to Patrick Farrell’s involvement in the I.R.A. and the Rathcline parish Dáil court. There are also items from elections in the period 1923-27; concerning his application for a military pension, 1935-55; and his involvement in the Old Republican Soldiers of Ireland Rights Association, 1935-6.
There are a two items relating to Patrick’s father, Edward’s old age pension and one concerning his brother, Bernard. There are also two armbands with ‘I.V.’ (Irish Volunteers) on each.
Conditions of Access and Use
Conditions governing access: Available in the reading room, Library HQ.
Language: English
Finding aid: Descriptive list
