War of Independence, Jan. 1919 -- July 1922. [ Note added 2010 ---- July 1919, letters from Sinn Fein and Cumann na mBan and the Irish Transport and General Workers Union objecting to the use of Carlow Town Hall by the British Military were discussed at a meeting of Carlow Urban Council on 13th July 1919. Earlier that month Captain Johnson, B. Company, Norfolk Yeomanry, based in Carlow Military Barracks had contacted Carlow Urban Council requesting the use of Carlow Town Hall in order to give a "complimentary concert " to celebrate "Peace Day 1919" ( 19th July. also referred to as "Victory Day"). Carlow Sentinel, 19th July, 1919. Report of meeting of Carlow Urban Council held on 13th July 1919. Michael Governey, Chairman. Vote of Sympathy A vote of sympathy was passed with Mr McDarby on the death of his wife. Demobilised Soldiers from the Great War.. Mr Shackleton drew the Council's attention to the fact that demobilised men from the Great War could be used for work of public utility, and the clearing of building sites. He also mentioned that he would not require portion of the site in Graigue. A letter dated 11th July from Captain Johnson, Norfolk Yeomanry, Carlow Barracks requesting the use of Carlow Town Hall for a complimentary concert and dance as an acknowledgment of the hospitality extended to the army by the population of Carlow. Following the reading of letters from the Carlow branch of Cumann na mBan, Carlow Branch Sinn Fein and The Irish Transport and General Workers Union the content of the letters was discussed. Mr Williams said the Transport Union had a just cause of complaint, because the military authorities prevented them from holding a meeting in the Town Hall. Mr Brennan said it was the duty of the council to refuse the use of the Town Hall to the military. At present the Irish people were living under the tyranny of a military regime. He certainly would not lend himself to anything of the kind. So far as Ireland is concerned no peace was in existence. He certainly agreed with all the resolutions submitted to them. Mr William Purcell agreed with the remarks of Messrs Williams and Brennan. Mr Shackleton said he could not see his way to take any part in the discussion and he was not voting anyway. The Chairman said they were all glad that the terrible slaughter had ended in Europe. So far as politics are concerned he was not an extremist, but they could not have any peace in Ireland until we had our rights, and he was more and more impressed to-day that had the advice of the late lamented leader been taken in 1914, Ireland would be at peace today. For some years past Mr Lloyd George and his colleagues had been provoking the people of Ireland, and no spirited people could have patience with the proclaiming of meetings, concerts, etc. held under the auspices of the old little organisations to which people of all shades of opinions belonged. Then they had the arch-rebel , Sir Edward Carson, who had been rewarded with a seat in the Cabinet, preaching rebellion and sedition again. They could wait and see would he be arrested under DORA. Mr William Purcell said the present M.P. for Carlow was suffering in jail. Chairman----Let them do what they will, but the spirit of nationality will never be driven from the Irish people (hear, hear). Sir Edward Carson had even made a violent attack on the good Irishman, Sir Horace Plunkett. It was decided to refuse the use of the Town Hall. The question of the bonuses was again adjourned so that inquiries would be made. [ Note added in 2010. William Purcell is referring to Seamus Lennon who he describes as M.P. (Member of Parliament). In 1918 Seamus was elected as such but refused to take his seat in the British Parliament, it was therefore deemed that he was elected to the First Dail and his title was T.D.E. (Teachta Dala Eireann --- Elected Member of Dail Eireann)].