The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-12-25
THE REBEL PROGENY
Writes Josephine Byrne-Sullivan, of
tho Catholic Sim

Writes Josephine Byrne-Sullivan, of |
the Catholic Sun.
From Ballymore to Breen's Cross
Ing. distance OF twenty-five miles,
there was no more poverty-stricken
habitation than the home of the Kav.
B mud pin suggestive of the
eI!l1 - tha7I ongo), matched with
"a bundled by a barren
! ~ - v; sN - it was, indeed, un-
i q & pwney, the thatcher,
vas Emark, Sure, the soil
was tliat poor 1t would not raise straw
enough, to mend the roof" conse-
Iagysntly the rain often beat down upon
.fresheads of the inmates, Gerald and
Mollie Kavanaugh.
But the deariness of the outside
was forgotten once you crossed the
Threshold in the CHEEKY smiles and
refined demeanor of the intelligent
couple, who called this humble dwell
ing home" A handsome man of
thirty years, descendant of an an
cient race, Gerald Kavanaugh was
looked upon by his neighbors. The
son of Arthur Kavanaugh, the idol of
the old people of the valley, the glori-
GUS patriot, who gave up his life to
aid his country, the son possessed all
of that fathers love of freedom and
pride of birth.
The grandfather of Gerald had
been one of the property owners of
the country, his demesne, "Oak Hail."
was the richest and his tenantry the
most progressive. He lived up to the
Golden Rule, treating his employees
justly, and was generous in his chart
ties. A practical Catholic, a fervent
Irish son, he never sought to perse-
cute those who differed from him in
belief, but would not surrender one
iota of his rights to the oppressor.
On account of these steadfast prin-
ciples he was often in trouble with his
neighbor, Squire Kiely, rabid Orange
man and renegade to Gods Church.
Upon the slightest pretext, Catholic
employees of the Kavanaughs were
hailed before the Court" and fined or
imprisoned. The hot-headed master
of Coax Hall" would always be on
hand to pay the fine, and upbraid the
squire for his vindictiveness and
treachery. AS could be foreseen, Mr..
Kavanaugh was soon marked by the
"Peelers" and years of persecution
! followed in which the willy squire was
the leading spirit.
Troops of horsemen would visit
"Oak Hall" at all hours, on priest
hunting expeditions, and after making
tour of the residence, depart swear
ing vengeance on the master. Charges
would be trumped up, by the squire,
heavy fines imposed, until through one
misfortune or another the magnificent
estate was doomed to fall into the
hands of the engmies, and was con.
fiscated by the government.
The family at this time consisted of
the master, his wife, a noble charac-
ter, worthy her brave husband, and
two sons, Arthur and Edward. The
latter were fine types of the young
Irish gentlemen, just merging into
manhood, and were heartbroken over
leaving the home which had been in
the family for centuries. They bore
up cheerfully on account of the grief
of their parents, and all settled hap
PLY in the cottage of an old servant,
there to begin life anew.
The boys had received a good edu-
cation and this they supplemented by
reading of the choice library saved
from the wreck of their fortunes. Ed
ward, a gentle youth, the exact coun-
terpart of his mother, had always
shown desire for religious life,
and had been great favorite with
the hunted missionaries who had
sought refuge in his fathers CASTLE
He loved to listen to their tales of
the early martyrs, and often shed
childish tears over the hardships en-
dured by the hunted priests. AS a
boy, he would beg his parents for pen
MES to save for the next poor saint
AS he called the clergy-who would
come their way; and for days would
gather delicacies, thinking priest
would call at the door hungry.
When his mother recognized his
charitable virtues she taught him the
way to the poor cabins, and the bright,
winsome face of Edward was soon
known and loved in the poverty
stricken quarters, as he trudged along
carrying basket filled with good
things for the children on the estate.
Edward grew up in virtue, and it
was no surprise to his parents when
he announced his intention Of going
to Spain to study with the Dominicans.
He desired to be a missionary, to
work among his own people in Ire
land. to be martyr, If God willed.
for their sake.
Arthur was q Kavanaugh - hot.
headed. patriotic to fierce degree,
deep student of his country's history,
idol Of his countrymen, and devoted