‘The Capuchin Annual’ (1936) / Review and Correspondence Volume

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Always an event, now a national institution, the "Capuchin Annual" is cordially welcomed by thousands of Irishmen all over the world. The 1936 edition is of more than special interest, for a very special reason. To this annual miscellany, Irishmen of note have contributed distinguished work. Philosophers, poets, storytellers, artists, historians, and travellers have lavishly given of their best. Maurice Walsh and David Hogan are represented by two excellent short stories. There is a play by Mr. Daniel Corkery, who also introduces to readers of the Annual a selection of poems by Roibeard O'Farachain. Mr. Frank Duff writes on the Legion of Mary. Miss Alice Curtayne discusses the art of the microphone. Mr. Sean Moynihan, Secretary to the Executive Council, contributes a beautiful short sketch in Irish. Miss Kathleen O'Brennan's "That Reminds Me" recalls the troubled times and tells of her propaganda tours in U.S.A. Mr. Denis Slattery, of Tralee, tells a fisherman's tale that is true. These are only a few items from some 300 pages. An essay on "Building and Order" by a young Dublin architect, Mr. John O'Gorman, provides matter for com- ments by Mr. Sean T. O'Kelly, Vice-President; Miss Gertrude Gaffney, Mr. D. L. Kelleher, Mr. Nicholas O'Dwyer, and others competent to discuss town-planning. War of Independence. "1916—1921," the item of greatest interest, covers more than 40 pages, and includes about 100 splendid illustrations. Twenty years ago the first shots were fired in that phase of the War of Independence which concluded with the founding of the Irish Free State. In the "Capuchin Annual" there is a chain of facsimile reproductions of the scenes and tragedies and the glories of that troubled time. There are facsimiles of original documents, last letters, diaries, photographs. These give more than a glimpse of the leading figures and events which have moulded modern Irish history. An important aspect is that most of the items have never before been reproduced. Very Rev. Father Canice's inimitable studies of the late Fathers Leonard, Matthew, Albert, Sebastian, and of the late Brother Felix are real literature. Pearse's Cottage. One of three striking reproductions in full colours is of a painting of Pearse's cottage in Connemara by Mr. Somhairle MacCann. Other contributors include his Grace Most Rev. Dr. Prendiville, Archbishop of Perth; Most Rev. Dr. Sylvester, O.M.Cap., Definitor General; Very Rev. Dr. James, O.M.Cap.; Liam O'Domhnaill, T. S. Cuffe, T. J. Molloy, Mairin Cregan, Lily M. O'Brennan, T. O'Cléirigh, Sean MacManus, Richard J. King, Sean O'Sullivan, A. J. Magennis, and the Rev. Fathers Felix and Fintan, O.M.Cap. Altogether the "Capuchin Annual" for 1936 has equalled, if not surpassed, its predecessors. Higher praise cannot be given. G. W. M. A page devoted to Terence MacSwiney in the special pictorial section of the Capuchin Annual, 1936.