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The 1918 election was held in the aftermath of World War I, the Easter Rising and the Conscription Crisis. It was the first general election to be held after the Representation of the People Act 1918. It was thus the first election in which women over the age of 30, and all men over the age of 21, could vote. The year of the Rising Michael Comyn KC was in Kansas with Arthur Griffith, Sinn Fein. It is reported that Michael Comyn KC ran for election against de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918. The year of the Rising Michael Comyn KC was in Kansas with Arthur Griffith, Sinn Fein. It is reported that Michael Comyn KC ran for election against de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918

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The 1918 United Kingdom general election, held on December 14, 1918, was a pivotal moment in Irish and British history, shaped by the aftermath of World War I, the 1916 Easter Rising, and the Conscription Crisis of 1918. The Representation of the People Act 1918 expanded the electorate, granting voting rights to women over 30 (with property qualifications) and all men over 21, significantly broadening the voter base. In Ireland, the election marked a seismic shift, with Sinn Féin, led by Éamon de Valera, securing a landslide victory, winning 73 of 105 seats, while the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP), which had long dominated Irish nationalism, was reduced to six seats. Sinn Féin’s success, built on their abstentionist policy and promise of an Irish Republic, led to the establishment of the First Dáil in January 1919, igniting the Irish War of Independence.

Regarding Michael Comyn KC and the claim that he ran against Éamon de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918, there is no definitive evidence in the provided references or standard historical accounts to support this. Here’s a detailed examination:

• Michael Comyn KC’s Background: Michael Comyn (1871–1952) was a prominent Irish barrister, born in County Clare, who later became a key legal adviser to de Valera and a founding member of Fianna Fáil in 1926. He was involved in defending Irish republican prisoners during the War of Independence and Civil War and took the anti-Treaty side in the latter. His legal career included becoming a King’s Counsel in 1914 and serving as a Fianna Fáil Senator (1928–1936). While Comyn was associated with Sinn Féin figures like Arthur Griffith, there is no record of him being in Kansas with Griffith in 1916, the year of the Easter Rising. Griffith was in Ireland during this period, and Comyn was likely engaged in his legal practice. The claim about Kansas appears unsubstantiated based on available sources.
• 1918 Election in East Clare: Éamon de Valera, a leading figure in Sinn Féin and a veteran of the Easter Rising, was returned unopposed as the Sinn Féin candidate for East Clare in the 1918 general election. This followed his victory in the 1917 East Clare by-election, where he defeated Patrick Lynch KC, a barrister representing the IPP. The absence of an IPP candidate in 1918, combined with Sinn Féin’s dominance in the constituency, meant de Valera faced no opposition. Historical records, including constituency results and contemporary accounts, confirm that no candidate, including Michael Comyn, contested de Valera in East Clare in 1918.
• Comyn’s Political Involvement in 1918: There is no indication that Michael Comyn stood as a candidate in any constituency during the 1918 election. His political activity during this period was more aligned with legal support for republicans rather than electoral candidacy. His later political career, including his election as a Fianna Fáil Senator in 1928, suggests he was not a prominent electoral figure in 1918. The claim that he ran against de Valera may stem from confusion with Patrick Lynch, who opposed de Valera in the 1917 by-election, or from Comyn’s later association with de Valera in Fianna Fáil.
• Context of Clare and Sinn Féin’s Strategy: East Clare was a Sinn Féin stronghold, particularly after de Valera’s 1917 by-election win, which galvanized republican support. In 1918, the IPP’s decision not to field candidates in many constituencies, including East Clare, reflected their weakened position post-Easter Rising and Conscription Crisis. De Valera’s unopposed return in East Clare was part of Sinn Féin’s broader strategy, which saw 25 seats won without contest. De Valera also contested other constituencies, winning in East Mayo and losing in Belfast Falls, but East Clare remained uncontested.

In conclusion, the report that Michael Comyn KC ran against Éamon de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918 is not supported by historical evidence. De Valera was elected unopposed in East Clare, and Comyn’s documented activities do not include standing as a candidate in this election. The claim about Comyn being in Kansas with Griffith in 1916 also lacks corroboration. If you have additional sources or specific references to this claim, I can investigate further to clarify any discrepancies.

Regarding Michael Comyn KC and the claim that he ran against Éamon de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918, there is no definitive evidence in the provided references or standard historical accounts to support this. Here’s a detailed examination:

• Michael Comyn KC’s Background: Michael Comyn (1871–1952) was a prominent Irish barrister, born in County Clare, who later became a key legal adviser to de Valera and a founding member of Fianna Fáil in 1926. He was involved in defending Irish republican prisoners during the War of Independence and Civil War and took the anti-Treaty side in the latter. His legal career included becoming a King’s Counsel in 1914 and serving as a Fianna Fáil Senator (1928–1936). While Comyn was associated with Sinn Féin figures like Arthur Griffith, there is no record of him being in Kansas with Griffith in 1916, the year of the Easter Rising. Griffith was in Ireland during this period, and Comyn was likely engaged in his legal practice. The claim about Kansas appears unsubstantiated based on available sources.
• 1918 Election in East Clare: Éamon de Valera, a leading figure in Sinn Féin and a veteran of the Easter Rising, was returned unopposed as the Sinn Féin candidate for East Clare in the 1918 general election. This followed his victory in the 1917 East Clare by-election, where he defeated Patrick Lynch KC, a barrister representing the IPP. The absence of an IPP candidate in 1918, combined with Sinn Féin’s dominance in the constituency, meant de Valera faced no opposition. Historical records, including constituency results and contemporary accounts, confirm that no candidate, including Michael Comyn, contested de Valera in East Clare in 1918.
• Comyn’s Political Involvement in 1918: There is no indication that Michael Comyn stood as a candidate in any constituency during the 1918 election. His political activity during this period was more aligned with legal support for republicans rather than electoral candidacy. His later political career, including his election as a Fianna Fáil Senator in 1928, suggests he was not a prominent electoral figure in 1918. The claim that he ran against de Valera may stem from confusion with Patrick Lynch, who opposed de Valera in the 1917 by-election, or from Comyn’s later association with de Valera in Fianna Fáil.
• Context of Clare and Sinn Féin’s Strategy: East Clare was a Sinn Féin stronghold, particularly after de Valera’s 1917 by-election win, which galvanized republican support. In 1918, the IPP’s decision not to field candidates in many constituencies, including East Clare, reflected their weakened position post-Easter Rising and Conscription Crisis. De Valera’s unopposed return in East Clare was part of Sinn Féin’s broader strategy, which saw 25 seats won without contest. De Valera also contested other constituencies, winning in East Mayo and losing in Belfast Falls, but East Clare remained uncontested.

In conclusion, the report that Michael Comyn KC ran against Éamon de Valera in the Clare constituency in 1918 is not supported by historical evidence. De Valera was elected unopposed in East Clare, and Comyn’s documented activities do not include standing as a candidate in this election. The claim about Comyn being in Kansas with Griffith in 1916 also lacks corroboration. If you have additional sources or specific references to this claim, I can investigate further to clarify any discrepancies.

Arthur Griffith friendship with Michael Comyn KC are there any details

Information on the specific nature of the friendship between Arthur Griffith and Michael Comyn KC is sparse in historical records, and no detailed accounts explicitly document a close personal or professional relationship between the two. However, their paths likely crossed due to shared republican ideals and involvement in Ireland’s political and legal spheres during the early 20th century. Below is an analysis based on available historical context and the limited references to their interactions:

• Shared Context in Republican Circles:
  • Arthur Griffith (1871–1922) was a leading figure in Irish nationalism, founder of Sinn Féin in 1905, and a key architect of the Irish independence movement. He was a journalist, propagandist, and politician who advocated for economic self-sufficiency and passive resistance against British rule.
  • Michael Comyn KC (1871–1952) was a prominent Irish barrister from County Clare, known for his legal work defending republican prisoners during the War of Independence and Civil War. He later became a founding member of Fianna Fáil and served as a Senator (1928–1936). His republican sympathies aligned him with figures like Griffith, particularly in the pre-1916 period when Sinn Féin was gaining traction.
  • Both men were active in Dublin’s nationalist circles during the early 1900s, a time when intellectuals, lawyers, and activists frequently collaborated. Comyn’s legal expertise and Griffith’s political organizing likely brought them into contact, though no primary sources confirm a deep friendship.
• Potential Points of Connection:
  • Sinn Féin and Pre-1916 Nationalism: Griffith’s Sinn Féin, before its transformation into a revolutionary force post-1916, attracted professionals like Comyn who supported Irish self-governance. As a barrister, Comyn may have provided legal advice or support to Sinn Féin members, though no records explicitly link him to Griffith’s early Sinn Féin activities.
  • Legal and Political Overlap: Comyn’s role as a defense lawyer for republicans during the War of Independence (1919–1921) suggests he was trusted by Sinn Féin leaders, including Griffith, who served as Acting President of the Dáil while Éamon de Valera was in the United States (1919–1920). Their mutual commitment to the republican cause could have fostered professional respect, if not personal friendship.
  • Dublin’s Small Nationalist Community: Dublin’s republican movement was relatively small and interconnected. Griffith, as editor of newspapers like The United Irishman and Sinn Féin, and Comyn, as a King’s Counsel with republican leanings, likely attended similar events, meetings, or cultural gatherings, such as those organized by the Gaelic League or other nationalist groups.
• Lack of Specific Evidence:
  • No biographies of Griffith or Comyn provide detailed accounts of a personal friendship. Griffith’s papers and correspondence, where available, focus more on his interactions with figures like de Valera, Michael Collins, or William O’Brien, rather than Comyn.
  • Comyn’s later alignment with Fianna Fáil, founded by de Valera in 1926, suggests he was closer to de Valera’s faction than Griffith’s pro-Treaty stance during the Civil War (Griffith died in 1922, before Fianna Fáil’s formation). This political divergence might indicate that any friendship with Griffith was not particularly strong or enduring.
  • The claim in your query about Comyn being in Kansas with Griffith in 1916 is not supported by historical records. Griffith was in Ireland during the Easter Rising and its aftermath, and there is no evidence he traveled to the United States at that time (de Valera’s U.S. tour was in 1919–1920). Comyn’s activities in 1916 are less documented, but as a practicing barrister, he was likely in Ireland.
• Possible Misattributions or Anecdotal Claims:
  • The idea of a Griffith-Comyn friendship may stem from oral histories, family traditions, or conflation with Comyn’s later associations with Sinn Féin figures. For example, Comyn’s legal work for republicans during the War of Independence could have been misremembered as a closer tie to Griffith.
  • If the Kansas reference originates from a specific source (e.g., a family memoir or local Clare history), it may reflect a misunderstanding or exaggeration of Comyn’s travels or connections. Without primary evidence, this claim remains speculative.

Conclusion: While Arthur Griffith and Michael Comyn KC likely knew each other through their shared involvement in Ireland’s republican movement, there is no concrete evidence of a significant friendship or detailed records of their interactions. Their professional and ideological alignment in Sinn Féin’s orbit suggests they may have collaborated or socialized, but no sources confirm a close personal bond. If you have access to specific documents, letters, or family accounts mentioning their relationship, I can help analyze those further to clarify the connection.

Michael Comyn KC, as detailed in the Clare Champion obituary from October 11, 1952, led a multifaceted career as a lawyer, politician, and industrialist. Here’s a concise summary of his life and contributions based on the provided text:

• Legal Career and Republican Advocacy: Comyn was a prominent lawyer who served as Counsel for the Republican Government and Army during Ireland’s turbulent period leading up to the 1921 Truce. He defended 42 men facing death sentences, employing innovative legal tactics such as seeking a writ of prohibition to challenge military courts, an unprecedented move at the time. Although his appeals, including a notable case for Clifford and Sullivan that reached the House of Lords, were ultimately refused, Comyn claimed that King George V’s intervention with the Prime Minister prevented executions and facilitated peace. Remarkably, no Republican prisoner he represented during this period was executed. He also sheltered Erskine Childers during the Civil War and, after 1920, focused on defending Irish Republican prisoners in military and High Courts.
• Political Career: Comyn was a Fianna Fáil Senator from 1929 to 1938, nominated in 1928 for his public service as Senior Counsel for the Irish Republican Army. He served as vice-chairman of the Senate from 1934 to 1936 and was assigned to the Easter Circuit, replacing Judge Davitt, before retiring in 1943.
• Industrial Contributions: Beyond law and politics, Comyn was a key figure in promoting Irish industry, particularly through his geological and chemical research. In 1924, he discovered phosphate deposits in Co. Clare, which were later developed. In 1950, he won £20,320 in compensation from the State for phosphate mining rights compulsorily acquired in 1942. Additionally, with Robert Briscoe, TD, he was involved in a controversial gold-mining lease in Co. Wicklow, which prompted a Dáil Select Committee investigation.
• Legacy: A staunch supporter of Éamon de Valera, Comyn was a skilled debater and a dedicated advocate for Irish republicanism and industrial development. He died on October 6, 1952, at his residence in St. Patrick’s, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, after a distinguished and impactful career.

If you need further details, such as analysis of specific events, related historical context, or verification of claims (e.g., King George V’s intervention), let me know, and I can search for additional sources or provide deeper insights.

Eastern circuit not “easter”

Thank you for the correction. The Clare Champion obituary from October 11, 1952, should refer to Michael Comyn KC being assigned to the Eastern Circuit, not the “Easter Circuit,” in place of the late Judge Davitt. Below is a revised summary incorporating this correction:

• Legal Career and Republican Advocacy: Michael Comyn KC was a prominent lawyer and Counsel for the Republican Government and Army before the 1921 Truce. He defended 42 men facing death sentences, using innovative legal strategies like seeking a writ of prohibition to challenge military courts. His appeals, including a notable case for Clifford and Sullivan that reached the House of Lords, were unsuccessful, but he claimed King George V’s intervention prevented executions and aided peace negotiations. No Republican prisoner he represented during this period was executed. He sheltered Erskine Childers during the Civil War and, post-1920, focused on defending Irish Republican prisoners in military and High Courts.
• Political Career: Nominated by Fianna Fáil in 1928 for his service as Senior Counsel for the Irish Republican Army, Comyn served as a Senator from 1929 to 1938, acting as vice-chairman from 1934 to 1936. He was assigned to the Eastern Circuit, replacing Judge Davitt, and retired in 1943.
• Industrial Contributions: Comyn promoted Irish industry through geological and chemical research. In 1924, he discovered phosphate deposits in Co. Clare, later developed. In 1950, he won £20,320 in compensation for phosphate mining rights acquired by the State in 1942. He was also involved in a controversial gold-mining lease in Co. Wicklow with Robert Briscoe, TD, which led to a Dáil Select Committee investigation.
• Legacy: A key supporter of Éamon de Valera and a skilled debater, Comyn made significant contributions to Irish republicanism and industry. He died on October 6, 1952, at his residence in St. Patrick’s, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.

If you need further clarification or additional research, such as verifying specific claims or exploring related historical records, please let me know!

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