Refund for McSwiney body’s transportation

It’s probably not well known that a then future British prime minister walked in Terence MacSwiney’s funeral during its London stage.

The Mayor of Stepney, Major Clement Attlee, in his civic regalia, was one of many representatives of London boroughs who paid their respects to the late Lord Mayor of Cork. A brief memoir carries a photo of Attlee at the funeral, which was led by a guard of honour from Cork No 1 Brigade IRA in full uniform.

The Dublin stage was thwarted when MacSwiney’s siblings were forced from their train at Holyhead, and the remains seized and sent separately by sea direct to Cork following the intervention of Sir Henry Wilson.

The Dáil’s agent in London, Art O Briain, paid for transportation to Dublin.

Perhaps the refund, plus interest, is still owing to the State’s coffers and Mr Noonan might persuade Mr Osborne to cough up?

Donal Kennedy

Palmers Green

London N13