NAAS U.D.C AND THE IRISH CIVIL WAR

Naas U. D. C. and the Irish Civil War

James Durney

The Naas U.D.C. Minute Books 4 May 1920-4 November 1924 are an invaluable insight to the workings of the local authority during the formation of the new Irish State. There are records of meetings, proposals, statements, etc., on the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty; the arrival of Michael Collins in Naas, in April 1922 – and a controversial presentation; a complaint on remarks made by the cemetery caretaker on the burial of Fianna Lieutenant James Whelan; the death of Arthur Griffith – though nothing on the death of Michael Collins; damage by rifle fire to cottages on the Newbridge Road; a letter from Cork Harbour Commission on peace proposals – but nothing on the ending of the Civil War.

A Special Meeting of the Council was held on the 29 Dec. 1921, to express its opinion of the proposed treaty between the English and Irish Nations.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Fitzsimons, J. Dowling, T. Patterson, M. Carroll, S. Garry

Proposal by Mr. D. J. Purcell seconded by Mr. Stephen Garry & resolved:
“That this Council approves of the Treaty as we believe it embodies the essentials of Ireland’s Freedom, although it does not give everything satisfactory to the aspirations of the Irish People.
 “We urge on our Representatives on the Dail to vote for the ratification of the Treaty, and in so doing we believe we are expressing the practically unanimous wishes of the people of this district.
 “That we desire at the same time to record our high appreciation of the services of the members of the Dail individually and collectively in the cause of Irish Freedom.”

A Special Meeting of the Council was held on the 11 April 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Fitzsimons, J. Dowling, T. Patterson, M. Carroll, S. Garry, T. J. Williams

Proposed by Mr. T. Patterson, seconded by Mr. Garry and resolved – “That an address of welcome be presented to Mr. Michael Collins on the occasion of his visit to Naas on Sunday next.”

The Quarterly Meeting of the Council was held on the 18 April 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Fitzsimons, J. Dowling, M. Carroll, T. J. Williams

The Chairman was questioned by Messrs. Carroll, Fitzsimons and Dowling regarding the procedure adopted in the preparation and presentation of an address from the Council to Mr. Michael Collins on the occasion of his visit to Naas on the 16 inst. The members mentioned and Mr. Williams expressed their strong disapproval of the manner in which the presentation had been made.

A Special Meeting of the Council was held on the 25 April 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. T. Patterson, S. Garry, T. J. Williams

Messrs. Patterson, Garry & Williams made statements regarding the discussion which took place at last meeting in reference to the presentation of an address to Mr. Ml. Collins and each of these members having expressed his views on the subject, the matter dropped.

The Monthly Meeting of the Council was held on the 4 July 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Fitzsimons, Ths. Patterson, T. J. Williams

A complaint against the Caretaker of the Cemetery, in reference to remarks alleged to have been made by him on the occasion of his being asked to open a grave for the remains of the late James Whelan, Dublin Rd, Naas, was enquired into and the Caretaker having offered an explanation which was considered satisfactory the subject ended. Arising on the discussion it was ordered “That a plot be set apart in No 1 Section of the cemetery for the interment of such persons as the Council may desire – the number of grave spaces in the plot so set apart to be fixed by the Surveyor and Cemetery Registrar after consultation and examination of the map.”

The Quarterly Meeting of the Council was held on the 18 July 1922.
Presiding – Mr. Michael Fitzsimons
Also Present – Messrs. Mark Carroll, T. J. Williams

The Surveyor reported that some of Councils cottages near the Military Barracks had been damaged by rifle fire. He was ordered to have the necessary repairs carried out.

A Meeting of the Council was held on the 19 Sep. 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. J. Dowling, S. Garry, M. Fitzsimons

Ordered that the damage to Trapps’ cottage on Newbridge Road be repaired “and the cost of same be furnished to the Military Authorities for payment.”

A Meeting of the Council was held on the 19 Dec. 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Carroll, M. Fitzsimons

A letter from the Cork Harbour Commission on the subject of peace in Ireland was read and an order made that it be put on the agenda for next meeting.

A Meeting of the Council was held on the 19 Dec. 1922.
Presiding – Mr. D. J. Purcell
Also Present – Messrs. M. Carroll, M. Fitzsimons

A resolution from Cork Harbour Commissioners on the subject of peace in Ireland was read. No order was made.

An article reproduced from the Naas U.D.C. Minute Books, on the Irish Civil War and its effect on the local authority.