File 1 - Correspondence collected by Joe Doyle

Mostly photocopies of official letters from Department of President, Pádraig Quinn of Kilkenny Blueshirt Division, and brothers John C. Dunphy, J. J. Dunphy and P. L. Dunphy, also involved in recruitment in the Kilkenny-Carlow area, referring to the establishment of an Irish Brigade, the delay of departure of Irish Brigade for Spain, and articles necessary for each volunteer. Includes copy of a letter from Pádraig Quinn, Kilkenny Blueshirt Division (League of Youth), Gowran House, Gowran, county Kilkenny, to Joe Duffy, regarding the question of an Irish Brigade going to Spain, noting his wish to be a member of such an organisation when the time comes, and stating ‘A number of Blueshirts here and there throughout the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny have volunteered their services for the “Irish Brigade” to Spain, the motive of such service being for the “GLORY OF GOD and the HONOUR OF IRELAND”’ (22 September 1936). Also contains copy of a letter from Padraig Quinn, Gowran House, to Joe Doyle, which reassures him that they should not be upset by men withdrawing their names from membership of Brigade (23 October 1936). In addition, a copy of a letter to Doyle from John C. Dunphy, 52 Tullow Street, Carlow, who states ‘I am instructed by Capt. Quinn, who was himself instructed by General O’Duffy, to request that you… procure a passport immediately, for all European countries. Do not mention Spain. If you choose, say you are going to a job somewhere’ (18 November 1936). Also contains list of articles necessary for each volunteer which includes one small valise, one heavy overcoat, one pair of breeches, one pair of heavy nailed boots (or shoes), three pairs of heavy socks (hand knit if possible), one spare set of heavy underwear, one leather strap strong (over 42” long), one pouch (for ammunition) and one shaving outfit.