Archives Arthur Griffith connection to Michael Comyn KC

Arthur Griffith, founder of Sinn Féin, and Michael Comyn, an Irish barrister and King’s Counsel (KC), had a notable connection through their shared involvement in Irish nationalist politics and legal activities during a pivotal period in Irish history. Here are the key points of their connection based on available information:

1. Shared Nationalist Activities: Both Griffith and Comyn were active in the Irish nationalist movement. Griffith, a leading figure in Sinn Féin, advocated for Irish independence through political and economic self-reliance. Comyn, while primarily a barrister, was deeply engaged in nationalist politics, particularly in defending Irish republican prisoners during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). Their paths converged in their commitment to the nationalist cause.
2. 1916 Easter Rising and U.S. Visit: A significant point of connection occurred during the 1916 Easter Rising. At the time, both Griffith and Comyn were in Kansas City, USA. Griffith was not directly involved in the Rising, and Comyn’s presence in the U.S. suggests they may have been engaged in nationalist activities, such as fundraising or garnering support for the Irish cause among the Irish-American community. This shared experience highlights their alignment in the broader nationalist network.
3. Post-1916 Legal and Political Collaboration: After returning from the U.S., Comyn became heavily involved in defending republican prisoners before the British Military Courts during the War of Independence. Given Griffith’s leadership in Sinn Féin and his arrest following the 1916 Rising (despite not participating), it is likely that Comyn’s legal work supported individuals associated with Griffith’s political movement. Comyn’s success in ensuring no republican prisoner he defended faced the death penalty underscores his role in protecting key figures in the nationalist struggle, potentially including those aligned with Griffith.
4. 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty Negotiations: Another documented connection occurred after the 1921 truce, when Comyn met with Griffith and Austin Stack in London. Comyn reportedly shared intelligence from a high-placed British source, indicating that British Prime Minister Lloyd George was willing to negotiate terms favorable to Irish demands and would prefer elections over resuming war if talks failed. This meeting suggests Comyn acted as a trusted intermediary, providing Griffith, a key negotiator in the Anglo-Irish Treaty, with critical information during a crucial moment.
5. Comyn’s Role in Legal Challenges: Comyn’s legal efforts included challenging the legitimacy of British Military Courts, arguing they lacked jurisdiction over Irish prisoners. While Griffith was not directly involved in these legal proceedings, Comyn’s work supported the broader republican movement Griffith led, as it aimed to undermine British authority in Ireland. For instance, Comyn’s appeal to the House of Lords in 1921 on behalf of prisoners reflects the legal resistance that complemented Griffith’s political strategies.

Archival Considerations

To explore this connection further in archives, consider the following sources:

• National Archives of Ireland: Documents related to the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations (1921) or Sinn Féin activities may contain correspondence or records mentioning Griffith and Comyn’s interactions.
• UCD Archives: The papers of key nationalist figures or legal records from the period might reference Comyn’s defense work and its overlap with Griffith’s political efforts.
• British National Archives: Records of Military Court proceedings or intelligence reports from 1916–1921 could shed light on Comyn’s legal activities and their relevance to Griffith’s Sinn Féin.
• Irish-American Archives (e.g., American Irish Historical Society): Materials on nationalist activities in the U.S. during 1916 may provide context for their Kansas City visit.
• Dáil Éireann Records: Griffith’s role in the Dáil and Comyn’s legal contributions during the War of Independence might be cross-referenced in official proceedings.

Critical Note.

While the connections are well-documented, some sources rely on Comyn’s own accounts, which may carry bias or exaggeration, particularly regarding the impact of his intelligence during the 1921 negotiations. Cross-referencing with contemporary records or other participants’ perspectives (e.g., Austin Stack’s papers) is advisable to verify details. If you need guidance on accessing specific archives or further analysis of primary sources, let me know!

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