Jennie Shanahan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jennie Shanahan
Born	Jane Shanahan 1897
Died	29 December 1936
Nationality	Irish
Known for	Unionism and Republicanism

Jennie Shanahan (1897 – 29 December 1936) was a brave Irish woman. She was a member of the Irish Citizen Army. This group worked for Irish independence. Jennie fought in important events like the Easter Rising and the Irish War of Independence. She helped shape Ireland's history.

Early Life and Joining the Fight

Jennie Shanahan was born in 1897. Her full name was Jane Shanahan. She lived in a small, one-room home in Mercer Street, Dublin. Jennie came from a big family. Sadly, five of her brothers and sisters died when they were young.

Jennie worked at the Jacob's Biscuit Factory. She became a strong leader in the Irish Women Workers' Union. This union helped women workers get fair treatment. She was involved in the big Lockout of 1913. This was a major strike for workers' rights.

In 1913, Jennie joined the Irish Citizen Army (ICA). This group was different for its time. Women were treated almost equally to men. Jennie took part in army training and drills. She learned how to be a soldier.

Jennie's Role in the Easter Rising

The Easter Rising happened in 1916. This was a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. At the time, Jennie managed a co-operative shop. It was located in Liberty Hall, a key building for Irish nationalists.

As an ICA soldier, Jennie had an important mission. She was sent to capture Dublin Castle. She was under the command of Sean Connolly. The attempt to take the castle did not succeed.

Jennie and her group then went to City Hall. They held this building for the next day. While on the roof, Jennie saw her commander, Sean Connolly, die. He was shot by a sniper.

A Clever Trick at City Hall

A famous story shows Jennie's quick thinking. On her way back from Dublin Castle, she met British soldiers. They thought she was just a normal person caught in the fighting. They asked if she was okay. They also asked for information about the rebels.

Jennie bravely replied that the rebels had treated her well. Then she added that there were "hundreds of them" on the roof of City Hall. This made the British soldiers move more slowly. This gave Jennie's group more time to get ready inside City Hall.

Continuing the Fight for Freedom

After the 1916 Rising, Jennie was arrested. She was held in Richmond Barracks. She was released on May 8, 1916. But Jennie did not stop fighting for Ireland. She continued to support the Irish Volunteers. This was another group working for Irish independence.

On May 12, 1917, Jennie took a bold step. She, along with Rosie Hackett, Helena Molony, and Brigid Davis, locked themselves inside the damaged Liberty Hall. They hung a large banner from the walls. It read: "James Connolly murdered 12th May 1916". This was a powerful message. They wanted to make sure people remembered the events of 1916.

During the Irish War of Independence, Jennie stayed active. She worked hard to avoid being arrested again. She helped hide guns and important messages. She even ran a hospital in Cullenswood House. This house was once home to St. Enda's School.

Jennie Shanahan passed away on December 29, 1936. Her friend, Helena Molony, spoke at her grave. Jennie was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. She is remembered as a brave woman who fought for Ireland's freedom.

Images for kids

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  Irish Women's Workers Union, known as the Freedom Martyrs

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  Banner on Liberty Hall 12 May 1917