The Spanish Civil war (1936-1939) broke out when the Spanish army in
Morocco led by General Francisco Franco rose up against the
democratically elected Republican government, presided over by Manuel
Azaña. To go into the how’s and why’s of the war would need a web page
in its self. Carlow born men served on both sides their fate is unknown
to me at the moment.
One man from Carlow is known to have been on side of the Spanish
Republicans and fought with the International Brigade’s Connolly column
made up Irish men, lead by Peadar O’Donnell
On the Nationalist side (Franco) came the XV Bandera Irlandesa del
Terico of the Spanish Foreign Legion. Or more commonly known as O’
Duffy’s Bandera made up of Irish Blue shirts under the leadership of
Eoin O’Duffy, he wanted to the Irish fascist leader, 10 men from Carlow
served in this unit.
O’Duffy’s troops training |
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International Brigade Spain |
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Surname |
First Name |
Rank |
Town of Birth |
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Holden |
Dennis |
N/A |
Carlow |
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See document on Dennis Holden |
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O'Duffy Bandera |
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Surname |
First Name |
Rank |
Town of Birth |
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Brennan |
Michael |
Pte |
Muinebeag |
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Dunny **** |
Pat |
Sgt |
Carlow Town |
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Dunphy **** |
John C |
Sgt |
Carlow Town |
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Fitzsimmons |
Barney Bernard |
Sgt |
Kells |
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Hore |
George |
Pte |
Carlow Town |
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Nelly **** |
Martin |
Pte |
St Mullins |
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Lawlor |
James |
Sgt |
Borris |
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Matthews* |
R |
Cpl |
(Castle Street *)
Carlow Town |
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O'Cuinneagain |
Seosmh |
Pte |
Graigue |
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Tobin |
Mick |
Cpl |
Carlow Town |
**** These name are in a three page commemorative booklet for a group
leaving Ireland for Spain, to fight for Franco. It is held in the Public
Record Office of Northern Ireland, Balmoral Avenue, Belfast 9. Its
reference number is D.1625/19 in the papers of Sean Cunningham.
* Lived in Castle Street - (Source: Carloman c2007)
Sgt Pat Dunny Carlos Town |
Going downhill: Sgt. JC Dunphy, of Carlow Town with
Lt Tom O´Riordan, Sgt. Jack Moran, and Sgt. Thomas Hobbins |
