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Seanad Éireann Debates

Volume 14

19 November, 1930

THE LATE SENATOR SIR BRYAN MAHON.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Bryan Mahon (1862-1930) was born at Belleville, Co. Galway on April 2nd. He was a lieutenant in the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars and in 1883 received the DSO for his part in the Dungola campaign of 1896. He fought at Arbala and Omdurman. He was a brigadier general during the Boer War and cut through Boer lines to relieve Mafeking, an action that aroused such celebrations in London that a new word, maffeking, was coined. He was awarded a CB, served in Egypt and India, was appointed KVCO in 1913. At the outbreak of WW1 he was appointed to command the 10th Irish Division and served in the Gallipoli campaign. He was Commander-in Chief in Ireland during 1916 and 1918. He retired to live in Ireland in 1921. He received the KCB in 1922. He was nominated to the first Free State senate in 1922. He died in Dublin on September 24th 1930.

Cathaoirleach: I greatly regret to have to announce the death of Senator Sir Bryan Mahon, which took place on September 24.

The Earl of Granard

The Earl of Granard: I am sure it is the desire of the Seanad to pay a tribute to the memory of our late colleague and friend, Senator Sir Bryan Mahon. He sat in the Seanad practically since its inception and we, his colleagues, all grew to love him. His career was the career of many young men in this country. He joined the Army and served in many countries with great success. He ended up his military career by being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland, and I think everybody who had any dealings with him then will recognise that he handled a difficult situation with tact and with understanding. He had great faith in human nature; he was an absolutely honest man, and, if sometimes he was unfortunate in his faith in human nature, perhaps, he was happier than some of us who have not that same faith. Wherever he served abroad I know, from my friendship with him, his thoughts were always for this, the country of his birth. It was always his desire to spend the evening of his days at home in Ireland, a desire which I am glad to say was granted to him. He had a great love for his country, and did everything in his power to promote its welfare. When the new conditions came into force here he worked hard and steadily to make them a success, and every day that he saw its prosperity improve was a delight to him. We, in this House, shall see him no more, and it only remains for us to  offer to his relatives a tribute of our respectful sympathy in their loss. I move: “That this House do place on record the expression of its regret at the death of Senator Sir Bryan Mahon.” The motion is one to which I am sure the House will assent unanimously.

Colonel Moore

Colonel Moore: I think it is appropriate that I should second this motion. I knew Senator Sir Bryan Mahon for the greater portion of his life, and we had always been intimate friends. I examined him for his first commission. We have been together in war and peace, on the Turf and in other fields of sport, and in the Seanad. In one and all he was remarkable for the simplicity of his manners, and the invariable uprightness of his conduct. I might enlarge on each of these matters, and give examples if this were an appropriate occasion, which I think it is not. I will only add that during his long and diversified life I have never known any person more kind in his heart, more honest in his principles, and more upright in his conduct.

Mr. O'Neill

Mr. O'Neill: Having been associated in many transactions with Senator Sir Bryan Mahon during times of peril, I can say that I found him always courteous and always honourable. Personally I feel deeply at his passing. I consider it an honour to be associated with the motion.

The motion was passed, Senators standing.

Sir Bryan Mahon of 23 Pembroke Road, Dublin was nominated to the Irish Senate for 6 years in 1922. Elected to the Irish Senate for 6 years in 1928 and died 24th September 1930.