Dan Keating (b. 1902) with Nollaig Ó Gadhra, Galway (part 1)

Track 1: Nollaig Ó Gadhra’s family history and the Flynn connection is explained and he then poses questions to Dan Keating relating to his background, his schooldays, and his work for publican Jerry McSweeney in Tralee. Dan describes his memories of the British recruitment campaign in Kerry during World War I, the Fenian movement and the invitation issued to him by Jerry Moyles to join the Volunteers. Track 2: The events of the 1916 Rising and the subsequent roundup of Volunteers in Tralee is described by Dan. Track 3: Dan’s memories of Thomas Ashe’s death in 1917 and of attending his funeral are recorded. Track 4: The Black and Tans’ campaign in Kerry and his involvement in a number of military engagements, under the command of Colin Humphrey. Track 5: The War of Independence, Austin Stack’s promotion of the Sinn Fein Courts, and the Sinn Fein judges of that time. Track 6: The Truce and how news travelled locally, and his own anti-Treaty stance, which never wavered are described by Dan who also recalled times he spent in Listowel, Limerick and Tipperary during the Civil War. Track 7: Dan Keating’s imprisonment, the executions of men he knew and the refusal by the U.S. authorities of a passport to allow him to travel to America. Track 8: His passion for Gaelic football and his unbroken attendance at every All-Ireland Final since 1919 are described.