The recent contribution of Mr Dan William Harnett, formerly of Knockbrack in Abbeyfeale and now residing in New York, towards the repairs of the Abbeyfeale Brass Band and Temperance Hall, as well as the warm welcome extended to his brother, Mr John W. Harnett, recalls one of the most intriguing chapters in local history. As the older members of the community gradually disappear and modern ideas march forward, there is a waning tendency to reflect on the events that shaped West Limerick’s past half a century ago. The struggles for independence and national freedom in ’98, ’48, and ’67, in which many locals participated, risk being forgotten and consigned to the annals of unrecorded efforts.
Compiling a comprehensive history that captures a nation’s actions is an impossible task, often leading to the omission of local contributions to the larger movements. This is particularly true of West Limerick’s involvement in the ’48 and ’67 uprisings, especially the actions taken by those who espoused the nation’s cause in 1848 at Abbeyfeale. Although resorting to arms as a means to liberate the country from the unjust laws prevailing at the time, particularly in regard to the relief of the poor during times of distress, was seen as justifiable, it was the sight of a broken-down and starving populace, reeling from the horrors of ’46 and ’47, that provided the impetus for the attempt, no matter how seemingly hopeless, to convince English ministers that even in their oppressed state, the Irish people still possessed a resilient spirit eager to retaliate against the penal impositions they faced.
Those bitter days of revolution and death affected many simple-minded peasants whose ancestral roots ran deep in the soil of the old land. They were thrust into the depths of despondent misery by the unexpected visitation of famine, compelling them to seek the quickest means of escaping the country, offering respite from the maddening tortures of hunger and death that loomed over their homes. In every parish and townland of West Limerick, the same stern tale unfolds, accounting for the exodus of the old stock. Their descendants, now occupying distinguished positions in foreign lands, return every day to rediscover the humble beginnings of their parents.
The memory of the penal code, revived by the relentless pinch of famine, is not without reason for the lingering resentment and longing for justice. It is no wonder that remnants of the old guard, who bled for the sake of freedom in ’98, sought to imbue the rising generation with the ambition to pursue their struggle to victory. Men like ‘Danny Dan’ in Limerick and ‘Michael O’Dwyer’ in Kerry epitomized the lofty ideals of patriotism and played their part in attempting to secure the national independence of Ireland. Yet, the history of the ’48 campaign in West Limerick has received less attention in the chronicles of the time than it deserves, primarily due to the premature disillusionment of the Young Irelanders before they had the opportunity to achieve any significant milestones outlined by the Central Executive.
Under the supervision of the late Judge O’Gorman of New York, who was entrusted with the direction of the organization in West Limerick, Daniel Harnett, affectionately known as Danny Dan, took charge of the movement in his district. Harnett, a member of an old Abbeyfeale family residing in Knockbrack, played a significant role, and numerous tales of the progress made by the people during that time are still recounted. The culmination of their efforts led to the deployment of military forces into Abbeyfeale, aiming to disrupt inter-county communication between Limerick and Kerry. The rebels, assembled in force on Croville opposite the town, awaited the commencement of hostilities. An inevitable clash with the Queen’s forces was imminent and would have occurred if it weren’t for the timely communication of the collapse of the attempt at Ballingarry on July 19th. Upon receiving this news, Danny Dan discreetly ordered his comrades to disperse, awaiting further instructions from the Executive.
The subsequent events and the attempts to reconstruct the campaign’s plans remain largely unknown. A reward was promptly announced for the capture of Danny Dan or any information regarding his whereabouts, and on two notable occasions, he narrowly evaded apprehension, eluding the constant search efforts conducted by the police. At Tullig and Bogmount, he managed to slip away, but not without enduring numerous hardships. Danny Dan, like his more renowned counterpart O’Dwyer, found himself “hunted o’er the mountains and tracked into the glen.” Forced to remain concealed for months in obscure holes and glens, he faced constant danger as the safety provided by his friends became compromised.
Eventually, when all hopes of reviving the movement had dissipated, Danny Dan made the disheartening decision to attempt to escape to America. Broken-hearted and dispirited, he became a hunted fugitive in the land he had sought to liberate. Yet, he managed to outmanoeuvre the authorities and arrived in America, disguised as a clergyman. However, his death occurred a few years later, marking the end of his tumultuous journey. A melancholic significance is attached to his rifle, which ended up in the possession of a friend who lost his life for refusing to surrender it to an armed group of moonlighters during the heated agrarian campaign.
Danny Dan harboured a deep-seated animosity towards those who oppressed the poor, and his movements and escapades are the subjects of numerous tales recounted by those who knew him personally. Some of these storytellers are still alive and find great pleasure in sharing the events of their life during winter nights. Their narratives are met with profound interest and respect by the younger generations in Limerick, Kerry, and Cork, as they continue to honour the memory of a passionate patriot who fought for justice and freedom.
The contributions made by individuals like Danny Dan highlight the rich tapestry of West Limerick’s history and the courage of its people in the face of adversity. Their actions may have been overshadowed by larger national events, but their local efforts and sacrifices should not be forgotten. Through the preservation of these stories and a renewed appreciation for their significance, the legacy of Danny Dan and his compatriots can continue to inspire future generations to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a better future.
Kerry News – Monday 10 October 1904
