Sinn Fein Versus AOH
Sinn Fein versus AOH Bit of local background to the AOH and their role in the struggle for freedom. The information is from recollections collected from volunteers in County Donegal. The role of the AOH has always been a reactionary one within the context of our contiuous struggle against British occupation. Anthony Dawson from the Market Square tells of the antagonism the local Sinn Fein group in Letterkenny received from British soldiers’ wives living in the town. “Very often we were called out to intercept and break up recruitment meetings for the British army. British soldiers’ wives, living the town, who were in receipt of marriage allowance were very antagonistic towards us and caused considerable trouble at times.” Mr Dawson tells of the bitter opposition Sinn Fein met from the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). “In February 1918 Eamon deValera and Sean McEntee were due to address a meeting in Raphoe. The AOH and Unionist party became so hostile that a call for Volunteer assistance came to Letterkenny. “Ninety men were mobilised in a short time and we entrained for Raphoe. We armed ourselves with pick axes, slash hooks, pieces of lead piping etc. On our arrival at Raphoe we looked a formidable force. “The RIC made an attempt to stop us from marching down the street but were brushed aside. The opposition parties also withdrew and a successful meeting was held without any disturbance. We then marched back to Letterkenny,” he wrote. Dawson's Company were called to Churchill in 1918 to protect the ballot boxes because the AOH had attempted to take control there and were trying to prevent Sinn Fein sympathisers from registering their votes at the polling booth
Sinn Fein versus AOH Bit of local background to the AOH and their role in the struggle for freedom. The information is from recollections collected from volunteers in County Donegal. The role of the AOH has always been a reactionary one within the context of our contiuous struggle against British occupation. Anthony Dawson from the Market Square tells of the antagonism the local Sinn Fein group in Letterkenny received from British soldiers’ wives living in the town. “Very often we were called out to intercept and break up recruitment meetings for the British army. British soldiers’ wives, living the town, who were in receipt of marriage allowance were very antagonistic towards us and caused considerable trouble at times.” Mr Dawson tells of the bitter opposition Sinn Fein met from the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). “In February 1918 Eamon deValera and Sean McEntee were due to address a meeting in Raphoe. The AOH and Unionist party became so hostile that a call for Volunteer assistance came to Letterkenny. “Ninety men were mobilised in a short time and we entrained for Raphoe. We armed ourselves with pick axes, slash hooks, pieces of lead piping etc. On our arrival at Raphoe we looked a formidable force. “The RIC made an attempt to stop us from marching down the street but were brushed aside. The opposition parties also withdrew and a successful meeting was held without any disturbance. We then marched back to Letterkenny,” he wrote. Dawson's Company were called to Churchill in 1918 to protect the ballot boxes because the AOH had attempted to take control there and were trying to prevent Sinn Fein sympathisers from registering their votes at the polling booth