The file relating to Margaret Pendy, born in 1881 gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the War of Independence in Kerry and the level of organisation and opposition to the Crown Forces. Margaret was eventually awarded a pension in June 1941 but died in March 1943. In case anyone thinks this pension was a significant one, just look at the actual amount – €8 per year!
Quoting from the actual file: ‘Margaret was a telephonist in the Tralee Exchange. Austin Stack (a neighbour of hers) advised her not to join Cumann na mBan as she would have been of more help staying on the outside. In her capacity of telephonist, she listened to conversations between the police and the military in Tralee and told John O’Sullivan who was the Intelligence Officer. She also copied telegrams which were telephoned by the Crown Forces and passed them on to O’Sullivan or to Brigade Officer Kennedy. She also facilitated the Volunteers in their own communications. It is noted on the file that the IRA had tapped the entire railway telephone system on the Tralee & Dingle railway and her duty was to plug them in whenever they wanted to speak. A number in the Public Exchange – Tralee 41 was reserved for this purpose.’
She also facilitated the Volunteers in their own communications. It is noted on the file that the IRA had tapped the entire railway telephone system on the Tralee and Dingle railway and her duty was to plug them in whenever they wanted to speak. A number in the Public Exchange – Tralee 41 was reserved for this purpose. – See more at: http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/detail.aspx#sthash.e1jE1Vtw.dpuf
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