School: Rathowen (B) (roll number 5101)
- Location:
- Rathowen, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: T. Mc Garry
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0741, Page 155
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- James Reilly the subject of the tale was born at Churchtown parish of Empor and belonged to the well-to-do class of farmers. At an early age he emigrated to America but when the war between the Pope and Garibaldi broke out he came home to Ireland and formed Major O Reilly's brigade who was then recruiting a regiment to fight for the Pope. Subsequently the Major with his Volunteers proceeded to Italy and took part in man engagements.
James O Reilly was taken prisoner but when the Pope's army surrendered he was liberated.
He again returned to Ireland and joined the Fenian movement which was then pretty active. The Executive appointed him Head Centre for Westmeath where his activity and fearlessness was generally noted. It was known that he went into the Military Barracks Mullingar and swore in many of the soldiers as Fenians
Amongst his most trusty lieutenants was Jim Kenny of Balroe Ballynacarrigy.
Kenny lived on the Tuite Estate and by his(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Nuala Cregg
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 12
- Informant
- James Killean
- Relation
- Grandparent
- Gender
- Male
- Occupation
- Farmer
- Address
- Joanstown, Co. Westmeath
