Irish National Association of Australia (I.N.A.), 1919-77

Component identifier:

Series 18

Content Summary:

The Irish National Association of New South Wales was formed in 1915 on the initiative of Albert Dryer (1888-1963), an Australian of Irish-German descent who had suddenly become converted to the cause of Irish nationalism. It was the only Irish organisation in Australia that supported the 1916 Easter Uprising. Membership increased from 600 in 1916 to 1500 in 1919 and small branches were set up in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. These branches died within a few years, but Dryer's dedication ensured that in Sydney the Association has survived.

The papers in this series consist of both original records and photocopies. They include correspondence between O'Farrell and the Association, reports, newsletters, circulars, cash books, financial papers, library catalogues, membership lists, minutes of meetings and photographs.

O'Farrell acquired this material from three main sources: Elizabeth Dryer (widow of Dr Albert Dryer) made her husband's vast collection of papers available to him to photocopy and then return; Dan Minogue, Trustee of INA and MP for East Sydney, gave him valuable INA material at a time when the future and internal operations of the INA were under serious threat; he has acquired material as Honorary Member of the INA since 1965-66, when he represented it in Dublin at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1916 Rebellion.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The Library purchased the original instalment of papers from O'Farrell in June 1980. O'Farrell donated subsequent consignments to the Library in August 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984 and in 2000. Other papers were purchased from O'Farrell in 1998 and 1999. Material acquired in May 1984 and in February 1998 pertaining to Dr Albert Dryer has been transferred to the papers of Albert Dryer (MS 6610).Further material was added to the O'Farrell Papers in 2006.

Subjects:

Academic
History

Contents

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