Joseph O'Connor (Irish politician) facts for kids

Joseph John O'Connor was an important Irish figure. He was a soldier and politician. He lived from around 1880 to 1959. He played a key role in Ireland's fight for independence.

Early Life and Joining the Volunteers

Joseph O'Connor was born in the 1880s. When he was a child, he saw Charles Stewart Parnell. Parnell was a famous Irish leader. In 1913, O'Connor joined the Irish Volunteers. This group wanted Ireland to be free. By 1916, he was a captain. He led a company in Dublin. He worked under Éamon de Valera. De Valera later became a leader of Ireland.

The Easter Rising

In 1916, a big event happened. It was called the Easter Rising. This was a rebellion against British rule. O'Connor was with Éamon de Valera during the Rising. De Valera made O'Connor his second-in-command. They were at Bolands Mill. Their group was one of the last to surrender. After the Rising, O'Connor was sent to prison. He was held at Frongoch internment camp in Wales. He was released in 1917.

Fighting for Independence

After his release, O'Connor returned to Dublin. He joined "The Squad." This was a special group led by Michael Collins. Collins was another important Irish leader. O'Connor was involved in events during the Irish War of Independence. This war was fought for Ireland's freedom.

On Bloody Sunday in 1920, O'Connor was part of actions against British intelligence officers. By the end of the war, he was a Commandant. He led the 3rd Battalion.

The Irish Civil War

After the War of Independence, Ireland faced another conflict. This was the Irish Civil War. It started in 1922. O'Connor was part of the Irish Republican Army. During the Battle of Dublin, he held a key position. He was at the Fianna HQ near St Stephen's Green. He later went to Limerick. There, he became a high-ranking officer. He was the Quarter-Master-General of the IRA.

Life After the Wars

After the Civil War ended, Joseph O'Connor became a farmer. He also worked as a cattle salesman. In 1925, he entered politics. He was elected as a senator. He represented the Cumann na nGaedheal party. He served as a senator until 1936.

Later, he joined the Fine Gael party. Despite this, he still honored his past. In 1936, he gave Éamon de Valera a special scroll. It listed those who died in the Easter Rising. This was for the 20th anniversary. O'Connor also won a lawsuit in 1936. He sued Ernie O'Malley for comments made in his memoirs.