I was reading lately a copy of the Connaught Telegraph, dated the 14th Oct 1933, about the time General Eoin O’Duffy came to Castlebar, to give a speech on the Mall. The paper said thousands turned up and there was a huge police & military presence. 300 Guards approx and two tenders of military, fully equipped with rifles, steel helmets and tear gas masks, took up position at the Courthouse, opposite the speakers platform.

An hour before the meeting was due to begin, the heavens opened so the crowd scattered all over to find shelter. There were disturbances on Spencer St – around 100 Blueshirts (newspaper description) marched in military formation up the street to meet their leader where they were met with stone throwing by young locals, near the factory Road. The police charged with batons and this dispersed them. When the meeting was in progress, an attempt was made to hold a rival meeting at a close distance, but the guards managed to charge and direct this crowd down Castle Street where they were surrounded and held in the middle of the street, until Duffy’s meeting was over.

The meeting was presided by Dr. Anthony MacBride, Mayo County Surgeon and an Address of Welcome was read by Mr. Sean T.Ruane, N.T.

It may be interesting to note the signatures of the Address: Tom Murphy, Ballinrobe; P.Gavin, Belcarra; J.Duffy, Belcarra; S. Doherty, Swinford; W. Mellet, Ballyvary; T. Stenson, Glann; T. Lynch, Ballyvary; P O’Malley, Westport; R O’Connor, Ballymiles; J Walsh, Westport, Seamus Ruane, Kiltimagh; J Higgins, Foxford, Dr MacBride, Dr. Ryan and TH Gillespie, all from Castlebar.

When General O’Duffy stepped forward, he was described as looking very pale and worn and had a large bandage on his head, in which he told the crowd that he had been assaulted at a previous meeting in Tralee. He was greeted with the Hitler salute by the Blueshirts present and to this, he responded before commencing his speech.

His speech itself was really made up of a long introduction; his role as Commissioner of the Guards, Chief Marshal of the Eucharistic Congress, etc and how he set up the United Ireland Party. He got the loudest cheers when he made personal marks regarding DeValera. He ended his speech by stating that they were not looking for trouble but would stand up to it, if they had to.

The Hitler salute came again, amidst the cheers and General O’Duffy and guests then headed over to the Imperial Hotel.

Throughout the evening, there was running scuffles on the Mall and a number of arrests were made.