Cork Examiner, Cork,  9 Sep 1844

MALLOW

On Saturday a meeting of O'Connell's friends in Mallow was held for the
purpose of making the necessary preparations for illuminating the town,
and appointing from the Repeal Reading Rooms a sufficient number of
persons to parade the streets, and prevent even the least insult, in word
or deed, to those whose political opinions differ from the people.  The
meeting was addressed by the clergymen, and by those who generally take a
part in public affairs, who conjured the people to abstain from groaning
or insulting anyone.  The people answered una voce that they would take
any person prisoner who did so; and I am happy to inform you that so great
was the confidence reposed in the arrangements, that our town was crowded
during the whole evening with Conservative ladies and their friends, who
have since expressed their admiration of the kindly behaviour of the people. 

The town, from Beecher-street, along the Main-street, New-street,
Bridge-street, and the numerous smaller streets to the top of Ballydaheen,
was brilliantly illuminated.  There was a large bonfire on the
Market-hill, another at Sir D. Norrey's gate, over which several torches
were lighted.  Many of the Protestant electors, hitherto the staunch
opponents of every liberal measure, lighted the present occasion, for whom
the people gave three hearty cheers.  Mr. Edward Sullivan, a grocer, who
brought the ire of the populace on him at the time of O'Connell's
incarceration, had his house brilliantly illuminated on this occasion, and
this was not the result of fear, but of conviction, that wrong has been
done to the Liberator.  Mr. James Jones, Attorney, had a full length
likeness of O'Connell in the window which was tastefully decorated.  The
houses of Messrs. Edward O'Connor, Attorney, and Patrick Daly, New-street
were neatly illuminated, as were also in the same street those of
Mr. George Giles and Mr. N. Harman, Conservatives; and in the Main-street
the houses of Messrs. Gwynn, Peard, Berry, Murphy, Hughes, &c., also
Conservatives; some of whom have contributed to the Repeal Fund! 
Eglantine Cottage, the residence of our respected parish priest,
who is from home, was splendidly illuminated; the Rev. Mr. M'Carthy, our
"good Father Justin" had a likeness of the Liberator in a gilt frame, with
a profusion of flowers in the centre window. 

Amongst those conspicuous were the houses of Mr. John Fitzgerald,
Mr. P. Corbett, T.C., Mr. John Ahern, T.C., Mr. Michael Ahern, T.C.,
Mr. Timothy Collins, T.C., Mr. Richard Stack, T.C., Mr. James Roche, T.C.,
Mr. James Gallaher, T.C., (in whose window was a beautiful likeness of
O'Connell in a gilt frame was exhibited) Mr. John Bourke, T.C.,
Mr. W. B. Williams, T.C., Mr. R. Barnett Barry, T.C., who had a splendid
likeness of the Liberator in the window, and underneath the words "I live
only for Ireland."  Also a banner, with the inscription "Loyal to the
Throne but faithful to O'Connell and Old Ireland."  At Mr. Pierce Nagle's
opposite Mr. Barry's, was a large cage, with two birds perched on the
outside, thus reversing the words of the song "My birds are in the cage."

Mr. Patrick Scully's house also displayed great taste, and the medicine
shop of M. J. O'Connell was a centre of great attraction, from unrivalled
taste displayed therein.  In fact, each vied with his neighbour in paying
a tribute of respect and evincing joy on the occasion.  It can not be said
that those Conservatives who joined in this great exultation were afraid
but to light, for there was a great majority of that party who did not
illuminate, and no angry word was spoken to them.  There was a Catholic
shopkeeper in the Main-street who refused to light a candle, but he was
disappointed in his hope of having been groaned, and such means pointing
himself out as a martyr! 

The Provident Temperance Room was tastefully decorated, the Seven Martyrs
occupying a conspicuous place in the window.  The band paraded the
streets.  I think it only fair to mention that to the local authorities
great praise is due, as, unlike those of neighbouring towns, they placed
reliance on the good feeling of the people, and did not exhibit that false
alarm which "dogs in office" are too fond of showing; so they left loyal
inhabitants to the mercy of the Repealers, as not a single policeman was
in the street.  One of the Conservative Magistrates spoke to me on the
matter early in the day with that kindness and confidence which he has so
frequently exhibited towards me - such conduct on the part of the
authorities speaks trumpet-tongued in favor of the rapid strides Repeal
principles are making amongst the gentry of the country.  The clergymen
and Repeal Wardens paraded the streets until eleven o'clock, when the
lights were extinguished and the people quietly dispersed. 

On Sunday evening there was a tea-party in one of the Reading-rooms, to
commemorate the release of the Martyrs, Mr. R. Barnett Barry, in the chair
- many good speeches were delivered, and some excellent songs enlivened
the evening.      


Submitted by dja

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