The GPO

It was the headquarters of the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 and since then it has been an important part of national identity ever since. The General Post Office, or the GPO as it is known, is back in the news again amid concerns over its future. Indeed, just this very week questions have been raised in Dail Eireann about plans for the historic site.

Back in 1935, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Rising there were calls to identify the fifty or some who had not signed the ‘GPO Garrison Roll’ remembering those who had been stationed in the headquarters. The Irish Press reported in November 1935 that:

 REMARKABLE response to the call of the Committee in charge for signatories to the Dublin G.P.O. 1916 Garrison Roll of Honour was made in the Rotunda, yesterday, where the first public session for the reception of signatures from former members of the garrison was held. About 203 members signed out of an approximated total strength of 350. The signatures embraced representatives of Cumann na mBan, Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army, Hibernian Rifles, Fianna Eireann, Clan na nGaedheal Girl Scouts. Signatures appended to the roll included those of Messrs. Sean MacEntee (Minister for Finance), Messrs. J. J. Walsh, former Minister for Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. O'Reilly, Frank Henderson, T.C.; Chief Supt. M. Lynch, G.S., Wexford; Frank Thornton, and Miss Gavan Duffy. Armlets were distributed to the signatories who had not previously received them at the St. Patrick's Day ceremonies. The arrangements were directed by Messrs. Liam Cullen (chairman), Liam Tannan (secretary), and Seamus Devoy (assistant secretary), representing the committee in charge. A further meeting will be held in the Rotunda on Sunday next. Former members of the G.P.O. garrison who have not received invitations are requested to communicate with the Secretary at 6 Gardiner's Row,. Dublin.

For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com )