New Britain herald., 1922-12-08
LIAM MELLOWES IS
 EXECUTED BY IRISH
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periences in the eastern division O the rebel army, told In the masterfu manner of which the deceased leadc was capable. made the gathering on, of the most successful ever held il the city. After he had concluded hi talk and the meeting adjourned, { group of enthusiasts in the Irish re publican movement waited on hin and rendered him a purse of gold At his request the money was turned over to fund being collected for thu relief of Irish war sufferers.
 Here as Christmas Guest.
 The following Christmas he spent in this city as the guest of loca friends coming here on the eve of the hol.-.y, spending the night at the home of MT. and Mrs. John F Meehan of Wallace street, and the holiday at the home of MT. and Mrs James M. Butler of Winter street. Was Clever Entertainer.
 He proved an excellent entertainer, being clever exponent of the old Irish dances and also Wolinist of ability He entertained a number of friends with his dances violin num- bers and his keen Irish wit. Mrs. M. T. Crean. soloist at St. Mary's church sang the songs of his home land and as she did his eyes that had witnessed so much suffering and bloodshed during Easter week, filled with tears.
 Last Here Two Years Ago Mellowes' last visit to New Britain was about two years ago when he called on local friends unofficially. Shortly thereafter he toured the country and at one time was in Mexico. During the entire period of his travels he corresponded regularly with local friends until about year ago, when nothing was heard from him for several months. Then came announcement that he had arrived safely in Ireland and had taken up more active work in the interest of the republican form of government
 Held High Rank.
 He was give nhigh rank in the re- publican army and with the other leaders executed today, went to Dub lin, where he established quarters in the Four Courts building. After a terrific battle, the quarters were taken by the Free State forces last June and since that time Mellowes had been in prison.
 Included among his local personal friends were John McInerney Robert M. Murray, James O'Brien, M. J.. Kelly and a number of others.
 official Announcement.
 Dublin, Dec. s (By Associated Press) Rory O'Connor and Liam Mellowes, together with two other { Irish rebels. were executed in Mount Joy prison this morning, it was offl- icially announced.
 The two other men executed. it was later announced were named Joseph MeKelvey and Richard Barrett both prominent republicans.
 l Roderick (Rory) O'Connor and "General" Liam Mellowes were lead CTS of the band of Irish insurgents that held the Four Courts building in Dublin in its stand against the Free Stat troops last June. ,,,Each was Taken prisoner when the building was captured after three day siege.
 An official army report states that the four men were executed as a re- sfsrisal for the assassination of Deputy Bean Hales yesterday and as a solemn warning ito, those associated with them 'in the conspiracy of assassina- ton against the representatives of the irish peopie.s
 Tried During Night. 3t fvin a tary court martial during the night, found guilty and sentenced to death. N Tie death sentence was carried out at s:20 o'clock this morning Three {,riests were present. The prisoners, iblindfolded, were marched to the s'Dlace of execution O'Connor had to be assisted to the scafford.
 The Hales Tragedy.
 The shooting of Deputy Sean Hales occurred as Hales, with Brig. Gen. Patrick O'Maillc, deputy speaker Of the lower house of the new parliament were on their way to the parliament session. They were attacked with revolvers just as they were leaving the Ormond hotel. Deputy Hales died shortly afterward General O'Maille shot in the head and arm was oper- ated upon and it was stated that his condition was not critical.
 Hales was one of Michael Collins closest friends. His brother Tom IS on the other side--one of the most prom inent irregular leaders and is report ed to have acknowledged responsibil- ity for the ambush which resulted Tn Michael Collins death last summer.
 Speed Startles Dublin.
 The startling swiftness with which the Free State government acted Tn consequence of the assassination or Deputy Hales caused a great sensation among Dublinites.
 Through today's executions the ir- regulars lost two of their principal leaders and two other important al- though less known men. All four surrendered after the destruction of the Four Courts, in the seizure of which O'Connor and Mellows took leading part,
 MeIlowcs a Young Man.
 Both Rory O'Connor and Liam Mellowes had figured prominently in the insurgent activities and both had been arrested a number of times.
 Melowes who had barely passed his twenty-seventh birthday had the more romantic career. Even when in his teens he was an indefatigable worker for the republican cause. He organized the Hannah -Eireann, a body of boys who pledged their lives for free Ireland, and made a