The following paragraph from the Midland Tribune of April 17th 1915 completely rebuts the common belief that the statue of the Duke of Cumberland was removed from the monument in Emmet Square some time during 1919 or 1920.

As will be seen from this paragraph the statue had evidently been removed in February or March 1915.

On Monday evening Mr. George Bernard Shaw the famous dramatist and critic, arrived in Birr on his way from Dublin to Galway. He was accompanied by Mrs. Shaw, and stayed for the night at Dooly's Hotel. On Tuesday morning he proceeded to take a photo of the Cumberland Column, from which the figure was removed some weeks ago. While thus engaged he was accosted by Constable Walsh, who asked his name and address. The reply was "George Bernard Shaw, care of Sir Horace Plunkett, Dublin". This satisfied Constable Walsh, who said that the police had to be very particular those times, as there might be foreigners about. "Oh, yes," replied Mr. Shaw, "and not friendly ones, perhaps, at that." Mr. Shaw then told the constable some of the things he had noticed during his short stay. He particularly referred to the fanlight over the hotel, saying that few like it are to be found in England. The "Duke" was also discussed but Mr. Shaw declined to go to see the "head" in the Urban Council rooms. Mrs. Shaw arriving on the scene, Mr. Shaw introduced her to the constable. Afterwards Mr. Shaw went to see the Birr Castle, stating that he was some connection through his wife with the Ross family. Afterwards he left per motor for Galway.