Galway Branch Sinn Féin Organisation, File

Galway Branch Sinn Féin Organisation: File of material relating to the establishment of the branch, includes copy book with handwritten minutes of the Galway Branch Sinn Féin Organisation (15 Feb 1907 - 4 Mar 1907), together with three handwritten letters on National Council headed paper, 11 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin, to the Galway Branch, regarding Sinn Féin pamphlets and the Council’s granting of affiliation to the Galway branch; ‘Wishing your Branch an energetic and prosperous career’ (9 Mar 1911), and also advising that Mr Arthur Griffith ‘cannot say definitely Mr Edward Martyn of Tilyra (Tullira) Castle is at home now and might be available’ (16 Mar 1911).  Also includes a blank membership card which includes details of the National Council’s Constitution and Rules, and Principles and Policy, stating for instance ‘That the people of Ireland are a  free people, and that no law made without their authority or consent is, or ever can be, binding on their conscience'.

The minutes record that ‘At an inaugural meeting at Kearn’s Hotel on Monday night Feb 15 1907 a Branch of the Sinn Féin organisation was formed’ , also includes results of the election of officers and committee, and details of ‘Rules; which include for instance ‘That the branch be called the Galway Branch of the National Council,’ and ‘That no member of the British armed forces or pension or therefrom shall be eligible for membership nor shall any person who has otherwise taken an oath of allegiance to the British crown be admissible as a ember so long as he shall retain the office involving the oath’ (p2).  

Dr Ryan was elected President and Mr Louis E. O’Dea, Solicitor, was elected Vice President.  The Irish Volunteer’s Galway base was 10 Williamsgate Street, Galway.