The following reports were written by Liam Langley and published in the Irish Volunteer paper.
(See I.V. 7 March 1914
Tuam meeting 350 recruits for I.V. See letter from Colonel Moore not included)
Extracts from the ‘Irish
Volunteer’ ? March 1914
On Sunday week, the Tuam Company, Irish Volunteers assembled
for Drill at Sloyan’s yard, when it was seen that the ranks were much augmented
by new recruits under Mr Phillips (who in future is to rank as Captain) and his
staff of instructors: Messrs Kennedy, O’Shaughnessy and O’Flanagan. The men were put through an hour’s
drilling. They were handled in squads of
24 each and kept going without intermission for the full hour. The men entered seriously into the spirit of
the work and their earnestness augurs well for the future of the movement in
Tuam. Let us hope for a daily increasing
growth in the discipline and morale of the Tuam Corps, as it will take yet a
little time to nail the assumption that this is but a transitory movement and
will not endure. Passing events justify
its existence more and more, and those at the head of affairs here in Tuam were
determined to try and bring the local corps to battalion strength and in a
position to vie with the strongest centres elsewhere.
After drill the Volunteers marched in regimental formation
to the Town Hall, where a meeting was held for the purpose of appointing a
committee to manage the affairs of the corps.
Here the same spirit was again evident and much useful preliminary
business was dealt with. The following
committee was appointed:- Doctor T.B. Costello, President; James Daly, T.C.
Treasurer; W.T. Langley, Hon. Secretary; Committee:- Messrs John Burke, T.C.,
Wm Stockwell; Sam Browne, Denis Creedon, Tomas MacAodh, James Gordon, D.J.
Butler, Padraigh O’Dalaigh, James Roche, Wm. Cannon. Captain Phillips, Messrs. Michael Kennedy,
Stephen O’Shaughnessy and Dan. Flanagan were appointed ex.-officio members of
the committee.
The president addressed the members as did Captain Phillips
and each was listened to with rapt attention.
Dr. Costello emphasised the necessity for individual effort
by each member in maintaining the dignity, efficiency and thorough discipline
of the corps. The members must bear in
mind that there is no personal gain to be made by any of them; there was no
land to be given away or documents of any kind to be offered. The Volunteer movement was based on the
principal of pure patriotism, and instead of seeking gain of any kind members
must be prepared to suffer for their country.
The enclosure of Parkmore, which has been kindly lent by the
Race Company will, in future, be the rendezvous of the Volunteers.
Vol. 1 No. 28 March
28 1914
The Tuam Company, Irish Volunteers enjoyed a brisk hour’s
drilling on Sunday the 15th inst. under Capt Phillips. The new rendezvous, Parkmore enclosure,
although somewhat sloppy under foot, is a vast improvement on the old place of
drill, which was too small. The weather
on Sunday was somewhat favourable, yet there was a good muster of 70 men. A U.I.L. meeting in the Town Hall detained a many
members who would have otherwise considerably swelled the ranks. As it was, those present had an invigorating
time of it and made marked advance in proficiency. The instructor was highly pleased while the
men expressed themselves delighted with what was to them a pleasing and
beneficial form of exercise. Of course
perfection is far from being achieved so far; indeed it will take some months
before Tuam Corps approaches anything like the precision, bearing and perfect
mobility of regulars; but then it should be realised that the fully trained
soldier in any army must undergo a rigorous daily course of drill from 4 to 6
months duration before he is allowed to pass into the regimental unit. From next week onward the Tuam Corps will be
divided into sections so, as to facilitate a more rapid advance in drill
efficiency. Each section will be placed
under the care of competent instructors and care will be taken that each section,
as it perfects itself will be kept together and trained to the fullest
extent. New arrivals will be kept in
separate squads until efficient enough to fall into the regular body. Now that the evenings are lengthening certain
weekdays will be apportioned to each section for drill, with full parades every
Sunday and frequent route marches at intervals. The pattern of rifle for general use
throughout the country is not yet decided on by the Provisional Executive, but
the moment it is chosen the matter of arming the men will b at once gone with.
(Vol. 1 No 9 Sat 14 April 1914 See Letter from P.J. O’Flanagan)
(Vol 1 No 10. April
1914 ‘Report from Tuam &C. held over).
Vol 1. No. 11 April
18 1914 Report as follows:-
Drill took place as usual at Parkmore on Sunday under
Commander Phillips and instructors O’Shaughnessy and Kennedy. The full Company turned out and a very pleasurable
hour was enjoyed. The Company marched to
the Town Hall, where a discussion on ways and means took place, along with the
necessary taking in of a little money.
It is pleasing to record the passing of each week leaves stronger
confirmation of the fact that the Tuam Company has come to stay. It is only now that the spirit of fellowship
is becoming evident and earnest among the men, each of whom vies with the other
in professions of loyalty to the aims and objects of the Irish Volunteers.
Company orders as usual for Sunday next, viz. muster at
12.30pm and fall-in at one o’clock at Parkmore.
Liam Langley