John O'Dowd (Sligo MP) facts for kids

John O'Dowd (born February 13, 1856 – died October 26, 1937) was an important Irish politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for areas in Sligo, Ireland. An MP is like a representative who helps make laws for a country. John O'Dowd was a Nationalist, meaning he strongly supported Ireland's independence and rights. He represented North Sligo from March to September 1900, and then South Sligo from 1900 to 1918.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

John O'Dowd was born in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, Ireland. When he was young, he moved to the United States. In the late 1870s, he returned to Ireland and settled in Bunninadden, Sligo. He worked as a farmer there for the rest of his life.

From 1880 onwards, John O'Dowd became involved in Irish political groups. He was even put in prison in 1881-1882. This happened because of special laws at the time that allowed people to be held if they were suspected of certain activities.

Working for Ireland

John O'Dowd was a strong supporter of Irish causes. He was part of the Irish National Land League, a group that worked to help farmers and improve land ownership rights in Ireland. He was also active in the United Irish League, which aimed to unite different Irish political groups. After returning from the US, he was also connected with the Irish Republican Brotherhood. This was a secret organization that worked for Ireland's independence.

For many years, John O'Dowd was the chairman of the Sligo County Council. This meant he was a leader in the local government for County Sligo. His son later became an accountant for the same council.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

John O'Dowd first became a Member of Parliament (MP) for North Sligo on March 7, 1900. He was elected without anyone running against him. This happened after the previous MP, Bernard Collery, stepped down.

Later that same year, during a general election, John O'Dowd moved to represent his home area of South Sligo. Again, he was elected without anyone opposing him. He continued to hold this seat, winning without opposition in several elections.

However, in December 1918, he faced a challenge. He was defeated by Alexander McCabe, a candidate from the Sinn Féin party. John O'Dowd received 1,988 votes, while Alexander McCabe received 9,113 votes. It's interesting to note that O'Dowd had actually spoken up for McCabe when McCabe was on trial for having explosives, and McCabe was found not guilty.

Later Contributions

As a local leader, John O'Dowd was chosen to be a member of the Irish Convention in 1917-1918. This was a special meeting that tried to find a way to bring North and South Ireland together. Unfortunately, the convention was not successful in its goal.

Besides his political work, John O'Dowd also enjoyed writing. He published a book of poems called Lays of South Sligo. He also wrote poems for Weekly News, a newspaper run by Timothy Daniel Sullivan.

Publications

• Lays of South Sligo: A Few Wild Flowers of National Poetry, Dublin, Gill, 1888; 2nd ed. 1889