Tom Mitchell

Tom Mitchell

 

This past July saw the death of Tom Mitchell of Dublin, volunteer and MP for Mid-Tyrone at the age of 89. Mitchell was a significant figure in Irish history as the first Sinn Fein member to win an election in the north since 1918.

The following articles summarize his life and times, including his account of the Omagh Raid in which he was arrested.

A few notes may be added to what's below: Inside the Crum, Mitchell was elected O/c of the Republican Prisoners, and in Bowyer Bell's words, "proved capable of getting along with everyone and smoothing down the rough edges of faction."(1) Although he adhered strictly to Army policy, there was no crippling infighting such as split the movement in the Curragh at the same time.  He stood down in favor of Sean Garland in 1960. Upon his release in 1961, he served on the Army Council and voted to end Operation Harvest the next year.

After his release he returned to Dublin and became a planner on the Dublin Corporation. He retained a close connection to his Tyrone constituents, and appeared in almost any republican rally, commemoration, or funeral in the area. More than one former comrade notes he was wary of far left ideology, but firmly believed in popular politics and the political process.(2) He was active in the NICRA, was a member of Official Sinn Fein, and supported the WP-affiliated Republican Clubs through the 1980's.  According to his Irish Time obituary, he "often played a significant role as peacemaker behind the scenes."(3) Thomas MacGiolla described him as "a quiet man who hated the limelight, and had no desire for publicity."(4)

1- Bowyer Bell, The Secret Army

2- Obituary by Matt Treacy https://gript.ie/tom-mitchell-twice-elected-as-a-westminster-mp-while-a-republican-prisoner/

3- https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/tom-mitchell-obituary-one-of-sinn-f%C3%A9in-s-first-mps-after-partition-1.4318017

4- Ulster Herald, October 22, 1955

 

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(From the United Irishman)

Election Photo, 1967

At the unveiling of the republican monument in Carrickmore, Tyrone, 1971.
The monument was a decades long project initiated by the Old IRA veterans.

                                               

1971

In Support of a "fish-in" protest.