Bríd O’Doherty

Daughter of Joseph O’Doherty

Bríd O’Doherty

“The establishment of that first Dáil was completely momentous. People couldn’t possibly understand what it was like for the people to have set up a parliament while the British Empire had us in full control.

“I think it meant everything to Daddy. To be in the Dáil was the thing. They were the most unselfish, high-minded group of people that you could imagine. They were the same stock, and some of the same men, as those that were in the 1916 rebellion. You only have to read the letters of the men killed to know their spirits.

“I don’t think people knew the price they paid. The real mark of them was they didn’t count the cost. They were supported by their wives and children. There was no question of self-satisfaction; they were in it for Ireland. All these men had a great sense of friendship, loyalty and commitment.

“The first Dáil was conducted with the utmost dignity. There was no friction, animosity or desire to provoke. It was almost tame, it was so well-conducted. Daddy’s sister, Annie, told me that 1,000 people attended the first Dáil. There was a flock from Derry. She said everybody was cheered as they went up the steps, but when Daddy came in, the sky broke.

Joseph O’Doherty

“You’ve no idea of the gladness that was in it, the joy to be ready to proclaim and be recognised as who they were, animated and inspired by a real love of their heritage and their language. That inner pride in being Irish.

“Examine the standard of even the Treaty debate later on, and there’s no heckling. It’s all controlled. Very, very strong feelings were there, yet there were no personal attacks. They didn’t judge, even those who were heart, soul, mind and body against the Treaty.

“Daddy recognised the right of every man to have his own beliefs and be sincere. The thing that I remember about him was that he was so upright. He was fiercely proud of the name O’Doherty.

“The one thing Daddy had in his head all the time was sovereignty. From his interventions, the thing he emphasised was the importance of sovereignty. He was a great speaker who never spoke from notes.

“My mother was very, very clever. She was the medical officer of Derry city. When the oath was imposed in 1922, she wouldn’t take it, so she lost the job. She stood by Daddy. Mammy was as much with him as she possibly could be. She was there by her own conviction.” – Mary Minihan