Dr. William Murphy – “The German Plot Prisoners”

On Tuesday 12 April Dr. William Murphy of DCU concluded out 2015/16 Tipperary People and Places Lecture Series with his rescheduled lecture titled “The German Plot Prisoners: Stopping the Hunt and Tipperary, 1918-19”. In a very entertaining and descriptive talk he introduced the audience to the Conscription Crisis, and the fear that the British government had felt with regard to the prospect of another “German Plot”, as was the case in 1916. He introduced us to the Tipperary men who had been interned – most famous amongst them being Eamonn Ó Duibhir, Pierse McCan, Frank Drohan and Frank McGrath – and detailed the various comings and goings they experienced in assorted British prisons. Dr. Murphy then gave us an insight into what life was like for the prisoners in “The Imperial Hotel”, as they themselves often referred to it, and the ways in which they occupied their time. All the while the audience was informed of the various efforts being made to secure the prisoners’ release, including a boycott-cum-sabotage of the country’s fox hunts, along with the stumbling blocks that were put in the way. Dr. Murphy then detailed the circumstances under which the prisoners were finally released after the conclusion of the Great War. The video of the lecture can be accessed here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRZcPRI7U_o&feature=youtu.be

It was a fitting end to another wonderful series and Tipperary Studies would like to thank everyone – lecturers and audiences alike –  for their continued support. The series will return in October, when we hope to again entertain our loyal supporters with more fascinating subjects and speakers.