Historical Society lecture on Brian McEnroy and Glenade Land League
On Wednesday, February 15, at 8pm in St George's Heritage & Visitor Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon, Geraldine McGovern (Ballinamore) presents "Brian McEnroy (1854-1932), An Account of His Role as Secretary of Glenade Land League 1880-81"
In researching her family history, Geraldine discovered that her maternal great grandfather was an active member of the Land League in Glenade in North Leitrim, campaigning peacefully against the many injustices imposed by some landlords upon their tenants such as high rents and evictions.
As a result of a large demonstration (estimated at 5,000 attendees by the Sligo Champion newspaper at the time), he and a number of others were arrested.
Two Petty Sessions in Kinlough (October and November 1880) were held with 23 defendants attending.
Eventually, having been sent on to the next Leitrim Assizes at Carrick-on-Shannon (March 1881) along with 13 others, Brian McEnroy was convicted along with 7 others for 'illegal and riotous assembly'.
Incarcerated briefly in Carrick Gaol, he was moved to Sligo Gaol for his sentence which included 'hard labour' - the treadwheel, a harsh sentence for political activities.
He was imprisoned for three months at the completion of which he had to find £20 surety for himself plus two additional sureties for £10 each to keep the peace for three years. While in prison he was not allowed visitors, and it is unlikely that he could receive letters.
Having met Brigid Baxter at a Land League meeting in Ballinamore (likely the April 1880 meeting at which Charles Stewart Parnell was present), he eventually married Brigid in Drumlea Church and moved to the Baxter farm in Carrickmakeegan, Ballinamore, where he lived out his life, having fathered 11 children and maintaining his links with Glenade and his interest in politics and patriotism.
His obituary in the local newspaper conveyed the high esteem in which Brian McElroy was held.
The entrance fee for the talk is €5 (Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society members free), payable at the door.
Further information: 086 067 5283.