Revolutionary Colt 45 and Postcards

"This is one of a number of items I have that's connected with the War of Independence in Co Offaly. Our house in Banagher was a meeting place for Sinn Fein after the 1916 Rising. It became a safe house for rebels on the run, and was raided many times by the Black & Tans during those times. This particular gun was owned by my uncle Mick Hynes. He was captured by the British forces, and some years later died in Pentonville prison. Some of his friends were interred in Maryborough prison in Portlaoise during the civil war. I possess some of the homemade Christmas cards that they sent to their loved ones in 1921."