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Charles E. Glynn was a big employer in the west coast town of Kilrush during the war years. More than 100 men – a quarter of the workforce – from his flour and feed mill went to the front. But Charles Glynn also spearheaded a major recruitment drive outside of his business.

Together with other local businessmen, he organised meetings where men were urged to enlist. Female members of the Glynn family raised funds for the soldiers. They were a Catholic family but did not suffer any political repercussions, even though the Easter Rising was just months away.

Throughout the war years, 476 men from Kilrush joined up. Many others from County Clare did so, too – often in a bid to escape from the poverty they faced in this part of Ireland. Charles Glynn’s efforts as a recruitment agent did not go unnoticed. In 1915, he received a visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Wimborne, at the family home.

Local historian Paul O’Brien has studied the Glynn family papers. His own great grandfather was one of the men who enlisted in Kilrush. He and Charles’ daughter Josephine Glynn are back at Kilrush House, where she was born.

Location: Kilrush, Co. Clare 52°38'28.4"N 9°29'09.5"W
Image: The Vice Regal party at Kilrush House 1915
Image courtesy of Glynn family papers and Paul O'Brien

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