Introduction. Telegrams played an important part in the final outcome of the Galway crisis. Healy received many, some were in support, but most called on him to support Parnell’s position. The contents of three of the telegrams are reproduced below.

Source. Timothy M. Healy, Letters and Leaders of My Day (London 1928) 2 Vols. I, pp 242, 244-45.

Telegram sent by Parnell to Lynch. Handed in at Victoria, 7 February, 1886.

‘I am informed that you are being urged to contest Galway in opposition to Captain O’Shea. Before you decide, it is my duty to inform you that I leave for Galway to-night to support O’Shea’s candidature, and that the responsibility resting upon you or anybody else who attempts to weaken my power and influence at present juncture will be grave.’

 

Telegram sent by Gray to Healy, 8 February 1886.

‘My information to-night convinces me of the vital importance of carrying out Parnell’s policy and of the ruinous effect of defeating him. I entreat you to reconsider your action before it is too late, and to subordinate your personal feelings to those of Parnell and to try and induce Lynch to retire.’

 

Mat Harris, M.P. who had been T.P. O’Connor’s main helper in Galway in 1880, sent a message to Healy, 9 February 1886.

‘If you give way to Parnell now and make provision for liberty by giving the selection of members in future to a committee elected by the Party you will accomplish a great work. Compromise on this basis, as public feeling here is strongly against disunion. Lynch is my friend, and an honest Nationalist. I ask him to do, what in like case, I would do myself. Do not be led astray by excitement of the people. Their course is right but inexpedient at present.’

Tomás O’Riordan