A telegram from Eamon de Valera to his wife confirming his election win as MP a year after the Easter Rising has gone on public display.

The historic document reveals the 1916 leader beat Patrick Lynch of the Irish Party in the 1917 Clare by-election by 2,975 votes.

Shortly after the win de Valera went on to become President of Sinn Fein and the Irish Volunteers.

John Rattigan, Clare museum curator, said the simple message on the document belied the importance of the victory.

"It signifies a move away from constitutional to physical force nationalism and the beginning of a political career that would last until de Valera's retirement as President of Ireland in 1973," Mr Rattigan said.

"In the months following his election victory De Valera was named President of both Sinn Fein and the Irish Volunteers."

Before it was restored the telegram was in a delicate state, as it had become discoloured and brittle with time.

The telegram has been placed on display alongside a comprehensive account of the first meeting of Clare County Council, held in the Grand Jury room of Ennis Courthouse on 22 April 1899.

Rene Franklin, county archivist, said: "It is clear from this minute book that those present regarded the new Council as a stepping stone to national independence.

"This nationalist fervour was the spirit behind a series of motions recorded in the minutes and preserved now in Clare County Archives."