I recently picked up this postcard, which was sent from Dublin to Clones in Co. Monaghan during the War of Independence. Congratulating “my dear Harry” on the occasion of “your magnificent victory”, I can’t help but think and ponder what Aunt Mary might have been referencing!
I love little historical artifacts like this, as they give great insight into life at the time. That someone could buy a postcard showing a Volunteer in front of a tricolour with the words “the spirit still lives on in the men of today” and post it without interference is interesting in and of itself.
Stamped ’17 January 1920′ on reverse.
Political postcards were common in the Ireland of the early twentieth century, in fact within weeks of the 1916 Rising postcards depicting the destruction of the “Sinn Féin Rebellion” as they incorrectly christened it were in hot demand.
In Ulster, some of the more colourful postcards depicted what life would be like under Home Rule, often with grass growing over the streets and the place in tatters. A particular favourite comes from the enjoyable Fadó Fadó blog, showing a Unionist nightmare of Carrickfergus. Notice the graffiti on the wall proclaiming “Major McBride’s Irish Militia”, in reference to John MacBride who had fought against Britain in the Boer War. John Redmond takes a kicking too, with the statue pedestal telling us that “Redmond Rex Hibernie.”
Anti Home Rule Posrtcard (http://irishmemory.blogspot.ie/)
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Come Here To Me! 
The postcard from Dublin to Clones dated 17th January 1920 may have been sent to Henry (Harry) Slowey, Grocer and Spirit Dealer, The Diamond , Clones. He was elected to Clones Urban District Council on 15th January 1920 and became the first Sinn Fein chairman of Clones U.D.C. In the 1930’s he moved to Dublin and continued his trade at “The Crown”, Parliament St. Dublin. Three of his sons became priests, Kevin, Austin and Harry. A daughter Marie was a noted singer on Radio Eireann. Another son Brian Slowey was chairman of Bank of Ireland, Guinness and Aer Lingus. Henry Slowey died at Churchtown, Dublin in1967. I believe Rev. Harry Slowey ( Salesians, Clonliffe ?) and Brian Slowey may be still living in the Dublin area. I am not related to this family. Another successful Sinn Fein candidate was Henry (Harry) McElroy, Fermanagh St., Clones.
That’s a brilliant comment Sean, thanks! May well be a mystery solved.
He had an Aunt Mary who married a Policeman named James Maguire. They appear to live at Kenmare Parade, Inn’s Quay, Dublin (1911 Census) by which time James Maguire was a pensioner from the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Hi Sean.
That is my Grandfather,Known to the family as Daddy Mhor,don’t have a fada keystroke.He came from Feigh,Roslea County Fermanagh,born 28/5 1879.His first wife Kathleen Mullan was from Omagh.They had 4 Children.Kevin,Austin,Brendan and Marie.Kathleen died young and the children were raised by Mary Keys.Long story there.Eventually,my grandfather married Nora Beggan from Fermanagh [Aunty Nonie,a wonderful woman who was a teacher in one of the most deprived schools in Dublin ]They had 2 boys,Brian and Harry.Kevin,Austin and Harry were priests Harry still is.My dad Brendan worked for the Revenue Commissioners and sometimes had to travel to Brussles 3-4 times a week.He was a fantastic Organist and ChoirmasterMarie was at one stage the lead soprano in the Dublin Grand opera society.Harry was a Vincentian.At one stage President of Castleknock College.Lecturer at St Patricks College Drumcondra.Unfortunately my dad and Brian had a falling out,so I never got to meet those cousins.
My Grandad was indeed a Sinn Fein Councillor.and I have in front of me as I type his admission letter to the 1922 Ard Fheis.
When he moved to Dublin,I can assure you the pub was never called The Crown.It was Sloweys,18 Parliament Street.The pub was sold in 1964 for 18.000Pounds.A record in those days.Daddy Mhor retired to “Ridgelands,”Churchtown Rd.Auntie Nonie died a year later,or so .While Daddy Mhor diedin 1968,right in the middle of my final Uni exams.Was at his bedside when he went and helped my dad lay him out
Hi Austin..this is one of your cousins..I’m sure we did meet many years ago..very interesting to read that daddy mhor was involved with sinn fein..hope u get this kind regards Fiona o hare nee slowey..queenstown new zealand
Dear Fiona.
I have only seen your post,moments ago.Are you Brian’s daughter??If so,yes we met several times when you were really young.You can catch me on Facebook.Love
Austin
Dear Austin,
This is amazing. I can’t believe this has just come up as I was looking for something on Marie. We are friends of the Wexford Opera and want to start a memorial to her in the next year. I will let you know how it goes. But really well done to the blogger who found this.
Best wishes to all.
Paddy (O’Sullivan) Marie’s son and cousin of Austin and all his family.
Hi Patrick,
Strange to come across this as only last weekend I was listening to some recordings your mother and father made in a ‘tape letter’ to my uncle in Canada in late 1962. Recorded at their home (newbridge) on a tape recorder. What a great singing voice your mother had and your father’s voice was so powerful. Lovely to hear them.
Michael Slowey (my g grandfather James Eddie was was Marie’s uncle).
Marie
I lived directly opposite Sloweys at 25 Parliament Street until I was nearly fourteen years old during the 1940’s and early 1095’s. I learnt to read the time from the clock on the pub wall.
Hi Patrick amazed I found this as well are u con and Marie’s son…as a child I was at your house regularly..and auntie Marie would have me sing and recite poetry…she was a wonderful person. We..the slowey loved her so much. Con was a truly lovely man..great fun. Anyway just thought I’d reply..Fiona slowey new zealand