Mallow Heritage Centre

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

Phone: 022/50302                                  Fax 022/20276              E-mail: mallowhc@eircom.net

__________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                27/28 Bank Place,

                                                                                Mallow,

                                                                                Co. Cork.

                                                                                Ireland.

Dear Sir/Madam,

The County of Cork comprises one- tenth of the land of Ireland and is the largest County in Ireland.  County Cork also had the second largest population in Ireland during the Nineteenth Century.  For this reason the County was administratively divided into three Dioceses, these being Cork, Ross and Cloyne.  When the Heritage Centres were set up, a Centre was allocated to each Diocese.  The one you are presently dealing with is the Centre for the Diocese of Cloyne, i.e. forty-six parishes out of the one hundred and twenty parishes within the County of Cork and holding 1,000,000 entries on our database, the third largest record database in Ireland.

         

The Centre for the Diocese of Cork was set up in Cork City some years ago but will not be providing a research service for a number of years.  Then we have the Diocese of Ross, which incorporates most of West Cork.  This area is known as a black spot in Irish Genealogy.  A centre was established for this area some years ago but has since been closed due to legal difficulties. Mallow Heritage Centre is the only Centre that provides a Research Service in Co. Cork.  Many people decide to carry out research in our forty-six parishes, which helps them to identify whether their ancestors originated in the Cloyne Diocesan area and if not, to eliminate this area from their research.

Our Application Form is attached.  On receipt of this Application Form, together with the appropriate fee, I will be delighted to carry out a search on your behalf.

If you choose to pay our fees by credit card our website is at www.mallowheritagecentre.com.

            Mallow Heritage Centre Online service is now operating – access through www.rootsireland.ie.  This site is part of the Irish genealogical Online Record Search system (ORS), a national initiative organized by the Irish Family History Foundation.

          This site contains the largest collection of Parish records for Co. Cork (North & East) that are searchable online.  The complete indexes, listing surname, first name, and year are yours to search freely.  To view a detailed record you can purchase credit online for instant access.

Yours sincerely,

Susanna Russell

Mallow Heritage Centre

27/28 Bank Place,

Mallow

Co. Cork,

Ireland.

The Mallow Heritage Centre holds the records of forty-six parishes in North and East Cork which forms the Diocese of Cloyne.

Ancestor’s Name:                        _________________________________

Ancestor’s Place of Birth in County Cork:_____________________________

Ancestor’s Father:_____________________________________________

Ancestor’s Mother (including her pre-marriage surname)___________________

Ancestor’s approximate year of birth:______________

Ancestor’s religious denomination: ______________________________

Did your ancestor marry in Co. Cork Yes or No?__________________

If yes,           (a)  to whom:_____________________

(b) approximate year:_________________

(c) names of children born in Co. Cork:__________________________

___________________________________________________

When did your ancestor emigrate?         _________________________

Names of brothers and sisters of your ancestors? _________________

___________________________________________________

Did you ancestor’s parents emigrate? ________________________

Further information (if necessary use a separate sheet):

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Please fill in your name and address below:

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

____________________________________

Please tick the Search required.

q  Initial Search

q  Priority Service

q  Single Search

Please forward Euro €65.00 (US $90) per family for an Initial Search, (key family provided if located) or Priority Service, (Service provided within 21 days) Euro €90 (US $125). Single Search, Euro €40 (US $55) (A single search aims to locate the Baptismal record or Marriage record of an individual). This fee applies whether the result of the search is positive or negative.  The cheapest method of payment appears to be by personal cheque in your own currency made payable to Mallow Heritage Centre.

All the above fees include a search of the 46 parishes of the Diocese of Cloyne.

All searches include a family assessment - over generations-, of all sources and data available at Mallow Heritage Centre (i.e. further generation searches, Census Records, Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Applotment Records, Graveyard Inscriptions, National School Records).  Any records located in addition to the requested search will be provided at a further cost, if required.

If the search proves negative the client will be advised on alternative search routes if appropriate.

Online Record: www.rootsireland.ie

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

                   

The following is a list of the Computerised ROMAN CATHOLIC Parish Records.

PARISH                                                             BAPTISMS                                        MARRIAGES

Aghada                                                              1792-1895                                        1785-1897

Aghinagh                                                          1848-1895                                        1858-1895

Glanworth &                                                    1836-1899                                        1836-1899

Ballindangan                                    

Ballyclough                                                      1807-1922                                        1805-1922

Ballyhea                                                                          1809-1922                                        1811-1922

Ballymacoda                                                    1835-1899                                        1836-1899

Ballyvourney                                                   1822-1895                                        1871-1899

Banteer                                                             1828-1922                                        1828-1922

Blarney                                                             1820-1922                                        1779-1922                        

                                                                                                                                       (GAP 1814-1821

Buttevant                                                          1814-1905                                        1820-1920

Carrigtwohill                                                    1817-1922                                        1818-1922

Castlelyons                                                      1791-1910                                        1830-1922

Castlemagner                                                   1832-1899                                        1832-1898

Castletownroche                                                            1810-1922                                        1811-1922

Charleville                                                       1827-1922                                        1774-1922                                                                                                                                                                 (GAP 1815-1827)

Churchtown                                                     1812-1909                                        1813-1922

Clondrohid                                                       1807-1895                                        1822-1894

Cloyne                                                              1791-1922                                        1791-1895

Cobh                                                                  1812-1908                                        1812-1899

Coachford                                                        1820-1895                                        1820-1895

Conna                                                                1832-1911                                        1844-1922

Doneraile                                                          1815-1922                                        1815-1899

Donoughmore                                                  1803-1895                                        1790-1899

Fermoy                                                              1827-1899                                        1828-1899

Glantane                                                           1829-1895                                        1858-1895

Grenagh                                                                           1840-1899                                        1840-1899

Imogeela                                                           1835-1899                                        1834-1899

Inniscarra                                                         1814-1895                                        1814-1899

Kanturk                                                             1822-1922                                        1824-1922

Kildorrery                                                        1824-1899                                        1803-1895

Killavullen                                                       1805-1895                                        1806-1895

Killeagh                                                                           1829-1896                                        1823-1897

Killnamatyra                                                    1803-1894                                        1803-1895

Kilworth                                                           1829-1899                                        1830-1899

Lisgoold                                                                           1807-1895                                        1822-1899

Macroom                                                          1805-1898                                        1780-1899

Mallow                                                               1809-1922                                        1758-1922

                                                                            (GAP 1810-1817 & 1829-1831)

Meelin                                                               1866-1899                                        1867-1899

Midleton                                                           1819-1899                                        1810-1899

                                                                                                                                       (GAP1855-1865

Milford                                                             1827-1896                                        1823-1895

                                                                            (GAP 1844-1858)

Mitchestown                                                    1792-1899                                        1815-1899

                                                                            (GAP 1802-1814

Mourneabbey                                                  1829-1907                                        1829-1907

Newmarket                                                       1833-1906                                        1822-1922

Rathcormac                                                      1792-1899                                        1829-1899

Shandrum                                                         1793-1917                                        1793-1922

Youghal                                                                           1803-1899                                        1802-1906

                                                                                                                                                                    

              

                                            

                                            

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

The following is a list of computerised CHURCH OF IRELAND Parish Records

PARISH                        RECORD                 YEAR

AHERN                         Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1846 - 1892

BALLYCLOUGH                   Baptism                No Records                                                           Marriage               1845 - 1898

BALLYHEA                      Baptism                1764 - 1899

                              Marriage               1780 - 1844

                              Death                  1777 - 1898

BALLYHOOLY                    Baptism                1894 - 1897

                              Marriage               1850 – 1899

BALLYNOE                      Baptism                1882 - 1899

                              Marriage               1858 - 1896

                              Death                  1886 - 1898

BRIDGETOWN                                        Baptism                1859 - 1871

                              Marriage               No Records

BRIGOWN                       Baptism                1768 - 1898

                              Marriage               1810 - 1848

                              Death                  1810 - 1899

BUTTEVANT                     Baptism                1800 - 1899

                               Marriage               1845 - 1899

                              Death                  1800 - 1899

CARRIGALEARY                  Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1848 - 1871

CASTLEHYDE                    Baptism                1768 - 1827

                              Marriage               1775 - 1899

CASTLELYONS                   Baptism                1815 - 1839

                              Marriage               1846 - 1898

                              Death                  1890

CASLTEMAGNER                  Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1849 - 1899

CASTLEMARTYR                  Baptism                1800 - 1898

                              Marriage               1845 - 1894

CASTLETOWNROCHE               Baptism                1829 - 1899

                              Marriage               1845 - 1895

CHARLEVILLE                   Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1845 - 1899

CLONDULANE                    Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1848 - 1889

CLONMEEN                      Baptism                1889 - 1896

                              Marriage               1848 - 1862

                              Death                  1892

CLONPRIEST                    Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1851 – 1870

CURRAGLASS                    Baptism                1894 - 1898

                              Marriage               1846 - 1897

DONERAILE                     Baptism                1730 - 1900

                              Marriage               1741 - 1895

                              Death                  1700 - 1899

DONOUGHMORE                   Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1845 - 1887

                              Death                  1899

DRISHANE                      Baptism                1877 - 1900

                              Marriage               No Records

DROMTARRIFFE                  Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1849 - 1888

FARAHY                        Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1845 - 1898   

FERMOY                        Baptism                1822 - 1899

                              Marriage               1838 - 1899

                              Deaths                 1800 - 1899

GLANWORTH                     Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1846 - 1881

GLENVILLE                     Baptism                1877 - 1899

                              Marriage               1851 - 1899

GORTROE                       Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1846 - 1872

KANTURK                       Baptism                1878 - 1899

                              Marriage               No Records

KILBOLANE                     Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1846 - 1894

KILBRIN                       Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1845 - 1898

KILLEAGH                      Baptism                1782 - 1880

                              Marriage               1776 - 1876

KILSHANNIG                    Baptism                1731 - 1899                                                  Marriage               1845 - 1898

                              Death                  1731 - 1899

KILWORTH                      Baptism                1887 - 1899                                                 Marriage               1845 - 1897

                              Death                  1887 - 1899

KNOCKMOURNE                   Baptism                1899

                              Marriage               1745 - 1790

MALLOW                        Baptism                1732 - 1899

                              Marriage               1780 - 1899

MONANIMY                      Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1845 - 1879

MOURNEABBEY                   Baptism                1832 - 1884

                              Marriage               No Records

                              Death                  1850 - 1874

NATHLASH                      Baptism                1844 - 1868

                              Marriage               No Records

NEWMARKET                                          Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1846 - 1895

RAHAN                         Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1847 - 1894

                              Deaths                 1881 - 1886

RATHCORMAC                    Baptism                1800 - 1899

                              Marriage               1821 - 1897

                              Deaths                 1800 - 1899

TULLYLEASE                    Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1860

WATERGRASSHILL                Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1848 - 1895

WHITECHURCH                   Baptism                No Records

                              Marriage               1848 - 1877

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

                                     

                                     

                                      

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

                                     

                                     

                                      

       

       

       

       

                                     

                                     

                                      

Iowa chaplain was among first to die at Pearl Harbor

Posted by: "FCoolavin@aol.com" FCoolavin@aol.com

Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:04 am (PST)

All,
I posted this article from Catholic News Service several years ago. It is a good reminder of the bravery and courage of our military chaplains.  It deserves to be re-run on this Veterans Day.


J. Michael Finn
Ohio State Historian
Ancient Order of Hibernians
Columbus, Ohio

Iowa chaplain was among first to die at Pearl Harbor

By Patrick Downes Catholic News Service_ (http://www.catholicnews.com/index.html) 

HONOLULU (CNS) -- Father Aloysius H. Schmitt, a 32-year-old Navy chaplain frm Dubuque, Iowa, had just finished celebrating the 6:15 a.m. Sunday Mass on Dec. 7, 1941, on board the USS Oklahoma, a battleship in port at Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese struck.

The first torpedo hit the massive ship forward on the port side. A second hit the center. Torrents of water poured into the gaping holes caused by the explosions.

As the attack raged, Father Schmitt went to the ship's sick bay to minister to the wounded and dying. But within minutes it became clear that the Oklahoma itself was mortally stricken and the call was given to abandon ship.

The book ``Trapped at Pearl Harbor, Escape from the Battleship Oklahoma,'' by Stephen Bower Young, describes what happened next to the young chaplain. ``Trapped at his battle station on the second deck below when the ship went over, Father Schmitt helped several sailors escape through a porthole to safety,'' it says. ``When he in turn tried to squeeze through, he was unable to do so, quite possibly because of the breviary in his pocket.

``Then seeing that other sailors had entered the rapidly flooding compartment for a means of escape, Chaplain Schmitt insisted that he be pushed back inside to assist them. True to his commitments as a priest and a naval officer, he urged them on, helping them to safety out of the porthole before 
water engulfed him there.''

Jack Henkels, a Catholic park ranger at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, researched Father Schmitt's story during the 1990s. He wrote an article for the fall 1997 issue of the Arizona Memorial newsletter. Henkels cited the account of two eyewitnesses in his story. ``He told the men trying to pull him out (to) let him back in,'' Henkels wrote. ``They protested, saying that he would never get out alive, but he insisted, `Please let go of me, and may God bless you all.'''

Another account by Pearl Harbor chaplain Jesuit Father Francis X. O'Connor, published in the Oct. 5, 1944, issue of The Witness, newspaper of the Diocese of Dubuque, related the story as told to him by the shipman who had tried to save Father Schmitt. It said, ``The sailor did not want to let him go but finally yielded to his demands. The sailor hoped he was going in to clear his pocket but reports 
that Father seemed to think that there were others in the compartment by now.''

There were. After the priest helped them escape, the 35,000-ton ship gave a lurch, and less than 20 minutes after the first torpedo hit, it rolled over and settled into the mud in the harbor. Two-thirds of the crew survived the attack; 448 men died.

Father Schmitt was the first U.S. Catholic chaplain to be killed in World War II. The next day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, would have been the sixth anniversary of his ordination.

On Oct. 23, 1942, the Navy posthumously honored the chaplain with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for ``distinguished heroism and sublime devotion to his fellow man.'' `His magnanimous courage and self sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,'' the citation said. ``He gallantly gave up his life for his country.''

In his book, Young questioned the appropriateness of the relatively minor honor: ``One can only wonder why the Navy did not see fit to grant Lt. Schmitt a much higher award, for he gave his life so that others might live, the highest sacrifice an individual can make.''

Father Schmitt is most likely buried at Punchbowl Cemetery in Hawaii, in a grave with about 400 other unidentified bodies recovered from the Oklahoma. His name is engraved there in the Courts of the Missing. He also is memorialized on a plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center at Pearl Harbor along with the only other chaplain who died in the Japanese attack, Presbyterian Rev. Thomas L. Kirkpatrick of the USS Arizona.

A chapel was named after him at his alma mater, Loras College in Dubuque. Three years after his death, the Navy presented the chapel with a crucifix made from wood from the Oklahoma's teak deck, with the body of Christ cast from metal from the ship.

His chalice, bent in the attack, also was recovered from the ship and presented to the college.

County Cork Roots

I understand there is a fine heritage center housed in the Old Gasworks Building on Upper Bridge St., in Skibbereen (www.skibbheritage.com.) They provide a comprehensive explanation about An Gorta Mor and just how it impacted the area and the people residing there. The people of Skibbereen were living in one of the worst areas in the nation to be affected.

The Center also has other resources for those  interested in pursuing their family history. Griffith's Valuation Index is the first Irish property ownership record. The records they have cover 1848 - 1866. The Tithe Applotment books are from 1823-1837. I understand they also have a Catholic record database of baptisms and marriages for some West Cork parishes.

From the U.S. their telephone is 011.353.28.40900 or fax 011.353.28.40957. Within Ireland it is 028.40900)

Sullivan's Irish Whiskey

Some time back, Cleveland City Councilman Pat O'Malley returned from a trip to Ireland. With him was a gift for his Aide, Erin Sullivan - a bottle of Sullivan's Irish Whiskey. Made from Irish apples, at the time it was distilled by John Sullivan & Sons, Dublin.

After thanking O"Malley she said, "I'll have to have my dad over when we open it." Then, as an afterthought, she said, "Maybe that's not such a good idea."

Had she invited me it might have been polished off at one sitting!  8-)

Commentary on British Subpoena of Boston College by Michael Cummings

IRISH AMERICAN UNITY CONFERENCE
BOX 55573
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20040 September 27, 2011 

Dear Editor: 

Our U. S Attorney General has been overcome by an episode of royal arrogance so breathtaking it staggers the imagination. It occurs by way of the latest effort of the United Kingdom to control Ireland’s past, present and its future!! How so? 

Her majesty’s government had the imperial gall to demand U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder enforce a subpoena provided by the police force in Northern Ireland, a Department better known for murders and mayhem than for law enforcement.

The instrument used is the misbegotten Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) sold as an aid to law enforcement in the fight against terrorism. How is this done in a country with more uniformed terrorists on its payroll in N. I. than there are Arab terrorists? The British hold those lovely parties at the Embassy for a supporting cast of fawning diplomats and hangers-on always impressed with Royal Dalton China and the finest Scotch. They then produce a subpoena demanding documents held by one of the nations’ premier Catholic universities, Boston College. 'Be a chap and go fetch these records for us like a good fellow!'

 

No police force in a modern democracy, nor in China, has as many unsolved murders of Catholics---nearly a thousand--- as has the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Not only gall but ironry, because Britain refuses to disclose two reports (Stevens, Stalker) that document the collusion of the RUC with loyalist criminals in a record of lawlessness that stands alone for its violence and corruption. Britain has had this police force refusing to cooperate with Ireland , the U. S. Congress and anyone else, in covering up the role of the British Army in the largest State-terrorist act of the conflict, the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

Americans of all faiths, creeds, colors and national origin should be outraged. But decades of British media schmoozing since
Bloody Sunday have perfected the lie of an ‘honest broker’ role and many see the Belfast Agreement of 1998 as closing this chapter. Think again. This is just another step, another chess move in the never-ending story of Britain’s need to control Ireland. But for those so inclined, may I suggest some thoughts that might be conveyed to our elected officials before they collaborate in this injustice! 

The Attorney General should delay or decline the response to the subpoenas because they are contrary to public policy i. e. support of the Irish peace process. It represents a politically inspired fishing expedition to interfere in the political affairs of Ireland. It appears focused on Gerry Adams. 

The MLAT states the U. S. should enforce the subpoena unless it violates our laws and practices. But what about the lawlessness of the Requesting Party i. e. Britain? They are the single largest violator of European Political & Civil Rights accords and Human Rights Conventions. 

The Police Ombudsman for N. I. in January, 2007 reported many areas of police collusion in murder with loyalist paramilitaries. Why is the U. S. government assisting the RUC/PSNI, the most discredited police force in of any modern democracy?

In 2006, in order to get the MLAT adopted, the British Government assured U. S. Senators that they were NOT interested in pursuing pre-Good Friday Agreement prosecutions. Now the first action they take pursuant to this Treaty is to selectively request documents and tapes that might have something to do with a 40 year old case which the Police Ombudsman indicated they never investigated in the first place. Why should the U.S. government fall for this British bait and switch tactic?  It is insulting not only to U. S. Senators but to the American people. 

The British (through the Attorney General) claim the Belfast Accord did not grant amnesty. Oh, but it did for British-paid
terrorists! Jolly Old England has refused to cooperate or prosecute those who committed the Dublin-Monaghan bombs that killed 33 and injured hundreds. Nor have they pursuied the killers of solicitors Patrick Finucane and Rosemary Nelson. They have refused to comply with a unanimous request of Dail Eirean for information on the Dublin Monaghan case. The British have ignored requests from the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe for full independent inquiries into the murders of Finucane and Nelson. What part about the word “cooperation” do they not get?

Attorney General Holder, in response to the debacle of Operation Fast and Furious, declared there are a lot of ‘Operations’ in the Justice Department going on that people are not aware of, including himself. Perhaps there are Operation Royal Snowjobs the British are running by using the U. S. Justice Department as patsies. 

In October, 2006 the Independent International Panel Chaired by Professor Douglass Cassel of Notre Dame Law School
concluded “in 24 cases involving 74 murders, evidence linked the RUC/PSNI and the UDR (British Army) with loyalist
paramilitaries …and the investigation and ensuing prosecution of murdered Catholics were inadequate by any standard.” 
How can the Chief law enforcement officer of the U. S. think of ever turning anything over to this gang of uniformed thugs?

In March, 2010 Jane Winter of British Irish Rights Watch, in testimony before the U. S. Helsinki Commission, indicated that the Ballmurphy murders by the British Army of 11 Catholics and the loyalist killings of 15 Catholics in McGurk's Bar, both
in 1971, have yet to be properly investigated. The British refuse to allow an inquiry into the murder of solicitor
Patrick Finucane ...despite compelling evidence that the police, the Army and the Intelligence services were all
implicated in his murder...” Why should the U. S. give any priority to getting Boston College records when Britain has yet to
even investigate crimes, never mind prosecute the slaughter of Catholics? 

In sworn testimony before the U. S. Helsinki Commission, Raymond McCord, a Unionist whose son was murdered by the UVF, testified that senior UVF man Mark Haddock was involved in many murders, one bombing, punishment attacks and drug dealing and worked for the British intelligence services for 12 years. He stated “ the British did collude with terrorist organizations …they are no different than Muammar Gaddafi’s government blowing up a jet with 300 people on it… [his] … was one revolting act of terrorism: the terrorists in N. I. committed thousands of acts of terrorism—many by police agents.” Where does the British government, with so much blood on its hands, get the nerve to make the United States a
partner in their treachery and lawlessness!!!

One of the reasons the U. S. Attorney General argues the subpoena should be enforced and complied with is “there is no reason to conclude the United Kingdom is not engaged in a bona fide criminal investigation.” Anyone with a sophomoric
knowledge of the British version of law, order and justice in Northern Ireland must conclude THAT THE BRITISH DO NOT KNOW HOW TO CONDUCT A BONA FIDE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION!!!

In 1996 Dr. Anthony Lake spoke at Georgetown University and concluded his remarks by stating “..we are determined to continue supporting the people of Northern Ireland …as they take risks for the peace that they themselves must build.” There is no one who took more risks for peace than Gerry Adams, an elected Member of Parliament and a current Member of the Irish Dail. There are elements of the British government that would prefer to see instability, the return of troops
and the restoration of the police State in N. I. The objective of this subpoena is to meddle in the affairs of Ireland
and to destabilize a peace process in which the U. S. has invested so much time and effort. The fact that this subpoena could contribute to destabilizing the peace process is another reason the Attorney General can decline to enforce it. 

Why isn’t the Attorney General using the MLAT to get information from the British government about the pardon of Libyan bomber el-Megrahi so that the families of the American victims might know whether the U. S. government or British Petroleum is Britain’s true partner in law enforcement? 

In testimony before the House International Relations Committee in 2005, Mitchell Reiss, Special Envoy of the
President to Northern Ireland, spoke of the fundamentals of justice and how …in a democratic society, it is the responsibility of elected politicians to uphold the rule of law and cooperate with authorities.” This was the call of British government
officials after the slaughter of 14 innocent people on Bloody Sunday. After 40 years of lying they admitted that
the killings were murders but found no reason to charge the murdering Paratroopers. Compliance and enforcement
of this subpoena would not serve the purposes of law but MAKE A MOCKERY OF THE RULE OF LAW. The U. S. would be giving a stamp of approval for every tool of repression…internment, kangaroo courts, paid perjurers (supergrasses), censorship, and State-sponsored assassination of elected officials…… used by the British and other despots. Does our Constitution and history of freedom struggles mean nothing to this Administration? 

In March, 2011 Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Commission on the Security and Cooperation in Europe, expressed his concern over the British government adopting an Inquiries Act which would empower the government to limit independent action by the judiciary. It would also block scrutiny of State actions…particularly in light of the British government’s continuing refusal to heed calls for independent public inquiry into police collusion, and to release the findings of its own inquiries into collusion (Stalker, Stevens).” Britain isn’t interested in the facts or truth of any crime. It is about keeping a  lid on their cesspool of lawlessness while continuing to meddle in the affairs of Ireland.

This is as much a struggle for American dignity and American justice as it is a struggle for the terrible truth of Britain’s misrule in Ireland. It is a struggle Americans must win! 

Sincerely,

Michael J. Cummings, Member
National Board
12 Marion Ave
Albany, NY 12203-1814

First trip to Ireland, 1993