MR. T. J. WILLIAMS

Leinster Leader 4 August 1951

Obituary

Mr. T. J. Williams

The death occurred last week of Mr. Thomas J. Williams, Victoria Lodge, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin, who from 1916 took a prominent part in the Sinn Fein and the I.R.A. mainly in Counties Kildare and Dublin, where he was employed on the reporting staff of the Leinster Leader Ltd.

He spent periods of imprisonment in Mountjoy, Naas, Rath Camp and Newbridge, and was also on a prison ship.  He was one of the 75 internees who made a sensational escape from Newbridge Barracks by means of a tunnel.  During the 1918 elections he was a popular speaker at meetings all around the country.

In 1932 he was appointed Collector of Taxes in Dublin, but in December 1949 he retired owing to ill-health.  His wife who was a sister of General W. R. E. Murphy died in 1932.

He is survived by his daughter, Miss Joan Williams.  He was a brother of Very Rev. Michael Williams, P.P., Caversham, Berkshire, Mr. James J. Williams, Editor “Irelands Own,” Wexford, Miss Peg Williams, Ballybrack, and the late Dr. Joseph Williams, Naas. The funeral took place from the Church of SS. Alphonsus and Columba, Ballybrack to Dean’s Grange, after Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. T. Deering, C.C. who also officiated at the graveside.

Chief mourners – Joan Williams (daughter), Very Rev. M. Williams, P.P Caversham, and J. Williams (Wexford) (brothers).  Miss Peg Williams (sister); Major General W. R. E. Murphy and Ald. B. Butler, T.D. (brothers-in-law); Mrs. W. R. E. Murphy and Mrs. J. Williams, T. Williams, Ballyshannon. Those present included former units of the 1st Kildare Brigade.