Page 24 - Whyte's History, Literature & Collectables Sat 26 Jan 2013 (Use full screen from menu for best Viewing)

WHYTESSINCE 1783
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Leo Whelan RHA (1892-1956)
Portrait of 1916 Rising Chaplain Father John Flanagan
oil on canvas
signed lower right; signed, titled and with artist’s address [7 Lower Baggot
St., Dublin] on reverse
22 x 17in. (55.88 x 43.18cm)
John Flanagan was born in Dublin in 1872. He studied for the Priesthood
at Clonliffe College, Dublin and Propaganda College, Rome, being ordained
in 1896. In 1901 he became curate to the Pro-Cathedral and was present
there in 1916 when the Rebellion broke out. He was known to the
volunteers and respected by them, so much so that Eoin MacNeill had sent
him a letter after his decision to countermand the order to mobilise
stating that anyone with influence, including Flanagan, should advise the
men to go home and take off their uniforms.
Shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion Flanagan was called to the
nearby GPO by a young lady who told him there was a Volunteer dying.
Max Caulfield in his book ‘The Easter Rebellion’ noted how “he went back
into the church to pick up the Viaticum, and, accompanied by a friend, set
off for the Post Office by a circuitous route. The military allowed him to
pass through their lines in Great Britain Street and near Moore Street
without difficulty. But while negotiating the latter street, a sniper,
whether military or rebel he was unable to tell opened fire on them and
his friend was shot dead. Father Flanagan, despite the bullets which
continued to fly around him, knelt and anointed the dead man. Then,
shaken, but still determined to fulfil his priestly duty if God so willed, he
pressed on towards Henry Street where the rebels spotted him and
signalled him to enter through buildings at the rear of the Post Office…
He was led to the wounded Volunteer and after attending to him, saw
Pearse, who urged him to stay, pointing out that the men felt the need of
a chaplain.”
Here he stayed for the remainder of the Rebellion servicing the spiritual
and medical needs of the rebels. Various members of the GPO Garrison
recalled in later years the brave actions of Flanagan during that week.
“…not alone did he minister to the GHQ wounded since Monday but also
to the non-combatants and British soldiers who fell in the streets.
Apparently without a thought for his own personal safety…” Towards the
end of the Rebellion the GPO wounded were removed from their positions
and led by Father Flanagan towards the Jervis Street Hospital. Before
leaving Flanagan was approached by The O’Rahilly who asked him for a
Last Absolution and blessing saying “Father, I am afraid we’ll never meet
again in this world.” O’Rahilly’s words would prove to be prophetic and
Flanagan went on his way leading the casualties to hospital. One eye
witness recorded that “… their safe arrival was due in large messure to the
efforts of Father Flanagan first in the Coliseum (Prince’s Street) when the
fire attacked it, next in getting by the blazing barricade in Prince’s Street
and especially by his tact in treating with the British forces encountered
en route.” Following the Rebellion and the War of Independence he was
appointed Parish Priest of Fairview and Marino where he facilitated and
carried out large amounts of charity work. This portrait was painted by Leo
Whelan in 1932, the year of the 31st International Eucharistic Congress,
held in Dublin. During which he was commissioned to carry out a number
of works. A student of William Orpen, Whelan became recognised as a
talented and respected portrait artist. He painted many of the well known
Republican leaders and figures of the period including Richard Mulcahy,
Michael Collins and Thomas Ashe, the latter portrait being sold by Whyte’s
for €40,000.
Canon John Flanagan died on 16 December 1935 and is buried in
Glasnevin Cemetery. His funeral was attended by large numbers including
the Lord Mayor of Dublin Alfie Byrne, W. T Cosgrave and veterans of the
GPO Garrison. The large obituaries which the national newspapers
published shortly after his death bear testament to the amazing life which
he led and the impact he had on Dublin.
€2,000-€3,000 (£1,600-£2,400 approx)
149
1916 Rising: Rebellion leaders bronze relief portraits by Charles Ludlow
Three individual bronze relief portraits of 1916 Rising leaders James
Connolly, Padraig Pearse and Countess Markievicz. Each 5 inches tall and
mounted on an ebonised three sided obelisk. Charles Ludlow is a noted
historian and artist and has exhibited his sculpture at galleries in Belfast
and Dublin. 10 x 6in. (25.40 x 15.24cm)
€500-€700 (£407-£569 approx)
150
1916 Rising: ‘The Irish Harp’ sculpture by Hugh Clawson
Cast bronze with steel
Sculpture of Ireland’s national symbol by Hugh Clawson (b. 1959).
Incorporating various different elements and symbolism relating to the
1916 Rebellion including a Webley revolver and the dying Cú Chulainn. 12
x 9in. (30.48 x 22.86cm)
€700-€900 (£569-£732 approx)
151
1966: Official 1916 Rising commemoration sculpture of ‘The Dying
Cúchulainn’ by Oliver Sheppard
1966 official small scale sculpture of ‘The Dying Cúchulainn’ by Oliver
Sheppard. Manufactured under license from The Commissioner of Public
Works. Mounted of Connemara marble and with scarce original tag which
accompanied the sculpture when sold. The large scale version is located
today in the G.P.O. 9 x 3.50in. (22.86 x 8.89cm)
€200-€300 (£163-£244 approx)
152
No Lot
153
1917: Sinn Féin South Longford by-election Joseph McGuinness badge
and handbills
A collection of scarce ephemera relating to the 1917 South Longford by-
election and supporting Joseph McGuinness. Comprising of shamrock
shaped paper badge printed by the Gaelic Press, Dublin and five handbills
titled “Longford Rallying Song”, “Our 14 Points for the 14th”, “The Man In
Jail”, “What is the True Principle of Irish Nationality?” and “A letter from
Gloucester Prison”. (6 items)
€300-€500 (£244-£407 approx)
154
1917: Sinn Féin East Clare by-election de Valera fund raising handbill
Letterpress handbill produced in 1917 during the attempt to raise funds
for the de Valera campaign. Claiming that “...it is the duty of every
Irishman, by giving generously to aid the men of East Clare in returning
De Valera” and listing 12 names and addresses of those to whom
subscriptions could be forwarded. 8 x 5in. (20.32 x 12.70cm)
€150-€250 (£122-£203 approx)
155
1917: The Death of Thomas Ashe full report of the inquest
Letterpress, 84pp, J.M. Butler, Dublin, 1917.
A scarce contemporary full account of the inquest. into the death of
Thomas Ashe. An unsophisticated example but still a worthwhile addition
to any collection. 10 x 6.50in. (25.40 x 16.51cm)
€300-€400 (£244-£325 approx)
156
1917-21: War of Independence Medal, 1971 Truce Medal and Fianna
Éireann certificate to Samuel Robinson.
Framed
Fianna Éireann certificate mounted and placed in a frame together with
an inset 1919-21 War of Independence Service Medal with Comrac bar
and 1971 50th Anniversary of the Truce Medal. Both the medals lacking
suspension rings and clasps. The certificate issued by Eamón Martin and
issued to Samuel Robinson for his services in the ranks of Fianna Éireann
during the War of Independence.
€600-€800 (£488-£650 approx)
157
1918 (10 October) RMS Leinster postal workers photograph
An extremely scarce and possibly unique framed photograph of RMS
Leinster taken during the First World War. With inset named images of 22
Post Office Mail Packet staff who were on board. All except one of whom
died during the sinking. Over 500 lives were lost, the greatest loss of life
on the Irish Sea. 16 x 14in. (40.64 x 35.56cm)
€300-€500 (£244-£407 approx)
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