Liam de Róiste

Líam de Róiste

Liam de Róiste had been elected as an M.P in 1918. However, he and other members of Sinn Féin refused to recognise the British Parliament and had instead declared the First Dáil Éireann in the Mansion House in Dublin in 1919.  Due to the subsequent political unrest and violent turmoil, de Róiste did not usually sleep at home, and Fr. James knew that he himself would be in danger as the house was regularly raided.  Additionally, the fate of his relative Mr Thomas Hennessy who had recently been shot by Crown forces in Crosshaven would have been fresh in his mind.  However, he put all these risks aside, stating “They would not dare lay hands on a priest”.

Unrest in Cork

On the afternoon of Saturday, May 14th (following the Southern Ireland (Home Rule) parliamentary selection), members of the RIC patrolling and searching houses in the Blackpool/ Watercourse Rd. area were attacked by rebels hurling bombs, killing three of them and wounding others.  Fr. James’ good friend and fellow Cathedral curate, Fr. J.C. O’Flynn (who later established the ‘Loft’ theatre) was quickly on the scene and administered last rites to the fallen policemen.

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This bombing triggered a “Reign of Terror” in Cork city as large forces of military and police poured onto the streets in reprisal. Residents hid indoors, terrified at the sound of machine gunfire from the Victoria Barracks. At 10 pm troops swarmed from a military lorry on Patrick Street and systematically raided ‘nationalist’ houses - one man was shot in his bed. 

Newly re-elected Liam de Róiste was warned not to stay at home that night and although Fr. O’Callaghan was advised to do likewise, he refused.