Dick McKee, Peader Clancy, Eddie Byrne
Dick McKee, Peader Clancy, Eddie Byrne
The procedure normally followed on occasions like this was adopted, that is to say, men were posted in various positions to act as a covering off party and we went along to the public-house where we hoped to find Ryan. The two of us entered the public-house by a door on the right hand side, called for two drinks, and proceeded to talk in general terms about nothing in particular, while at the same time giving the customers the once over.We eliminated the different people in the shop with the exception of one man who was sitting on our immediate right deeply immersed in a study of The Early Bird, a racing paper.
We were unable to see his features, but believed from his general build that he was the man in whom we were interested.Keogh nudged me to make a move, and I, taking the hint, approached the man and asked him what they were tipping for some particular race, the three o,clock or the 3.30. This brought about the desired result, because he had of necessity to lower the paper.Immediately he did so we knew our search was over.Without any discussion or delay Keogh fired on him, I doing likewise.We made no delay, nor did we make any further examination of our victim, because we were perfectly satisfied from our previous experience that Ryan would betray no more members of our organisation. END
Edward J Byrne was born in 1900 in New York though his parents returned to Ireland very soon after his birth, he died “sudden” on 14 Jan 1922 in Boydke, County Clare. He is buried in the Republican Plot in Glasnevin Cemetery (shares burial plot with Peadar Clancy & Richard McKee shot Bloody Sunday – 21 Nov 1920).
Report from The Freemans Journal, 17 Jan 1922:-
Fought in GPO at Age of Fifteen
“Amid many manifestations of sorrow, the funeral took place yesterday to Glasnevin Cemetery of Lieut. Edward Byrne (21), of the Guards Company of the IRA, Dublin.
Deceased who was a late member of “B” Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, belonged to Bodyke, Co. Clare where his death took place. As a soldier he had a remarkably record for bravery and good service. At age of 15 he fought in the GPO and was one of the reargaurd leaving with The O’Rahilly when the later was killed.
During the late war he again saw service in Dublin and took part in the capture of the armoured car and the subsequent attempt to enter Mountjoy Prision.
The late Lieut. Byrne was also one of the party who carried out the firing of the Custom House, escaping from it with Sean Doyle, his wounded comrade”.
It goes on to describe his removal from Clare back to his home church in Fairview with officers of the 1st Western Division, 300 members of the IRA and members of his old company The Guards. The coffin was covered with the tri-color and amongst the wreaths were wreaths from Mr. Michael Collins TD, Alderman S. McGarry TD and officers of the 1st Division
“When the grave had been closed and the last prayers recited a party of volunteers in uniform advanced and fired three volleys over the remains. The last post was sounded and the the detachment of volunteers then marched past paying the last military tribute to the deceased fellow soldier and officer.