Tag Archives: Clare history

A FASCINATING historical collection including what is believed to be Michael Collins’ ‘Missing Money Case’ has been unveiled for the first time. The Clare Champion has been shown very rare historical artefacts by a local farmer in an East Clare location that would be regarded as a collector’s dream. The family, who are steeped in IRA connections, provided safe houses for IRA volunteers during the War of Independence, which were used by Michael Collins on at least one occasion to collect money from East Clare IRA Brigade officer in charge, Michael Brennan. During the War of Independence, Collins was Director of Intelligence of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and a government minister of the self-declared Irish Republic. He was then Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State from January 1922 and commander-in-chief of the National Army from July until he was shot and killed in an ambush at Béal na Bláth by anti-Treaty forces on August 22, …

A RETIRED South-East Clare primary school teacher has provided a wealth of information for future generations about his native place in a new local history book. Broadford parish is a consequence of its colourful history, which Pat O’Brien (68) felt should be recognised and celebrated. Broadford Parish 1800-1850 – ‘The History of a Rural County Clare Parish During an Eventful Time’ comprises 650 pages, illustrated with images particularly of local significance. The book, which is an expensive undertaking, is published by his wife, Caroline O’Brien, The Celtic Bookshop, 2 Rutland Street, Limerick City, on high quality paper and is issued in an edition of 300 hardbound copies, with dust wrappers. Growing up in this special place, Pat developed an abiding interest in its history and lore. He has written this book in an attempt to discover what life was like for people living in Broadford parish during the first half of the nineteenth century, a traumatic period in both national …