Leinster Leader 28 October 1939
ECHO OF FENIAN DAYS. NEWBRIDGE WOMAN’S DEATH
Much regret will be expressed at the death of Mrs. Agnes Fennelly of Pollardstown, Newbridge, the announcement of which recalls some of the most daring exploits of the Fenian days. Her father, Michael Dwyer, who was a member of the R.I.C., and stationed at Ballyknockin, Co. Kerry, at the time, joined the Fenians and burned the barracks. The event is celebrated in the well-known Fenian ballad, which finishes:-
The police marched out
And the Fenians marched in,
And we burned the barracks
At Ballyknockin.
The deceased, Mrs. Fennelly, was always a strong Nationalist, and during the “troubled” times gave shelter to many Republicans “on the run.” The funeral was large and representative, friends and relations of the deceased coming from many parts of Ireland, and from across Channel. Local friends and neighbours also were present in large numbers to testify to the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held in the district.
Re-typed by Jennifer O’Connell
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