Whyte's THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR TIMED ON-LINE AUCTION 18 APRIL 2026

96 158 1915. O’Donovan Rossa’s Funeral - a very important archive of this historical event which mobilised the Irish revolutionary movement. An extensive and important file, including signed handwitten letter from Tom Clarke to Mrs. O’Donovan Rossa dated 31 August 1915 on Funeral Committee notepaper, possibly a draft, explaining the arrangements for upkeep and completion of the grave, application of remaining funds etc., and reflecting on the success of the occasion. ‘The funeral demonstration has had a wonderful effect upon the country & the trend is still strongly in the same direction .. We have now great encouragement to work ..’ Condition: Very good. Provenance: Adam’s, 12 April, 2006, lot 312; Private collection. Also with typescript signed letters from the Archbishop of Dublin Dr. WilliamWalsh, raising difficulties about allowing Rossa’s body to lie in state in the Pro-Cathedral, the first with pencilled draft reply on reverse; two copies of manuscript audited Accounts for the Funeral Fund, certified by D. O’Connor & Co.; printed committee lists for the funeral; notes in Clarke’s hand about financial and other matters; an account from Keogh Brothers. (photographers) for the funeral photographs; an account from Farrell’s Marble Works of Glasnevin for a Sicilian marble shield raised at the grave; a receipt for the grave plot from Dublin Cemeteries Committee; typescript copies of letters about trains for those travelling to the funeral; Terence MacSwiney’s pamphlet on Rossa issued for the funeral; and other documents. The funeral of the veteran Cork Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa was the occasion for a major show of force by the Irish Volunteers. Tom Clarke took personal charge of the arrangements immediately news of Rossa’s death in America was received from Devoy. The huge attendance, elaborate military display and Pearse’s immortal address (for which he was selected and briefed by Tom Clarke) showed that the Volunteers had reorganised successfully after the split with Redmond. The chief marshal was Thomas MacDonagh, and the pencilled draft reply to ArtchbisdhopWalsh is in MacDonagh’s hand. Estimate €10,000-€15,000 (approx £8,700-£13,040) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 158