Howth rifle / Tom Clarke, Howth

Tom Clarke's Howth Rifle. A "Howth Rifle" inscribed: "Tom Clarke to John Daly. One of the first two pieces landed at Howth Pier Dublin 26th July, 1914". The gun was taken by Tom Clarke from Dublin to Limerick the day following the Howth Gun-running. On arrival at Limerick he marched with it on his shoulder from the station to John Daly's home to the great amazement of the "G" men and police. There, he presented it to his old friend and prison comrade who was then an invalid. The gun was John Daly's most prized possession and he was determined to guard it with his life. He kept his revolver (also given to him by Tom Clarke) lest any attempt would be made to disarm him. John Daly gave the gun to the Limerick Volunteers at Easter 1916. It was returned to him immediately after the "Rising" and remained hidden in the Daly home during all the raids and burnings by the British Military and Black and Tans from 1916 to 1922.;