The Irish Volunteers in Kerry and the lead up to the 1916 Rising

   In the lead up to the 1916 Rising, and in the midst of the First World War, the Irish Volunteers drilled in open and their activities widely reported on. For the British administration in Ireland the leaders and rank and file of the organisation were known to all. In Kerry figures like Austin Stack were heavily involved in recruitment. Here the  Liberator (Tralee) newspaper in December 1915 reported on the activities of the movement in the county:

LISTRY AND BALLYHAR. On last Sunday, the Kerry Organiser of the Irish Volunteers visited Listry and having made a brief address 46 young men offered themselves as recruits. Some preliminary drill and rifle practice having taken place in an adjoining field, the dismiss was given'. The Organiser then visited Ballyhar when 30 recruits offered themselves as Irish Volunteers, and some extended order drill was gone through. The members of both corps are most enthusiastic, and they have arranged a programme of drill and rifle shooting for the winter. Arrangements for a collection on behalf of the Defence of Ireland Fund Avere also made.

ABBEYDORNEY CORPS. Ninety-six recruits drilled here last Sunday. A collection for the Defence of Ireland Fund will soon be made.

BROSNA IRISH VOLUNTEERS. A Branch of the- Irish Volunteers was established in Brosna on Sunday. There, was a large attendance of the general public. Mr Guiney who presided at a public meeting exhorted all the young men in the Parish to join the Irish Volunteers. D. O'Mahony, Commandant of the Castleisland Corps briefly addressed those present. Mr. A. Slack and several members of the Tralee corps were present. 50 recruits were registered and a committee, with Chairman and Tresurer were appointed.

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