Robert Hilliard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Hilliard
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| Born |
Robert Martin Hilliard
7 April 1904 |
| Died | 22 February 1937 (aged 32) |
| Cause of death | Died of wounds |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Boxer, minister |
| Military Career | |
| Allegiance |  Spanish Republic |
| Service/ |
 International Brigades |
| Unit | The "Abraham Lincoln" XV International Brigade Connolly Column |
| Battles/wars | Spanish Civil War (DOW) |
Robert Martin Hilliard (born April 7, 1904 – died February 22, 1937) was an amazing person from Ireland. He was an Olympic boxer, an Irish nationalist, a Christian minister, and a communist. He died fighting in the Spanish Civil War as part of the International Brigades.
Contents
Robert Hilliard's Life Story
Early Life and Education
Robert Hilliard was born in a place called Moyeightragh. This was near Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. His family owned shops and were quite successful.
Robert went to school at Cork Grammar School. Later, he studied at Mountjoy School in Dublin. In 1921, he earned a special scholarship to Trinity College Dublin. While there, he became very interested in politics. He helped start a student group called the Thomas Davis Society. He also took part in the later stages of the Irish Civil War.
A Champion Boxer
Robert loved many sports. He helped create Trinity College's hurling club. Hurling is a fast-paced Irish sport.
In 1923, he became the champion of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. He also won championships for British and Irish Universities. He represented Ireland in boxing at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. He competed in the bantamweight class. He won his first match but lost in the second round.
From Minister to Activist
Robert left Trinity College in 1925. In 1926, he married Edith Rosemary Robins. They had four children together. Robert worked as a journalist and in advertising.
He later went back to Trinity College. In 1931, he earned his degree. He became a priest in the Church of Ireland in 1932. He worked to help poor people in Belfast.
Over time, Robert's beliefs changed. He became more interested in helping people through political action. He moved to London and joined the Communist Party of Great Britain. He continued his work as a journalist. Later, he joined the Communist Party of Ireland.
Fighting in Spain
Robert decided to join the International Brigades. These were groups of volunteers from many countries. They went to Spain to fight for the Second Spanish Republic. This was during the Spanish Civil War. He joined either the Irish group called the Connolly Column or the British group.
Robert was one of four riflemen protecting the army during a retreat. This happened after a battle called the Battle of Jarama. All four were killed. Robert died from his wounds five days after being shot. He passed away in Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
Robert Hilliard is remembered in songs and poems. The famous Irish singer Christy Moore mentions him in his song Viva la Quinta Brigada. This song is about the Spanish Civil War.
See also
