Liam Langley helped to set up the Irish Volunteers in Tuam in 1913. This Christmas card was received by Liam from The O'Rahilly, a republican he got to know through their shared involvement in the rebellion. The date of the card is between 1913-1915.
Michael Joseph O'Rahilly (22 April 1875 –29 April 1916) known as The
O'Rahilly,was an Irish republican
and nationalist; he was a founding member of the Irish Volunteers 1913 and served as Director of Arms. Despite opposing the action, he took part
in the Easter Rising in
Dublin and was killed in a charge on a British machine gun post covering the
retreat from the GPO during the fighting.
O'Rahilly wrote a message to his wife on the back of a letter he had
received in the GPO from his son. The message reads:
Written after I was shot. Darling
Nancy I was shot leading a rush up Moore Street and took refuge in a doorway.
While I was there I heard the men pointing out where I was and made a bolt
for the laneway I am in now. I got more [than] one bullet I think. Tons and
tons of love dearie to you and the boys and to Nell and Anna. It was a good
fight anyhow. Please deliver this to Nannie O' Rahilly, 40 Herbert Park,
Dublin. Goodbye Darling.
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