OLD I.R.A. MEN MEET

Leinster Leader 13 March 1965

OLD  I.R.A. MEN  MEET

The annual general meeting of Kildare Branch of Federation of  I.R.A., 1916-23, elected; Chairman, Mr. M. Managan; Vice-Chairman, Mr. J. Hayes, Co.C.; Secretary, Mr. M. Smyth, P.C.; Trustees, Messrs. W. Gannon, J. Hayes and M. Smyth;  Delegates to Brigade Committee,  Messrs. M. Smyth,  J. Hayes and T. O’Connell.

The following were elected to Branch Committee; Messrs. T. O’Connell,  M. Brady,  E. Hayes,  W. Byrne,  P. Conway and P. O’Connor.

Mr. Smyth gave a report on his attendance at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Federation, at which arrangements were made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Easter Week, 1916, in every brigade area.  The celebration would be held on the anniversary of the rising on Sunday, April 24, 1966.  It was decided to have the matter brought before the next meeting of the Brigade Committee.

Old I.R.A. pensions and special allowances were also discussed at the meeting of the Standing Committee, as complaints were received of the small increases given, and also of the number disallowed under the means test applied to special allowances.

It had also been decided to request all local authorities and semi-government controlled bodies to allow Old I.R.A. workers the same rights as those employed in Government service – that they be allowed to remain in the service until age 75 – if fit to work.

Arrangements were made to have the annual Mass for deceased members on Easter Sunday.

Re-typed by Mary Murphy