Two IRA Volunteer brothers. Taken from their remote farmhouse and shot by a police hit squad
1911 census at Ballydavid, Templeneiry, Tipperary
1911 census at Ballydavid, Templeneiry, Tipperary
1920 Oct 18, Killed at Bansha, Tipperary
1920 Nov 11. A debate at Westminster includes this from Hansard
Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now received the evidence of the court of inquiry into the deaths of Frank O'Dwyer and Edward O'Dwyer, sons of William O'Dwyer, farmer, of Ballydavid, near Bansha, stated to have been shot by men in uniform on the night of 18th October last; whether he has read the minutes of evidence; what was the composition of the court; what witnesses were called; whether the court sat in secret; whether 1340 any motor lorries were taken out by the police or military in that part of Ireland on the night in question; and whether he has any information showing who murdered these young men?
Sir H. GREENWOOD I have read the minutes of evidence given before the court of inquiry in this case. The court was composed of three military officers, two of the rank of major and one captain. The proceedings were held in secret solely out of consideration for the personal safety of the witnesses, and for the same reason I am unable to give the names of the witnesses. The finding of the court was that the deceased were murdered by some person or persons unknown, and the court recorded their opinion that the murders were not committed by any person or persons belonging to the armed forces of the Crown. The evidence conclusively proved that no police or military motor lorries were in the vicinity on the night of the murder. I have no information as to who were the actual perpetrators of the crime, but I agree with the further opinion expressed by the court that the circumstances in which the murders were committed, which were of a cowardly, inhuman, and utterly despicable nature, show a close similitude with the methods adopted in the murders carried out by the Sinn Fein organisation.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY May I ask whether the aged mother and the sister of these unfortunate men were called as witnesses, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they solemnly declare that these men were shot by uniformed members of the armed forces? Is he further aware that two other brothers of the O'Dwyer family fought in the American Army in France? Is this incident going to help good relations between this country and America?
§ Mr. MacVEAGH Does the Chief Secretary propose now to publish the evidence?
§ Sir H. GREENWOOD I must protect witnesses who came forward at the risk of their lives in many parts of Ireland, as things exist to-day, in giving evidence to help the Government.