Joseph Sweeney (Irish politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Sweeney
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Sweeney in 1919
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| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1922 – August 1923 |
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| Constituency | Donegal |
| In office December 1918 – May 1921 |
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| Constituency | Donegal West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 May 1897 Burtonport, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Died | 25 November 1980 (aged 83) Dublin, Ireland |
| Children | 3 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Irish Free State |
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| Rank | Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces |
| Battles/wars | |
Joseph Aloysius Sweeney (born June 13, 1897 – died November 25, 1980) was an important Irish leader. He was a politician and a military commander. Joseph Sweeney fought in the Easter Rising and was part of the IRA. Later, he became the Chief of Staff of the Irish Army.
Contents
Early Life and Beliefs
Joseph Sweeney was born in Burtonport, a town in County Donegal, Ireland. His family was very involved in Irish Nationalist movements. His father helped start the Irish Volunteers in Donegal.
Education and Joining the Volunteers
Joseph went to St. Enda's School in Rathfarnham. This school was run by Patrick Pearse, a famous Irish leader. Pearse helped Joseph strengthen his belief in Irish independence. In 1914, Joseph Sweeney joined the Irish Volunteers. He later studied at University College Dublin.
Fighting for Irish Freedom
Joseph Sweeney played a part in many important events in Irish history. He fought for Ireland's independence.
The Easter Rising
In 1916, Joseph Sweeney was active in the Easter Rising. This was a major rebellion in Dublin. He fought at Liberty Hall and the GPO. After the rebellion ended, he was sent to a prison camp in Frongoch internment camp in Wales. He was released in October 1916 and continued his studies. He also helped organize the Volunteers in Donegal.
Becoming a Young Politician
In 1918, Joseph Sweeney was elected as a Sinn Féin Member of Parliament (MP) for Donegal West. He was only 21 years old. Instead of going to the British Parliament, he joined the First Dáil. This was the new Irish parliament created by Irish Nationalists. He was one of the youngest members ever to join the Dáil.
The War of Independence
In March 1920, British authorities arrested and jailed him. He was released after joining a hunger strike with other Irish prisoners. After his release, he became a leader in the IRA. He fought in the Irish War of Independence. He quickly moved up in the ranks of the IRA.
The Irish Civil War
After the War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed. This treaty led to the Irish Civil War. Joseph Sweeney supported the treaty. He became a General in the new National Army. He was in charge of army units in the North-West of Ireland during the Civil War.
Life in the Irish Free State
After the Civil War, Joseph Sweeney decided to leave politics in 1923. He chose to stay in the National Army instead.
Rising Through Army Ranks
In 1924, he briefly served as the acting Chief of Staff of the Irish Army. By 1929, he became the full Chief of Staff. This was a very important position. He made sure the army stayed loyal to the people's choices.
Joseph Sweeney stayed in the Army until he retired in December 1940. Later, he became the Secretary of the Irish Red Cross in Ireland. He lived most of his life in Dublin. Joseph Sweeney passed away in 1980 at the age of 83. He was buried with full military honors in his hometown of Burtonport, Donegal.
