Adam's Works on Paper ONILNE Auction Ending August 10th 2020

78 Bidding ends 10am Monday 10 th August THE FOLLOWING, LOTS 228 - 239 ARE FROM THE COLLECTION OF COMDT. GERALD O’CONNOR, 2ND WESTERN DIVISION, NO. 2 BRIGADE, CASTLEREA. Gerald O’Connor of Loughglynn, County Roscommon, served as the 1st Battalion Commandant and later as the No. 2 Brigade Commandant in the 2nd Western Division. As part of his duties as Commandant, he took part in many military operations such as the attempted attack on Castlerea Station Guard in July 1920 and the attack on the Frenchpark Barracks on 2nd October 1920. As well as overseeing the day-to-day running of his Brigade in Roscommon. This collection of letters and documents provides unpar- alleled detail into the structure and organisation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann, particularly in the year of 1922, in the aftermath of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and lead up to the outbreak of the Irish Civil War (1922 - 1923). In a statement from General Headquarters, Four Courts, Dublin and signed by Owen Duffy and Liam Lynch details the truce ordered for the cessation to the fighting in the Four Courts between 4th May until 8th May 1922 (lot 238) . While in lot 239, we have a fascinating insight into the IRA General Convention of May 1922, which was set up to decide the allegiance of the IRA to the newly formed Dáil Éireann. In a considerably democratic fashion, ballot papers (Lot 233) were cast by each member of Óglaigh na hÉireann, by men of all ranks to exercise their right in deciding the future of the organisation. He gave the ‘Cease and Desist’ order on the lawn of Clonalis House, which had been occupied by the IRA, after the Treaty was signed. He urged his men to not engage in fighting against their fellow Irishmen and to place their trust in the newly elected gov- ernment to solve the issues facing the country. As a result of O’Connor’s words, many members of the South Roscommon Brigade did not actively take part in the Civil War. He left military service and became a teacher in Meelick National School. O’Connor was a meticulous in taking notes about the activities of the men volunteering in his division. These records were of vital importance in 1930s and 40s, in order to help verify individual’s involvement in the order for them to qualify for a military pension. He was an elected Fianna Fail representative for the Roscommon County Council from 1934 until 1942. He died in 1972 and is buried Lisacul cemetery.