Sir Horace Plunkett kept detailed diaries over decades; they have been transcribed and are available online at the National Library of Ireland website. His diary for 1919 provides some background on Capablanca’s visit, and his stay at Plunkett’s house. The full entries for all the days on which Capablanca is mentioned are given below.
4 Dec, Thu
J R Capablanca the Chess Master (probably the world Champion though he has yet to meet Emmanuel [sic (Emanuel)] Lasker who is the titular champion – he would beat all others) arrived. The young Cuban, he is only 31, was interesting in his political views. He knows the outlines of the Irish Question & like the rest of the world blames England bitterly for not settling it. He played 40 in the Mansion House. He by an oversight lost his Queen & the game to one player (not a good one) won 27 and drew 12. I was among the drawers but they were all adjudicated. I had a draw only with the best play.
5 Dec, Fri
Had Capablanca on my hands but got through some work. Ld. ffrench turned up & I had him out for a walk & talk in the afternoon. We agreed that the Dominion idea is making way, but – well England is England & Ireland is Ireland. Played again in the simultaneous exhibition. This time I drew & the draw was distinctly in my favor.
6 Dec, Sat
Capablanca went to Killarney for weekend. Monteagle & Gerald Heard a relative of Mary Perceval (nee Massey). G.H. is a possible private secretary and I am getting him for a few days’ visit – I go next Thursday to London en route for U.S.A. – to see whether we might suit each other.
8 Dec, Mon
Got Heard to help me with some literary work & decided to take him on as private secretary.
Capablanca came back from Killarney & I got to like him.