Darley supported the nationalist cause in the War of Independence, and his home, Bruckless House, provided shelter for republican leaders. Seán T. O'Kelly who would become Ireland's second president wrote on his death in "The Nation" about his contribution to Ireland and Irish music. As a result of his involvement in the Irish war of independence – he performed at many Easter 1916 commemorations in the Theatre Royal – an obituary for Darley featured in the Republican newspaper An Phoblacht in 1930. An obituary also featured in "The Musical Times" in February 1930.