souvenir / Liam Mellows, 1922

Leather pouch which belonged to Liam Mellows. Brown leather pouch with flap from which extend two straps fastening by studs to front of pouch and with three straps and three brass buckles behind. A small pocket with one strap within. Incised with shallow lines on back of pouch: 'Liam Ó Maol Iosa. Liam Mellows 30.06.1922'. Overall dimensions 7 inches by 5 inches. This pouch is said to have been worn by Liam Mellows during the Civil War - statement of P. Heslin, who adds - 'The pouch was given as a souvenir by Liam Mellows to Heslin's sister at Jameson's Distillery on 30 June 1922. He and the prisoners from the Four Courts were confined there then. She was passing and recognised Liam Mellows and Rory O'Connor at a window. Former scratched his name and the date on the pouch with a pin or nail and threw it to her from the window. It was held in her family since'.;