Irish Free State is Founded

‘The Irish Free State came into existence yesterday [6 December 1922], all the constitutional requirements having been complied with, and the Senate appointed in the prescribed manner.

The national independence of Ireland is now an accomplished fact, and in the natural gratification that must result from such a triumph after the prolonged struggle that preceded it, sight must not be lost of the fact that the responsibility for the country’s future rests henceforth with the Irish people themselves…

…Despite the protestations of those who would decry the Free State before it is afforded the opportunity to avail of its legislative, executive and financial powers, the fact remains that Ireland is jubilant at the freedom that has been won, and is determined to utilise it to the fullest for the advantage of the nation’.

[source: The Cork Examiner p4, 7 December 1922]

Ireland Free State Postage Stamps Issued

Coinciding with the Irish Free State coming into existence, the first Irish stamp design was issued on 6 December 1922 (above left), which also commemorated the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty a year earlier.

Prior to Irish independence and a for a period afterwards – British stamps illustrated with British monarchs (above right) were still used but over printed with the text “Saorstát Éireann 1922” to indicate an independent Irish postal system.

[source: 2 December 1922, Gibson Bequest Committee Minutes, Cork VEC Holdings, Cork City and County Archives]

Miss Kay Feehely Killed in Anti-Treaty IRA Bomb on St Patrick’s Street

(Image: The Cork Examiner p3, 22 December 1922)

‘A bomb thrown in Patrick’s St., Cork, last evening [Thursday 6 December 1922] near the entrance to SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, created consternation. Several civilians were wounded. At 3.15 [pm] a private motor car, in which two officers, a driver, and a private, was driving down Patrick’s Street from Grand Parade end, and when opposite Lipton’s a bomb was thrown.

The bomb missed the motor car but struck the side of the footpath underneath’s Lipton’s window…Splinters and shrapnel were scattered around…A woman, who was transacting business at the inside end of Lipton’s shop was struck on the throat, and sustained serious injuries’.

(source: Irish Independent p7, 8 December 1922)

‘Kathleen Feehely died of her wounds on 20 December at the Mercy Hospital, the daughter of Charley and Mary Feehely, 19 Bachelors Quay to the inexpressible grief of her sorrowing parents, brothers, sister and a large circle of friends….Funeral at 3 o’clock tomorrow [Friday 22 December 1922] for St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for her.’

(source: Births – Marriages – Deaths, Evening Echo p6, 21 December 1922)

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