17 Facts About Michael Kilroy

Michael Kilroy was an Irish republican and politician.

Michael Kilroy was the son of Edward and Matilda Kilroy and one of ten in the family.

Michael Kilroy was a carpenter and coachbuilder and learned his trade in Claremorris when he was 16 years and lodged with the Stratford Family in Mount Street, Claremorris.

Michael Kilroy was married to Ann Leonard of Crossmolina and they had eight in family.

In 1913 Richard Walsh from Balla, County Mayo and Michael Kilroy were the main organizers of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in south and western Mayo.

The IRA in West Mayo was relatively quiet until January 1921, when Michael Kilroy, who was described as, "a puritanical and ascetic blacksmith" took over command of the brigade after the previous leader Thomas Derrig was arrested by the British.

Michael Kilroy carried out a successful attack on Clifden, capturing the army post there on 29 October 1922.

Michael Kilroy's men captured Ballina, County Mayo on 12 September 1922 capturing 100 rifles and 20,000 rounds of ammunition.

Michael Kilroy was said to have had three armored cars built and was possibly working on the construction of trench mortars.

Michael Kilroy was badly wounded and interned at Athlone and Mountjoy Prison, where he went on hunger strike and from which he later escaped in late 1923 when the struggle was over.

Michael Kilroy ensured that messages were sent from Kilmainham Gaol to each prison stating that all internees would end the strike together.

Michael Kilroy entered politics in August 1923 while still in prison.

Michael Kilroy was elected as a Fianna Fail TD in Mayo South at the June 1927 general election.

Michael Kilroy was re-elected at the September 1927,1932 and 1933 general elections.

Michael Kilroy lost his seat at the 1937 general election.

Michael Kilroy was the Chairman of Mayo County Council from 1934 to 1945, the longest-serving member in this position in the history of the council.

Michael Kilroy's funeral was one of the largest seen in Newport and along with many politicians, the then President Eamon de Valera was present.