When Oliver St. John Gogarty

by Mary Melvin Geoghegan

When Oliver St. John Gogarty

was about to be executed by the Anti Treaty Forces.

He asked for a moment and turning towards the Liffey jumped in and disappeared to safety.

In return for the river’s shelter he presented her with two swans and often visited his gift.

After his burial at his home in Renvyle a lone swan left the lake to pay her respects.

In January, 1923, members of the Anti-Treaty IRA kidnapped Free State Senator Oliver St. John Gogarty who later escaped by jumping into the Liffey.

Related artifact:

Note by Oliver St. John Gogarty written after kidnapping and escape from custody by Anti-Treaty forces by swimming to freedom across the Liffey, with endorsement, stating that note was brought to the Government propaganda department for publication,
1923 Jan.  Kathleen McKenna Napoli Papers, 1917-1979. National Library of Ireland. MS 22,623 .