Lot 11046 – Clare – Kilrush: 1834 Two entires both sent from Limerick to Kilkee, franked free at lower left and signed by William Roche, both showing black 2-line KILRUSH/PENNY POST in seriffed capitals, fine and very rare strike of

Clare – Kilrush: 1834 Two entires both sent from Limerick to Kilkee, franked free at lower left and signed by William Roche, both showing black 2-line KILRUSH/PENNY POST in serifed capitals, fine and very rare strike of the Penny Post mkg (2).

Note: William Roche was a strong supporter of Catholic emancipation, and when in 1809 he turned down a knighthood from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, it was interpreted as a protest against British policy in Ireland. Although Catholics were not permitted to hold political offices in Ireland, an act of Parliament was passed to permit Roche to become a magistrate. Roche stood at the 1832 UK general election in Limerick City and won the seat. Although he did not pledge to the Repeal Association, he received the support of Daniel O’Connell, who had known him for thirty years, and after the election was associated with the Repeal group.