British
Military take possession of
St. Mary's Cemetery!
A framed
Obituary in the P.P.P.
(Note
added 2010 -- Patrick O' Toole was an energetic promoter of Trade
Unionism in Carlow. A lover of the Irish language, he was a regular
writer of letters to the newspapers, appealing to readers to support
Irish industry by buying Irish at every opportunity, I believe this
is the reason he was arrested and sent to Ballykinlar Internment
Camp. Co Down. Northern Ireland.)
Nationalist and Leinster Times. February 1921.
Impressive Scenes In Carlow.
Funeral
of the late Mr Patrick O'Toole.
It is
with the most profound feelings of sorrow that we record the death
of Mr Patrick O'Toole, which very sad event occurred in Ballykinlar
Internment Camp, on Monday night last, at the very early age of 29
years.
Some
months ago Patrick was arrested by the British Military at his
lodgings in Brown Street, Carlow and conveyed to Ballykinlar Camp
with numerous others.
For some
years he had not been in very robust health, and his breezy spirit
coupled with a strong will undoubtedly helped him for many years.
His family many years ago were engaged in the licensed trade of
Carlow, he was the last of a family well known in the district.
He was
the possessor of talents of a high order, and his many qualities of
head and heart were the subject of admiration from all who knew him.
Had he been accorded the privileges of a University education he
might have played even a more important part in the life of his
native county, and in the life of his nation.
After
leaving the Christian Brothers' Schools he became connected with
prominent commercial firms in Carlow on the clerical staffs, and in
all cases commanded the appreciation of his employers.
On
account of ill-health he was obliged to leave the Carlow Boot
Factory and spent about twelve months in the Peamount Sanatorium.
His
health somewhat improved and on his return to Carlow he took up the
position of Secretary to the local branch of the Transport Union
which, needless to say, requires considerable ability and tact.
About
six months ago he relinquished the duties of the position, again
owing to ill-health.
From the
time of his arrest anxiety was felt by his many friends as to his
health, and constant enquiries were being made.
On
Wednesday morning, the remains were removed from the internment camp
amidst every manifestation of sorrow. Friends from Carlow took
charge of the arrangements.
The
coffin was draped in the Republican colours, provided by the
internees.
On
arrival at Dublin a large contingent of friends met the remains
which were conveyed to the Kingsbridge Station for the journey to
Carlow, the funeral procession being imposing.
A very
pathetic scene was witnessed on the reception at Amiens Street, when
the mortuary van was opened; members of the Cumann-na-mBan knelt
down and offered up prayers for the repose of his soul.
Reception In Carlow.
Large
crowds attended at Carlow Railway Station for the reception of the
coffin; various groups being represented, including the Fire
Brigade, in full uniform, of which deceased was a member.
The
cortege proceeded, via Dublin Street, to the Cathedral, where the
remains were received by the clergy.
The
coffin remained overnight in the sacred edifice, a guard of honour
being relieved at intervals till closing time.
The
obsequies.
At 11
o'clock on Thursday morning, there was Solemn Office and Requiem
Mass in the Cathedral. The funeral procession started at 12.45, the
coffin still draped in the Republican colours, being carried on the
shoulders of members of the various groups. The Carlow Pipers' Band
took up position on either side of the bier, and played through the
principal thoroughfares.
All
business houses and factories closed down from 11 a.m., till 2 p.m.,
and the attendance was certainly the largest yet witnessed in
Carlow. The scene was the most impressive of its kind ever seen in
the district, and will long be remembered. The coffin was borne by
the members of the Fire Brigade and other groups.
Wreaths
were sent by the Internees Ballykinlar Camp, Carlow Transport
Workers Union, the Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Carlow Republican
Volunteers, the Carlow Trades Council and Cumann na mBan.
A force
of British Military took possession of St. Mary's Cemetery, and
confined all the male members of the cortege till the grave was
covered.
At the
entrance to the cemetery the remains were preceded by the Rev. P.
Donnelly, C.C., Rev. E. Campion, C.C., and Rev. Dr. Miller, C.C.,
who also recited the prayers at the graveside.
Appreciation.
(By Pat Purcell, Pat was one of the founder members of the Transport
Workers' Union in Carlow and replaced Patrick O' Toole as secretary
for a time after his arrest.)
The Late
Padraig ua Tuathail.
Our
intercourse with people and the various sections of society is an
influence which develops inspiration and one which teaches us to
discern the chaff from the grain.
The
writer is one of the very many people who knew Padraig O'Toole
intimately, and whose heart was sad and footsteps heavy as he
followed him to his last resting place.
These
thoughts were the thoughts also of the multitude who followed and
paid their last respects to his remains, and the thoughts of the
thousands who knew him - and knowing him knew his worth - who were
unable to be present (interned in Ballykinlar Camp) at his funeral,
but who lingered, and whose hearts will always linger round the
hallowed spot where he sleeps.
Born
about 29 years ago, his people were identified with the commercial
life of the town. They hailed from the Kellistown district, an area
renowned in history.
His
personality seems to have inherited something of the inspiration
attached to this association for, in his manner, he was one of those
outstanding personalities which are rare, inspiring and refreshing.
Representing much of what is Gaelic, homely and charitable in the
Gael as he has been pictured in history, song or story, he was the
inspiring, witty and magnetic influence of any gathering or society.
Padraig
was a diplomatic and tactful man in dealing with business or other
affairs. His big liberal mind won him many friends, and his natural
ability and steadfastness to the principles in which he believed
showed that he was a man amongst men, and that he always inspired
that confidence which makes a man a leader of his fellowmen.
In the
development of his country, in her ultimate victory and freedom and
in the economic and social uplifting of the workers of Ireland, he
firmly believed, and indeed it was to these causes he dedicated his
work, his talents, and lastly his life.
He was
not one of the flag-waving "patriots" who think that the singing of
songs and sentimental exuberances can win Freedom and Progress and
Development. Hence it was that he was one of the first that rallied
to the Sinn Fein standard in Carlow.
Many's
the time he discussed problems with the writer in their broadest and
most far-reaching aspect, and the pity of it is that he did not
leave behind him some notes and notions from his energetic mind to
be read and understood by those who must live and fight and work now
that he has gone to his great reward.
But he
has left an inspiration and a grand record of good and useful work
for which those who knew and understood him are responsible, each
and all, to take up and carry on to victory.
The huge
cortege which followed his remains to their last resting place, and
those who were unable to follow, due to their imprisonment, must
follow the road he trod to the end.
The
illness which necessitated his treatment at Peamount some years ago
was not responsible for his death, and were it not for his arrest
and internment he might have lived for many years under normal
conditions.
He was
regarded as one of the brilliant men in the Irish Labour Movement,
and was about to take up an important position therein about the
time of his incarceration.
He died
as he would have desired to - in the service of his country. The
fact that he had not a University Education was no drawback to him,
for he learned a deeper and a more natural education in the big
school of the world than many ex-graduates know.
Poor
Padraig! His friends at Ballykinlar Internment Camp afforded him all
the care and consolation that they could in his last moments.
A guard
of honour was placed round his remains after his death. He was
carried shoulder-high through the camp to the waiting hearse by
Carlow internees, while the remainder lined either side of the
passage in military formation and gave the last salute.
During
his period at the camp he kept his fellow prisoners amused and in
good spirits with his well-told anecdotes and musical ability.
Let us
all pray that his soul has been wafted to the heavenly regions where
the celestial music of God's Angels will accompany him forever and
ever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~