Edward Costello facts for kids

Edward Joseph Costello (born October 13, 1887 – died April 25, 1916) was a young man from what is now Northern Ireland. He was one of only two people from that area who died during an important event in Irish history called the Easter Rising in 1916.

Edward Joseph Costello: A Story from 1916

Early Life and Family

Edward Joseph Costello was born on October 13, 1887, in a town called Lurgan, in County Armagh. His parents were Edward (senior) and Rose Costello. They had moved to Lurgan from Kilcock, County Kildare, to work in their family's business in the town center.

Edward worked as a clerk at a linen factory in Lurgan. He married Annie, and they lived in Lurgan. In 1914, he moved to Dublin to find work. His last job was working as an assistant in a pawn shop.

Joining the Irish Citizen Army

In 1915, Edward joined a group called the Irish Citizen Army. This group was formed to protect workers' rights and later became involved in the fight for Irish independence. Even though Edward moved to Dublin, his wife Annie stayed in Lurgan. He often traveled back to Lurgan to visit her and their children.

The Easter Rising and His Legacy

In April 1916, Edward took part in the Easter Rising. This was a significant rebellion in Ireland. On April 25, 1916, Edward was sadly shot in the head during the Rising. He was only 27 years old. He died later that day in Jervis Street Hospital.

His brother, James, officially registered his death. Edward was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin on May 1, 1916. His grave is in the St. Paul's section, but it does not have a headstone.

Edward's wife, Annie Costello, continued to live in Lurgan and raised their children there. They moved homes in the 1950s. Annie Costello passed away in Lurgan on March 22, 1959.

In 2016, a plan to build a memorial for Edward Joseph Costello in Lurgan was discussed.