Annie Moran - new information from the Military archives

In our search for information on the Women of Cumann na mBan in the Srah and Ballinrobe companies, we have utilized the Military Pensions archive database to get as much detail as is currently available. The number of files available for downloading on Cumann na mBan members is quiet limited, the release November 2021 brings the number of individuals whose files that are now available online to over 10,720 entries (representing over 32,000 files).

Taking into account all the MSPC file series (whether available online or in the Military Archives), over 100,000 files have been processed individually by the Project team to date. It should be noted that women could only apply after 1934 when the law was changed recognizing Anti-Treaty forces & Cumann na mBan.

Overall only 19% of the men and women that applied for pensions were successful. Some tried for years to have their efforts in the War of Independence recognized, often in vain. This story focuses on one woman’s effort, her name was Annie Moran. Annie’s file one of the Cumann na mBan files we could access from the archive that contained detailed testimony from multiple sources on the activities of the Women before and after the Portroyal & Tourmakeady Ambushes.

Those familiar with the Tourmakeady Ambush will know that many of the volunteers involved came from Glenmask, a village located across the Mountains from Tourmakeady. The people of Glenmask gave great assistance to the Volunteers and many stayed there and received first aid while in hiding. Guns and ammunition were also hidden there, its remote location in the mountains between Tourmakeady and Westport were a big advantage. It also became a stronghold for anti-treaty forces during the Civil War period.

In 1915, a young teacher named Padraig Ó Móráin was posted as a teacher to Glenmask National School. Padraig Moran didn’t come to the village alone, his sister Annie Moran came with him and they both lived in the Teachers House.

Padraig was involved in the Nationalist movement around this time, very much in common with Mr. & Mrs. Rabbitte in Srah National School. By 1921, Padraig was very active in the South Mayo Brigade as an Intelligence Officer. After the War of Indepedence, in 1926, Padraig was transferred to Roxboro N.S. outside Ballinrobe.

We were unaware of Annie Moran’s involvement in Cumann na mBan prior to this search. In 1926, Annie moved from Glenmask to Cong and stayed with a Mrs. Long in the town. For this reason, we believe she is listed under the Ballinrobe company of Cumann na mBan. Annie later moved to Ballycumber, Co. Offaly where her other brother Sean Moran was also a teacher. It took Annie Moran 20 years to get a Military Pension.

Annie Moran organized the setting up of a Cumann na mBan branch in the area and was placed in charge by Miss Fiona Plunkett, sister of Joseph Plunkett who was executed after the Easter 1916 rising. Annie Moran’s Military Pensions file can be downloaded by clicking on this link Military Archive File 40875 we would encourage anyone interested in this topic to read the file in full.

South Mayo Flying Column with Tom Maguire, Tom Lally and Seamus Burke pictured alongside their comrades

Annie’s brother Padraig Moran gives written testimony that is in the Military Archive file. There is further testimony on Annie’s behalf from three of the leaders that were part of the Portroyal & Tourmakeady Ambushes, Brigadier Tom Maguire from Cross, Comdt. Tom Lally from Srah and Comdt. Seamus Burke from Kildun. There is also a detailed testimony given by Edward Moane T.D from the West Mayo Brigade on Annie’s behalf, describing assistance given by her before and after the Carrowkennedy Ambush.

West Mayo Flying Column with Edward Moane pictured alongside his comrades

Below is Padraig Moran’s written testimony on behalf of Annie Moran.

Below is the testimony of Brigadier Tom Maguire on behalf of Annie Moran.

Below is the testimony of Comdt. Tom Lally on behalf of Annie Moran.

Below is the testimony of Comdt. Seamus Burke on behalf of Annie Moran.

Below is the testimony of Edward Moane T.D. on behalf of Annie Moran.

We add no commentary here on Annie Moran’s involvement in Cumann na mBan, the testimonies of leading volunteers describe the scale of her involvement in their own words. Annie’s own testimony is in the file, we encourage you to download it and read it in full. Anyone that might have further information on Annie & Padraig Moran, we would greatly welcome it.