In a fervent response to the growing political tensions surrounding the question of Home Rule, the Oola Division in Co. Limerick of the Irish Volunteers has taken significant strides, appointing two experienced drill instructors who have previously served in active duty. The company, already formed, is set to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30 p.m., with additional sessions on Sundays at 2 p.m. The decision to admit only volunteers to these meetings underscores the commitment of the Nationalists, as they prepare for what they perceive as a necessary defence of constitutional measures.

“Oola Division in Co. Limerick Takes Active Measures, Calls for Sacrifice in the Cause of Irish Self-Government”

All Nationalists, broadly defined, are invited to join the movement, provided they are willing to make sacrifices for the cause of Irish self-governance. The call to action is grounded in several key principles outlined during a recent gathering:

1. Defense of Constitutional Measure: The movement asserts its purpose as the defence of a constitutional measure, Home Rule, against the perceived “Disloyalists” of North East Ulster.
2. Sacrifice for Freedom: Participants are reminded of the historical context, invoking the idea that those who have fought for liberty elsewhere should be willing to make sacrifices for freedom in Ireland, a land “worth fighting for.”
3. Upholding the Law: Members are urged to remember that they drill to uphold the law, and under Home Rule, they can enjoy some measure of liberty.
4. The Power of National Volunteers: The movement believes that the National Volunteers will serve as a powerful argument for Home Rule, drawing parallels with the influence of Ulster Volunteers in shaping the discourse around the constitutional measure.
5. Self-Reliance: Emphasizing the need for self-reliance, the National Volunteers reject reliance on aristocratic officers loyal only to their class. Instead, they express the importance of being prepared to protect themselves, their fellow Nationalists in the North, and the upcoming Home Rule Government.
6. Call for Resolution: In a decisive tone, the leaders stress that what Ireland requires now is not mere resolutions but collective resolution – a united front in the face of challenges.

The mobilization of the Oola Division comes at a critical juncture in Irish politics, with Home Rule becoming an increasingly contentious issue. The call for sacrifice and the emphasis on self-defence reflect a deep-seated commitment to the cause and a belief that tangible actions are required to secure the future they envision for Ireland.

The intersection of political mobilization and local governance issues highlights the multifaceted challenges facing Ireland during this turbulent period. As the Irish Volunteers prepare for what they see as a defence of their rights and liberties, the demolition and closing orders underscore the broader socio-political landscape in which these developments unfold. The coming months are likely to witness heightened tensions and fervent debates as the Irish people navigate the path towards self-governance.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Wednesday 29 April 1914