Beschreibung:

Hare Park Hunger Strike 1923 A group of letters to and from Fred Cronin during the mass hunger strike of Oct./Nov. 1923 in Hare Park internment camp (Curragh), notably an ALS in Irish from Fred, 1 November (the 12th day of his fast), saying he is 'gan buairt aigne' [untroubled] and quoting Terence MacSwiney; followed by a forthright ALS from his sister-in-law May Cronin, 3 Nov. 1923, urging him to think of his five children and their need for him. 'Fred dear, would you not give up the hunger strike, surely one placed as you are could not be expected to make such a sacrifice. Think of the poor children whom dear Katie (R.I.P.) left in your charge, and Dick is just at an age when a boy needs a father's guidance most .. I am a bad hand at preaching, Fred, but I beg of you to give it up and come home to your dear little motherless children who need you so much ..'; also a letter from his friend Min Cotter, 5 November, indicating that he has ended his strike. With some telegrams asking about his condition, etc., and two TLS from the secretary to the Minister for Defence, Gen. Mulcahy, concerning his release. * The 1923 hunger strike started on 14 October in Mountjoy Jail, and spread to other prisons and camps, in protest at the continued detention of thousands of men (who declined to sign good conduct pledges) six months after the Civil War had ended. The Government was determined not to make concessions, and many relatives must have felt as May Cronin did; but few would have had the courage to put their views so plainly on paper. The strike ended everywhere on 18 November, through Cardinal Logue's intercession, after two men had died. Most of the prisoners were released unconditionally soon afterwards. Fred Cronin was moved to the Curragh Military Hospital, where he apparently remained until early 1924. Provenance: Cronin collection. Hare Park Hunger Strike 1923 A group of letters to and from Fred Cronin during the mass hunger strike of Oct./Nov. 1923 in Hare Park internment camp (Curragh), notably an ALS in Irish from Fred, 1 November (the 12th day of his fast), saying he is 'gan buairt aigne' [untroubled] and quoting Terence MacSwiney; followed by a forthright ALS from his sister-in-law May Cronin, 3 Nov. 1923, urging him to think of his five children and their need for him. 'Fred dear, would you not give up the hunger strike, surely one placed as you are could not be expected to make such a sacrifice. Think of the poor children whom dear Katie (R.I.P.) left in your charge, and Dick is just at an age when a boy needs a father's guidance most .. I am a bad hand at preaching, Fred, but I beg of you to give it up and come home to your dear little motherless children who need you so much ..'; also a letter from his friend Min Cotter, 5 November, indicating that he has ended his strike. With some telegrams asking about his condition, etc., and two TLS from the secretary to the Minister for Defence, Gen. Mulcahy, concerning his release. * The 1923 hunger strike started on 14 October in Mountjoy Jail, and spread to other prisons and camps, in protest at the continued detention of thousands of men (who declined to sign good conduct pledges) six months after the Civil War had ended. The Government was determined not to make concessions, and many relatives must have felt as May Cronin did; but few would have had the courage to put their views so plainly on paper. The strike ended everywhere on 18 November, through Cardinal Logue's intercession, after two men had died. Most of the prisoners were released unconditionally soon afterwards. Fred Cronin was moved to the Curragh Military Hospital, where he apparently remained until early 1924. Provenance: Cronin collection.