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Conservative Burren Was Hotbed Of Insurrection


DESPITE its image of peace and moderation, Burren was once a hotbed of insurrection, nurturing such revolutionaries as “Big Jim” Larkin and Peadar Barry.

Next time you visit Dublin, call at O’Connell Street, and gaze with pride at the imposing statue of the labour leader, Jim Larkin, unveiled by President Patrick Hillery in 1979.

In 1997, to mark the 50th anniversary of Larkin’s death, Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn launched an Exhibition in the National Museum at Arbour Hill, featuring his life. And the Lord Mayor of Dublin unveiled a plaque outside the house at Ballsbridge, where the Burren-born orator and union leader had lived.

There was also a celebration of his life, with music, song, prose at poetry at Transport House in Belfast and Liberty Hall in Dublin. “Big Jim” Larkin’s grave is at the pantheon of Irish heroes, Glasnevin cemetery.

Incidentally, a plaque has been erected at the cottage in Tamnaharrie, where young Larkin spent his boyhood years. The dwelling is now occupied by a sister of UTV personality, Frank Mitchell.

Famous playwright, George Bernard Shaw described this native of Burren as “the greatest Irishman since Parnell.” And Sean O’Casey wrote: “He fought for the loaf of bread, as no man before him. But with the loaf of bread, he also brought a flask of wine and a book of verse.”

Convicted of sedition at New York Supreme Court, jailed in the notorious Sing Sing Prison, Larkin’s name was revered by leaders and activists of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s.

Meanwhile, a neighbour from Corrags, Peadar Barry was playing a leading role in the War of Independence, as a member of the Fourth Northern Division, Pre-Truce IRA, under the command of Frank Aiken.

Held in high esteem by his superiors, Peadar’s headquarters were located at Fathom Wood, above Victoria Locks, - he suffered from asthma. An obituary in 1966 stated: “He was deeply engaged in the struggle, and ran many risks in the performance of his duties. A number of his comrades paid the supreme penalty.”

Most controversial episode occurred in June 1921, when two brothers, Stephen and Owen Magill, were shot dead at Corrags by “B” Specials, after one of them had been killed, when a patrol had been ambushed by local republicans. But more about this anon.

At Peadar Barry’s funeral, the Tricolour was draped over the coffin, escorted by an Old IRA guard-of honour. The oration at the graveside was delivered by Dr Padraig Quinn, while a bugler sounded the “Last Post” and “Reveille.”

Of course, this great Gael was more widely known for his prominent role in the GAA, as a referee and Secretary of Down Co Board for 30 years. Later, as Life President, he welcomed home the Mourne squad with the Sam Maguire Cup in 1960, the glorious climax to a dedicated career.

Long-time member of Newry No. 1 Rural Council, of which he was later chairman, Peadar was also elected to Down County Council and the Board of Guardians. This family tradition has been carried on by his nephew, Cllr P.J. Bradley, a member of the Stormont Assembly.

But back to “Big Jim” Larkin. Despite claims that he was born in Liverpool, and later came to live at Burren, a recent biography “The Lion in the Fold,” has produced evidence that he first saw the light of day in Tamnaharrie, son of Mary Ann McAnulty from Burren and James Larkin of Drumintee, Killeavy.

As a child, he was taken to Liverpool by his parents, who later returned to Burren, where young Jim attended Carrick national school. Finally, the Larkin family went back to England, when Jim was about 10 years old.

Since his father was an alcoholic, who died of TB at an early age, Jim left school at the age of 11 years. Starting work, he delivered milk on week-days, and was employed in a butcher shop on Saturdays, in order to keep the family from abject poverty.

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© Fabian Boyle 2001-2008